Rear console removal + passenger airbag deactivation retrofit

C

Chengy

Member
 Warwickshire
Hi all,

Trying to retrofit the passenger airbag deactivation - with my Z4 being a 2003 I believe I should have the wiring in place and it's a matter of connecting the parts and some coding.

Currently in the middle of removing the centre trim to install the airbag deactivation light, and therefore I also ned to remove the rear console trim.

Bit stuck as I can't figure out how to get to the screws below the phone cradle lid - annoyingly the tutorials I've watched seem to be ones without the phone cradle.

Any ideas on how to remove so I can get the centre trim out to plug in and drill the hole for the airbag deactivation light?

tempImageo5q0Xr.jpg

Screenshot 2026-05-17 at 21.57.36.png


Annoyingly I also should have double checked I have the wiring first, by looking behind the passenger vent to see if the plug is there - but with mine being a 2003 I was perhaps overly confident and went straight to the console.


I also can't see a plug anywhere yet in the centre either for the airbag deactivation light, but I'm hoping it's hidden under the trim or carpet somewhere.

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Thanks all
 
Undo the two tiny screws in the lid hinges. Position the lid so it is open by only an inch or two, then sharply pull it up and out.
 
Hi Martin, thanks for the reply. I've undone the tiny screws but I can't see how pulling it would work since it's still hinged at the bottom. Is it different since my car has the phone cradle option?

Screenshot 2026-05-17 at 21.57.36.png
 
Also realised I couldn't feel or see any plug for the airbag deactivation light near the gearknob..could it still be hidden?

Just want to make sure my efforts aren't going to be futile..!
 
The screws expand the hinges. Honestly, lift it up to at least 45 degrees and pull hard. The hinges will pop out.
Seems scary but is the correct method
 
Chengy said:
Thanks Martin - and would the loom only be visible once I've removed the centre trim?
Click to expand...
If you have thin enough fingers to follow it back from the sport button you may find it. But be warned there could also be a plug for the auto selector there too.
 
enuff_zed said:
The screws expand the hinges. Honestly, lift it up to at least 45 degrees and pull hard. The hinges will pop out.
Seems scary but is the correct method
Click to expand...
Just a thought Martin, what about the thick wire leading into the phone cradle?
 
Thanks Martin. And one last question for now - am I right in thinking there’s two more screws once the cradle lid is off? I’ve already removed the large T30 screws at the top, and the other screws at the bottom of the trim behind the seats.
 
Chengy said:
Thanks Martin. And one last question for now - am I right in thinking there’s two more screws once the cradle lid is off? I’ve already removed the large T30 screws at the top, and the other screws at the bottom of the trim behind the seats.
Click to expand...
Yup. The two below the lid
 
enuff_zed said:
The screws expand the hinges. Honestly, lift it up to at least 45 degrees and pull hard. The hinges will pop out.
Seems scary but is the correct method
Click to expand...
If I recall the NewTIS method, don’t you have to poke a wire into the little hole at the side to lock the hinge for removal? I have a bent bicycle spoke exactly for this purpose.
 
Zedebee said:
If I recall the NewTIS method, don’t you have to poke a wire into the little hole at the side to lock the hinge for removal? I have a bent bicycle spoke exactly for this purpose.
Click to expand...
It does indeed say that and I did it using a hair pin. Then on one breaker I decided to see what would happen if I didn’t and it works exactly the same.
 
Chengy said:
Nvm just done it lol, had to angle it properly. Hopefully pic will be useful to others calculate angle too.
Thanks Martin
Click to expand...
Now pop off that little panel below it to access the two screws. Be careful not to damage the microswitch.
 
enuff_zed said:
Now pop off that little panel below it to access the two screws. Be careful not to damage the microswitch.
Click to expand...
Done - hopefully didn't damage the microswitch, nothing seemed to be broken anyway!

Once things are fitted I plan to write up a guide to retrofit the airbag off light and switch, as I've not come across one on this topic yet.

Good news is that I've found the wiring, hidden below the carpet - plugs into the airbag off light perfectly.

Screenshot 2026-05-19 at 22.17.27.png

Screenshot 2026-05-19 at 22.17.18.png


Now got to start thinking about how to program it and drilling the hole in the centre console as well as the side of the dash..
 
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