Removing and installing side trims: VW Golf Cabriolet
Step-by-step removing and installing side trims for the VW Golf Cabriolet: 12 steps, 1 torque figure.
Workshop procedure for VW — the exact step sequence and torque figures, straight from real workshop data.
🧭 Before you start
Fits: VW Golf Cabriolet (517, 2011–2016)
- Renewed: if necessary
Don't miss
- Before installing, check fasteners of side trim for damage and renew if necessary.
- After installation, check that side trim is behind beading of door seal.
🔩 Torque settings
Values can differ between engine variants — check the code stamped on your block.
| Torque | Fastener / step |
|---|---|
| 2.8 Nm (2.1 lb-ft) | Undo and remove bolt (1 |
ℹ️ Always cross-check the exact figure against your vehicle's factory manual before final tightening — a wrong torque can damage the engine. These values are extracted from workshop data and may not cover every variant or revision.
📋 Procedure
- Remove sill strip .
- Remove bench seat .
- Remove belt anchor rail .
- Undo and remove bolt (1) (2.8 Nm). — 2.8 Nm (2.1 lb-ft)
- Unclip side trim (2), starting from the bottom (arrows A).
- Detach top of side trim from side panel (arrow B) and pull it forwards out of guide on body (arrow C).
- Thread seat belt together with belt tongue through belt outlet trim and remove side trim.
- If fitted, disconnect connector from interior monitor switch E183. [Note: Before installing, check fasteners of side trim for damage and renew if necessary.] [Note: If trim clips remain stuck in mounts on body, take them out and insert them in trim for installation.]
- Thread seat belt together with belt tongue through belt outlet trim.
- Install belt anchor rail .
- Insert guides of rear side trim into guide on body.
- Place top of side trim onto side panel and press it on until all fastening points engage audibly. [Note: After installation, check that side trim is behind beading of door seal.]
Other VW procedures
- Removing engine · 41 torque figures
- Removing and installing camshaft – VW Golf Cabriolet · 47 torque figures
- Adjusting valve timing – VW Passat B5 · 83 torque figures
- Removing and installing camshafts – VW Passat B6 · 39 torque figures
- Removing and installing coolant pump · 53 torque figures
- Checking the fuel delivery rate of the fuel pump for delivery G6 (0.5 bar low-pressure fuel system)
- Removing and installing engine control unit J623, engine control unit with protective housing
- Rear wheel brake (One shot (wedge) system) - assembly overview
- Checking switchover of intake manifold flap – VW 2.8 TDI AUH
- Checking signals from/to air conditioner – VW 2.8 TDI AUH/BCQ
Who makes these pages, and how
TorqFix was built by a mechanic — after a 2,700 km drive with five roadside repairs that no diagnostic tool could explain.
The figures on this page come from manufacturer workshop documentation and are shown as they are. The page is assembled automatically from that data — it is not written by an AI. The AI works in the chat, where it answers for your specific car. It writes nothing here.
Variants of the same model differ. Cross-check torque against the factory manual for your engine before final tightening.
Seen a figure that does not match your manual? Write to us — we correct it and note when. support@torqfix.com
The story behind TorqFix →Workshop data on this page last updated 20 Sep 2026.