Help removing center console storeage box

[Flycaster]

But the apparent problem is that the box, itself, is wider than the width of the space left when center piece is removed, The panel behind the seat is in the way of removing the box.

Also, how do I get the cord that attached to the console removed from the console. It seem that when I try to pull it through, the metal crimp that holds the loop won't fit through the hole in the console. Can't remove everything if I can't get the cord fully removed from the console.

[pvr]

No need to remove the cord. I did remove it on the first installation, but not on the second.

What panel behind the seat are you talking about? The ones I show in the picture? Those just pull out when you put your hand in, no attachment to those.

[srhutch]

But the apparent problem is that the box, itself, is wider than the width of the space left when center piece is removed, The panel behind the seat is in the way of removing the box.

Also, how do I get the cord that attached to the console removed from the console. It seem that when I try to pull it through, the metal crimp that holds the loop won't fit through the hole in the console. Can't remove everything if I can't get the cord fully removed from the console.

Sorry think I got the wrong box though you meant the little one just behind the handbrake.

I havent got the box you mean (I think) as I have a CD changer, but had no troubles removing one the above that no holds my SatNav DVD unit.

Regarding to cable, I dont have one on my 06 car so cant help on that.

[pvr]

Shown here, the utilities box can just be pulled out, there is nothing stopping it when you have hinged the console up a bit (about 30 degrees is enough to get the box out from the side through the hole, the wire can still be attached at the top.

[pvr]

This one shows the cable, which in this instance I had not removed.

[Flycaster]

No need to remove the cord. I did remove it on the first installation, but not on the second.

What panel behind the seat are you talking about? The ones I show in the picture? Those just pull out when you put your hand in, no attachment to those.

The large panel which covers the whole back behind the driver seat...not the panel that covers the speaker.

OK, maybe I have to hinge the console up a little more. But I could swear that the box is too wide. My car is a 2005???

I don't think that I'll be able to work on the car today, what with going out to brunch and then the Giant/Eagle game followed by the Charger/Steeler game, but may have some time during breaks in teh games. If not, I'll get back tomorrow. Thanks all.

[pvr]

Certainly no need to remove the large panel!

The box can just be moved out when the centre console is hinged up, the above pictures are from a 2003 Z, I have done the same on my 2004 Z and my 2007 and all were the same.

[Flycaster]

I can't get to work on it today, but as I recall, the two things that sems to prevent me from "hinging" enough are 1) the cord...which I don't really have to remove, right and 2) I will have to detach the wires to the assist call, right? But, deamn, I could still swear that the box is wider than the console opening...

[pvr]

The box IS wider then the console opening, as if it was not, you would not need to move the console to get it out. When you hinge the console, you take the box out by pulling it forward, and then slip it out of the side of the hinged console.

You took the two big bolts out of the top that secure the top of the console?

We don't have assist buttons, so the wiring for that I do not know.

[Flycaster]

The two big torx bolts are out. My assist buttons are where your left hand is, above. Let's wait until tomorrow when I can take a real good look at how the box fits and then I stand a chance of remembering what I saw.

[pvr]

Cable detached here and without box in place.


Now with box:

[pvr]

You can see the routing of the cord here which I disconnected during this installation where I removed the entire console:

[pvr]

So how did you get on?

[Flycaster]

Thanks for remembering me. I still think that the box is wider than the opening. However, I had to bring the car in to BMW for something else and will be picking it up today. I've asked my service advisor to get hold of a tech tos how me how to finish off the job, ie, move the box so I can get the CD connector out intot he trunk area. Of course, the SA emailed me this moring saying that as it will take time to do the job, it will cost me. Had to make it clear that the stealership wasn't getting anything from me as the job is just about done and I didn't ask them to do it in the first place. I really wonder, now, if they would even have the decency to show me what to do?

[Flycaster]

Think I may have gotten lucky. Went to pick the car up today. Guess what? It was released to me and they said the job was done. The job that I brought the car in for was not done. So I jumped up and down and said that they owed me for the waste of a half day coming and going to them, and they should make "good." Making "good" meant they should take out the CD connectors into the trunk and then they should put my center console back together. Well, they said they would do it. Finger's crossed for tomorrow...