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Centre console trim removal
- Griffo46
- Member
- Posts: 204
- Joined: Fri Jul 08, 2022 6:45 pm
- Location: Wirral
Centre console trim removal
Hello all
I’ve been researching the removal of trims so I can tidy them up and improve on the scratched brushed aluminium trims. I’m happy with the dash trims, I’ve removed them successfully but now it’s time for the centre console trim. Not many good vids on YouTube and no threads that outline steps.
Looks like I have to remove the full centre console including rear section. Any other way around this or guides for this process?
I’m being impatient as I want it done fast and want to enjoy rest of the decent weather at the same time.
I’ve been researching the removal of trims so I can tidy them up and improve on the scratched brushed aluminium trims. I’m happy with the dash trims, I’ve removed them successfully but now it’s time for the centre console trim. Not many good vids on YouTube and no threads that outline steps.
Looks like I have to remove the full centre console including rear section. Any other way around this or guides for this process?
I’m being impatient as I want it done fast and want to enjoy rest of the decent weather at the same time.
2007 3.0si Roadster Stratus Grey/ Red Leather
2016 520d F10 M Sport Space Grey
2016 520d F10 M Sport Space Grey
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- Lifer
- Posts: 3381
- Joined: Tue Sep 29, 2020 10:37 pm
- Location: North Hampshire
Centre console trim removal
No way around it that I know of. And it’s really important that you do everything in the correct order or you are into a whole world of pain.
I think I have captured it all here, but reassure yourself that everything is in a logical order
I think I have captured it all here, but reassure yourself that everything is in a logical order
2003 Maldives Blue 3.0i auto
Previously: Maldives Blue 2.5i manual (its back!) and another, and a Monaco Blue 3.0Si coupe
Previously: Maldives Blue 2.5i manual (its back!) and another, and a Monaco Blue 3.0Si coupe
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- Lifer
- Posts: 3381
- Joined: Tue Sep 29, 2020 10:37 pm
- Location: North Hampshire
Centre console trim removal
Part 2
2003 Maldives Blue 3.0i auto
Previously: Maldives Blue 2.5i manual (its back!) and another, and a Monaco Blue 3.0Si coupe
Previously: Maldives Blue 2.5i manual (its back!) and another, and a Monaco Blue 3.0Si coupe
- enuff_zed
- Lifer
- Posts: 14755
- Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2016 11:05 am
- Location: Attleborough, Norfolk
Centre console trim removal
Of all that the bit that haunts me is getting the knee pads off to access the screws underneath.
- Mr Tidy
- Legend
- Posts: 23838
- Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2014 12:18 pm
- Location: North West Surrey
Centre console trim removal
The only step that seems to be missing is removing the gear lever gaiter, which is a shame as I'm tempted to reinstall the illuminated gearknob that came with my MC!
Any tips for that would be welcome.
Any tips for that would be welcome.
Coupes because stunning!
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
- enuff_zed
- Lifer
- Posts: 14755
- Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2016 11:05 am
- Location: Attleborough, Norfolk
Centre console trim removal
Once you've tugged yer knob off, simply get a wide, thin trim tool and gently ease up all around the edges of the plastic mounting. Little bit at a time and once one bit is lifted, wedge it with another tool while you work round. Some of the metal clips may come adrift but once off it is obvious how they fit.
Once you've lifted it all away you should have full access, but if you turn it upside down you can see that the actual leather part unclips quite easily as well.
If you need more clarity PM me your number and I can Whatsapp video it for you tomorrow.
- Mr Tidy
- Legend
- Posts: 23838
- Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2014 12:18 pm
- Location: North West Surrey
Centre console trim removal
Thanks Martin.enuff_zed wrote: ↑Tue Sep 13, 2022 9:02 pm Once you've tugged yer knob off, simply get a wide, thin trim tool and gently ease up all around the edges of the plastic mounting. Little bit at a time and once one bit is lifted, wedge it with another tool while you work round. Some of the metal clips may come adrift but once off it is obvious how they fit.
Once you've lifted it all away you should have full access, but if you turn it upside down you can see that the actual leather part unclips quite easily as well.
If you need more clarity PM me your number and I can Whatsapp video it for you tomorrow.
I ought to be able to manage that!
Coupes because stunning!
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
- enuff_zed
- Lifer
- Posts: 14755
- Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2016 11:05 am
- Location: Attleborough, Norfolk
Centre console trim removal
Wasn't meant to be patronising, honest!Mr Tidy wrote: ↑Tue Sep 13, 2022 9:05 pmThanks Martin.enuff_zed wrote: ↑Tue Sep 13, 2022 9:02 pm Once you've tugged yer knob off, simply get a wide, thin trim tool and gently ease up all around the edges of the plastic mounting. Little bit at a time and once one bit is lifted, wedge it with another tool while you work round. Some of the metal clips may come adrift but once off it is obvious how they fit.
Once you've lifted it all away you should have full access, but if you turn it upside down you can see that the actual leather part unclips quite easily as well.
If you need more clarity PM me your number and I can Whatsapp video it for you tomorrow.
I ought to be able to manage that!
If you heard some of the plaintive cries for help I've sent to Bigwinn for what turns out to be simple stuff once you know.
Forgot to say you'll need to disconnect the plugs too of course.
- Mr Tidy
- Legend
- Posts: 23838
- Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2014 12:18 pm
- Location: North West Surrey
Centre console trim removal
No problem, I didn't take it that way!
I've got a standard ZHP at the moment, so want to lift the gaiter to check whether the illumination works before I risk life and limb getting the ZHP off.
Coupes because stunning!
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
- enuff_zed
- Lifer
- Posts: 14755
- Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2016 11:05 am
- Location: Attleborough, Norfolk
Centre console trim removal
Ah well then just unclip the whole assembly. It should lift far enough for that.
Considering the most prone part of your anatomy to a gear knob removal incident I am quite jealous that you refer to it as a limb!
- Sidewaze Samm
- Senior Member
- Posts: 1209
- Joined: Wed Feb 07, 2018 1:11 pm
- Location: Sth. Manchester/Cheshire border
Centre console trim removal
Not met Mr Tidy, but unless he's seriously vertically challenged he won't be able to stand in his MC, so his limb will be quite safe!
2008 E85 3.0si
Space Grey, Dream Red New England heated Msports.
Xenons, MFSW, cruise, PDC, wind deflector.
ZHP, stubby, gloss black grilles, DLV box, gaptech, no CDV.
Space Grey, Dream Red New England heated Msports.
Xenons, MFSW, cruise, PDC, wind deflector.
ZHP, stubby, gloss black grilles, DLV box, gaptech, no CDV.
- Griffo46
- Member
- Posts: 204
- Joined: Fri Jul 08, 2022 6:45 pm
- Location: Wirral
Centre console trim removal
Wow that is a mega job just to switch the trim over. I think that’s a winter job! Thanks so much for providing this process, very useful!
2007 3.0si Roadster Stratus Grey/ Red Leather
2016 520d F10 M Sport Space Grey
2016 520d F10 M Sport Space Grey
- dhobbs
- Senior Member
- Posts: 1621
- Joined: Mon Jul 16, 2012 5:33 pm
Centre console trim removal
Great info. I need to replace the rear centre console so that helps me big time
3.0si roadster. Requisite stubby. Sound gen mod. LED numberplate lights. LED boot strip. Interior lights LED too. ZHP gearknob. Daily drive
Motor in boot. Bilstein B8 dampers. New radio, much better sounds
Motor in boot. Bilstein B8 dampers. New radio, much better sounds
- srhutch
- Moderator
- Posts: 26959
- Joined: Tue Jun 19, 2007 1:22 pm
- Location: East Sussex, UK
- Contact:
Centre console trim removal
You don’t even need a trim tool to get the gaitor off. From either side you can just push it inwards at the base towards the gear lever andit will pop out.
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- Lifer
- Posts: 3381
- Joined: Tue Sep 29, 2020 10:37 pm
- Location: North Hampshire
Centre console trim removal
In reality it’s an hour’s work. You just have to be really careful, follow the process and think carefully before you apply force to anything. Putting it back together is the same (in reverse) although you don’t have to worry so much about breaking anything.
2003 Maldives Blue 3.0i auto
Previously: Maldives Blue 2.5i manual (its back!) and another, and a Monaco Blue 3.0Si coupe
Previously: Maldives Blue 2.5i manual (its back!) and another, and a Monaco Blue 3.0Si coupe