DIY: AT Tuner replacement 745i

Here is a series of pictures showing the replacement of an AT Tuner residing in the rear driver's side pillar in a 2002 745i. The replacement AT Tuner came from a 2008 750i and worked perfectly with the facelift ASK from both a 2008 750i and from a 2006 760iL. It did not work (no radio) with the original pre-FL ASK.

As an overview I would say the most important thing I learned in the process is patience - something for which I am not known - and an emphasis on the word "gently". Have patience with the process and proceed with the prying in a gentle fashion. Don't get frustrated and start ripping away at it. Slow down, peek into the areas to see where the attachments are, think it out. Set aside a couple of hours to get it done.

I have tried to name the pictures appropriately so that you get the flow of how it proceeds (I screwed up step 15 but you'll figure it out). The actual replacement is trivial. The stress of removing trim next to an air bag was not. I had no problems at all with the airbag. The "casualties" in the whole process were the two "buttons" that hold part of the bottom trim in place. I could not reinstall them as they cracked when I removed them. Everything still went back together fine with the TORX screw holding the bottom trim in place just fine.

You need plastic pry tools for the the trim, TORX bits (I think I used 15, 20, and maybe 30 or 40), magnet wan to ensure you don't drop any screws (personal choice), 1/4 ratchet with TORX bits (just get a kit of 8 ratchet bits - I only used this to get the tuner out/in. A short handled drive might also work.), a flashlight.

A special thanks to Paper for easing my pain in this process and walking my through the issues I had.

Ping with questions and enjoy.