DIY: BMW E39 A Pillar Trim Removal

[@sealbeach740]

I just did my 2003 540 "A" pillars re-glue, and thought I'd share a bit of info. My 2003 has the HPS (head protection system) airbag underneath the "A" pillar trim. You have to pop off the plastic oval trim piece that has "HPS" stamped on it with a small flat blade screwdriver. Underneath is a Torx screw that you have to remove. Then, for my car, there was only 1 plastic tab, no male/female joints. I found I did not have to pull out the rubber door gasket to either remove the pillar, or to put it back. I used the 3M Super "77" material spray glue, and so far, it has held up fine. When you put the glued pillar back, I just ran my finger under the rubber door gasket to snug the gasket over the piller/liner. I then used a plastic pry tool (flat blade) to snug the material into the tiny gap where the pillar meets the edge of the dashboard. All done!

[@4DIYers]

Excellent tips, thank you for sharing!

[@sealbeach740]

Hope it helps someone else down the road. But a BIG thumbs up for your youtube documentation on how to remove that "A" pillar. it was a huge help for me. I always worry about breaking those old, plastic clips.

[@EnergyShotStudios]

@@sealbeach740 Hi! Can I fit facelift a pillars onto my pre face lift car? I am doing a beige to black interior change...

[@sealbeach740]

@@EnergyShotStudios Hi James, I've only done the face lifted A pillar fix. I don't know if pre-face lifted A pillars are a direct fit to a face lifted car. You could always check on realoem.com & see if the A pillars are common for both types of cars. Keith

[@EnergyShotStudios]

Keith Jenkins okay, will do, thank you for quick answer!

[@1skynet500]

nice video, can you tell me what color is the trim on the E39 530i Pillar trim,i think is the same color as the E39 540i. my is all ripe.

[@4DIYers]

+luigi marroquin Mine is grey, but I believe they can in a couple different colors depending on your interior package.

[@georgepatton8693]

There is beige, tan, grey, and black. This should help www.ecstuning.com/News/E39_ABCDpillars/

[@geopin7672]

One thing on the 1998 BMW with the airbag has a tab hps on it you need to remove it. there's a screw torx behind that tab remove it or else you will break it thanks

[@4DIYers]

Great tip, thank you for sharing!

[@gokulraj8306]

Sir I just want about how to assemble the A pillar and what are assemblies involved in it.!

[@geopin7672]

Awesome vid nice representation 💯 subbed 👍

[@4DIYers]

Thank you so much for the support, greatly appreciated!

[@VNNZTC]

Ihave to glue the fabric back onto the pillar...What sort of glue do I use (it is the sme fabric as your car)

[@4DIYers]

You'll need a headliner/fabric adhesive, some come in a spray while others need a brush to be applied. I believe 3M has an adhesive specifically for that.

[@Lukksia]

anyone know if this is the same on my 04 mini cooper s?

[@3ricky13]

I see the drain hose, mine leaks.