General topics » Center panel on tank - removal?

Hi all
I just had my 2017 RS shipped across country to California as I’m working here for a few years. Sadly the idiot movers dented the center tank panel - grey painted panel that runs from steering head around the gas filler and down to the seat. It’s painted plastic I assume?
I’m going to get a replacement on the insurance but want to understand how difficult it is to remove said panel for replacement? How many other panels need to be removed?? Painful and likely to bend/break/scratch stuff?
Any experience with this?
Thanks all!
Cheers
TB

It isn't that hard. Remove the seat. Then remove left and right side panels, L&R wind deflectors and the gas cap lid. Just a lot of torx screws.
For your first time make a rough sketch of each item on a piece of cardboard and punch the screws through it at the appropriate points. At least that way you will be putting the same screws back into the same holes.

Random thought - if the replacement is covered by insurance, should the insurance cover the labor at a dealer to install?

Where are you located? Perhaps you might be near someone on the forum who could help.

Hey
Thanks for this. I’m going to end up fitting it myself probably - I don’t have time to get it to a dealer.
This sounds totally doable. I’ll explore a bit this weekend…
Is the air filter under there as well? If so I’ll replace that at the same time.
Cheers

PS. I’m in Topanga Canyon - between Santa Monica and Malibu. Brilliant roads here!

You don't have to remove the gas cap but if you have a tank bag mounting ring, it will have to be removed.
The first time I removed the center tank cover it was a snug fit on the gas cap.
My center panel is plastic. I believe the ones with a black bump on the back are metal.

Here's the pieces so you can see the tabs and slots. When you remove the side panels you lift and slide forward, or back. Can't remember. You have a 50 50 chance to guess right :)
Air Filter 16,000 miles (1).JPG - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)


Here's a tab that's easy to miss.
Air Filter Change (2) - Copy.JPG - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)

Here's the air filter location.
Air Filter Change Oct 2020 (5).JPG - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)

Pictures of the bike.
Air Filter Change Oct 2020 (3).JPG - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)

Air Filter Change Oct 2020 (2).JPG - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)

Thanks for this Lee. Very helpful.
Mine has the black infill piece where the center panel meets the seat - so not sure if that means the panel metal or not? We’ll see eh?

Anybody know a part number for an OEM air filter (mahle?). I’m going to change it out plus the spark plugs etc.

Cheers all. Have a great weekend!

13 72 7 726 799 AIR FILTER ELEMENT 1 $36.56

12 12 8 532 942 SPARK PLUG - NGK LMAR8D-J 2 $21.72

Here's the parts fiche
https://shop.maxbmw.com/fiche/DiagramsMa...54&rnd=09082020

Here's the air filter from Beemerboneyard. 10% off if you're a BMW MOA member.
https://www.beemerboneyard.com/13727726799.html

You guys are brilliant. Thank you!
I found the spark plugs easily but not the air filter. Will order now.
Thanks all!

It’s really easy.

But look carefully at all the SS screws you remove.

Some are “shouldered”. Some are not.

Some (most) carry clear plastic (invisible) washers. You will lose them as you go along.

DAMHIK!

Readily available online

Thanks for the max bmw link a very useful resource