Air Vent Grille on C Pillar, Changing

Background
A modified air outlet grille has been introduced in production. The new grille is more rigid, fits better and is easier to install. The grille's rubber seal is vulcanized.
The part number of the new air outlet grille is:
43 83 659 - right side
43 83 667 - left side

To Remove
The air outlet grille and its studs are made from aluminium and can therefore be bent if they are not handled with care. For this reason, be extremely careful when removing the grille.

1 Remove the C pillar trim.
2 Remove the nut securing the upper end of the air outlet grille.
3 Using a wooden wedge or paste spreader, carefully pry out the air outlet grille. Start around the grille attachments.
4 Carefully cut away the clips from the air outlet grille. Do not bend the aluminium studs.







To Install
The air outlet grille and its studs are made from aluminium and can therefore be bent it they are not handled carefully. Take great care when installation the grille.

1 The air outlet grille is delivered with the rubber seal fixed using tape. Leave the tape in place while installation.
If reinstallation a grille which has been removed, the rubber seal should be fixed in place with tape before starting work.
2 Press new clips into position using a suitable tool. Be careful not to damage them. Broken or incorrectly installed clips can cause water leakage.
3 If a grille is being installed after it has been removed, the position of the studs should be marked using tape on the top of the grille. The reason for this becomes evident in point 6. New grilles are delivered with marks.

It is also useful to place string under the rubber seal along the inside of the grille, in order to make it easy to position the seal. See point 9.







4 Place the grille's lower stud in position on the lower clip, with the grille positioned as illustrated. Check that the lower corner of the rubber seal does not turn over.
5 Raise the grille and place the upper of the two studs in position in the upper clip.
6 Align the grille on the body work and press it down. Press on the marks which show the position of the studs. Use the entire palm of the hand in order to avoid bending the grille. Avoid pushing your fingers against the inside of the grille.
7 Remove a piece of the fixing tape and align the upper edge of the rubber seal. Then press the grille down and in and tighten a new lock nut onto the stud at the upper edge of the grille. Do not tighten too hard as the stud will break off.

Tightening torque: Max 2.5 Nm (1.8 lbf ft)

8 Remove the fixing tape.
9 Pull away the string so that the rubber seal is in position.
10 Press the palm of the hands onto the grille one more time to finally align it with the body work.
11 Check the alignment of the lower edge of the grille. If necessary, carefully tap in the end using a rubber hammer.
12 Reinstall the C pillar trim.