[PhiDeltBeers]

I pulled the whole console out when hardwiring my radar detector. If you do that, it's very simple. Takes a little force to get it out though.

[jxnco]

Tried that but was too scared to break something. It got stuck halfway.

[PhiDeltBeers]

At that halfway point is where the force is required. I pulled from the side closest to the windshield. You'll think you've broke something when it comes out, but I never did. I've had it out 3-4 times now. Just make sure when pulling you get the guts and not just the outer trim piece.

[PhiDeltBeers]

Hope this doesn't break any rules, but here's a thread from another forum showing how to get that console out. This is the thread I used to install my radar detector.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=515517

[grimlock]

If all the edges come out but something seems stuck in the center, there are two main hooks in center. Take off the black surround plastic, there are two small longitudinal holes, use two small flatheads to find the hooks through the hole, squeeze together with some force, the whole thing drops down.

[jxnco]

Thanks guys. Will give it another shot.

[jxnco]

Finally got it. Thanks guys!

Once you pop the side clips, whole console comes down.

[wlin]

Hey guys thanks for the great posts!

I found another site w/ complete replacements (i.e. no need to pull out bulbs, just unplug original and plug the replacement in) that has a full LED/SMD "board" of lights that're much brighter than regular LED bulbs for footwells, courtesy, and trunk.

Here're the pics and quantities:
Front courtesy x2, footwell x4 (all doors), top of trunk 1x = 7x total (order 4 pairs; you will have 1 extra) ($34.99 per pair w/ $6.05 shipping)
Product page
Before

After


Footwells



Trunk interior x1 ($25.00 plus shipping $2.78 total $27.78)
Product page

[Suthrn]

Any word on the youtube video?

[mroll320]

still got me stumped on the front courtesy light and reading lights? where do put the screw driver. prising left-right? pushing in?

any more pix or video?

[leftymo]

Yeah, I'm still stuck on the front console. I think i've already broken the plastic plastic on the left "L" shaped area. Within the L shaped area, I see a white plastic with a flathead grooving, a metal piece, and then a black plastic.

Not exactly sure what I'm pulling or pushing on there to release the clips. I tried the sides and all that is doing is scuffing up the plastic.

Would the service department handle this part of the install if it is BMW OEM parts? It's basically 3 bulbs I can't install, and don't want to damage.



The instructions for removing the entire panel are great, but still don't explain how to remove the glass cover the lighting.