[modoguru]

I just removed and replaced the side vent / air duct covers on my F33 BMW 430i 2018 convertible. I used a screw driver to pry them off but was careful to not let the screw driver come in contact with the side of the car (to avoid scratching the car). I used a sudden motion with the screw driver placed against the tip of the at the cover to pop it off. Three motions were required to pop all 3 fasteners. They are located near the two tips and in the center. Using these sudden motions I actually popped it off without destroying the pins. Then I noted that the plastic shells that the pins fit into were still in the side of the car, and the new cover I had also had shells on its pins. I tried to remove one of the shells from a pin on the new cover and broke it; so, don't do that. To remove the shells from the side of the car, I got a pair of needle nose pliers and was able to grab and remove the shells from the holes in the side of the car, again using quick motions. Interestingly, these covers are completely ornamental on my car; there is no actual vent. Then I placed my new cover against the side of the car, aligning its pins/shells with the holes in the side of the car. I covered it with an oven mitt, and struck the end, middle, and other end with a closed fist in 3 quick blows. Each blow popped in a pin/shell and the new cover was successfully installed. Easy peasy... after you have done it at least once and know what to expect.