[Pinarello Rider]

I bought my used 328i about 8 months ago. LOVE IT. Problem is the previous owner was a little rought on some interior parts - all cosmetic as far as I can tell. The driver door issue is beginning to bother me and I would like to replace it. I have the grey leather interior, and there is a brushed aluminum insert that runs horizontally in the armrest and it has some dents in it. (I would LOVE to know how they got there...). I would like to replace the insert with a new one. Anyone take their door apart and can offer any suggestions? I'm willing to spend a couple hundred bucks on the part - I just don't want to start breaking seals and adding rattles... Thanks!

[taibanl]

Id be glad to sell you the trim piece for a few hundred. Or you could check out realoem.com. Input last 7 of vin and find exact part you want. Order at local dealer prob less than $50

[Pinarello Rider]

Originally Posted by taibanl

Id be glad to sell you the trim piece for a few hundred. Or you could check out realoem.com. Input last 7 of vin and find exact part you want. Order at local dealer prob less than $50

Awesome - thanks for the link. I think this is the guy - 03 Aluminum decor strip, front left door GLACIER SILBER 1 09/2007 51419145407 $103.98

I'll check with the dealer - but I have my doubts that it is that cheap. Any thoughts on the proper method of replacement? I'll check in the DIY for something related...

[taibanl]

Originally Posted by Pinarello Rider

Awesome - thanks for the link. I think this is the guy - 03 Aluminum decor strip, front left door GLACIER SILBER 1 09/2007 51419145407 $103.98

I'll check with the dealer - but I have my doubts that it is that cheap. Any thoughts on the proper method of replacement? I'll check in the DIY for something related...

It was a blind guess, anyways $100 not too bad

There is a DIY, in short...start at FRONT, by the hinge and pull!, there are 7 body clips as well as sort of a hook furthest aft (which is why you start at front). Trim tool is helpful, a flathead may work but place it behind and pull, don't "pry"

EDIT, I know there are two aluminums, I don't know which is glacier silver, and which is brushed aluminum. Google some pics to ensure the right one.

[1QuikWS6]

there is a brushed aluminum insert that runs horizontally in the armrest and it has some dents in it. (I would LOVE to know how they got there...).

Typically the dents are caused by the seatbelt buckle hitting them as you throw off the seatbelt...

[taibanl]

Originally Posted by 1QuikWS6

Typically the dents are caused by the seatbelt buckle hitting them as you throw off the seatbelt...

Good to know! I am not very careful with that

[yakev724]

Originally Posted by Pinarello Rider

Awesome - thanks for the link. I think this is the guy - 03 Aluminum decor strip, front left door GLACIER SILBER 1 09/2007 51419145407 $103.98

I'll check with the dealer - but I have my doubts that it is that cheap. Any thoughts on the proper method of replacement? I'll check in the DIY for something related...

Not glacier silver. Brushed aluminum. Correct part no. should be 51416982471.

You can order it from www.bmwmercedesparts.com for $81.67 + shipping.

I also recommend removing your piece ahead of ordering. That way, if you break one or two of the retainer plugs which fasten it to the door, you can just order them to replace the broken ones (07149158194, <$1).

To remove, start by carefully prying the piece from the front of the door and work your way to the back little by little. Make a few passes and don't bend it too far out of shape. A large philips screwdriver covered in a layer of electrical tape works well. New one installs simply by pushing it in. Hook the piece in from the rear of the door and then lay it flat against the door. Apply force behind each plug and you'll hear it snap in.