How to: BMW E39 Rear Window Shelf Removal

How to remove the rear window shelf on a BMW E39. A similar procedure may apply to other BMW models as well. For this I am using a 1997 BMW 540i which doesn’t have fold down rear seats so there is slightly more work involved. Be sure to stay tuned for the restoration process of this panel. I will be repairing the faded fabric but to it’s original black color. #BMW #BMWe39

#OEMTOOLS Impact wrench: https://mobiledistributorsupply.com/2...

Website: http://4diyers.com
Patreon:   / 4diyers  
Facebook:   / 4diyers  
Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/+4DIYers
Twitter:   / 4diyers  
Instagram:   / 4diyers  
Tumblr:   / 4diyers  
Pintrest:   / 4diyers  

Tools/Supplies Needed:
-12mm socket
-17mm socket
-ratchet and extensions
-trim removal tool
-standard screwdriver
-electrical tape
-T40 torx driver

Procedure:
-start by removing the c pillar light either using a trim removal tool or a standard screwdriver with electrical tape wrapped on the tip so it doesn’t damage anything
-once the light has been removed, there will be an electrical connector that needs to be disconnected simply by pulling out
-remove the headrests next which just pull straight up until they’re fully removed
-insert your hand around the top edge of the c pillar or where the light was located and pull
-once disconnected, then pull the trim straight up and it’s tucked behind the rear deck trim
-remove the rear speaker covers
-using a standard screwdriver again with electrical tape, insert it on the front side, then gently pry upwards
-after the front has been unclipped, then feed your fingers around the edge and lift the rest of it up
-remove the child restrain caps, these have a big phillips plastic screw, remove that first
-the cap can be popped up and removed
-to remove the seat, we’ll need to start with the bottom first
-grab firmly onto the one side, pull up and you’ll hear it unclip
-move over to the other side of the vehicle and do the same
-pull the seat forward so the seat belt latches are removed from their slot and lift out
-for the seat back, there will be two 12mm bolts, one on each side of the vehicle
-remove those using a 3/8” drive ratchet
-the seat back then needs to be pulled upward to unclip the 4 mounting tabs on the backside
-once disconnected, tuck the seat belts behind the seat so it’s easier to remove and lift out
-remove the 17mm bolt which holds on the seat belts, there are three in total
-remove the plastic clips along the front side where the seat back used to sit, there are four in total
-pop the seat belt trim out, so the seat belt latches can be feed through the holes
-once removed, these have a slot on the bottom to pop out the seat belt
-then tuck the seat belt through the holes
-remove the four phillips screws on the center headrest bracket
-this bracket needs to be removed so the rear shelf can be removed
-now pull the rear shelf out
-the child restraint metal brackets can be removed if you wish, I was able to remove the shelf without it, they use a T40 torx bolt

Thank you to all those who watch my videos and support my content. Don't forget to subscribe to my channel for future tutorial videos and like my video if you found it helpful. New videos are always being uploaded every week!

© 4DIYers 2013
All Rights Reserved
No part of this video or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified or adapted, without the prior written consent of the author.