Removing the center console top

[sk93]

I obviously got a little overexcited last night and managed to push my sport button right through the center console (the bit with the gearstick!).

I got a new switch from the stealer today, but when I got back to work, I couldn't see how the heck the console top comes off!
I removed the handbreak gator, and couldn't see any screws etc..
Surely someone here's had this bit off before and would be so kind as to guide me?
(BMW wanted a minimum of an hours labour for what can't be more than a 15 minute job!)

as people like images (), I'm talking about removing the trim piece shown at the bottom of this photo:

 

[srhutch]

It's a long job requiring the entire centre console to be removed, which also means you need to remove the rear centre bulkhead panel.

There are 30 screws that hold the centre console trim to the cenre console.

Is there no way you can get to it if you remove the ashtray section?

 

[sk93]

really? christ that's a long drawn out process.

I take it the ashtray's a tad easier to remove?

 

[pvr]

Indeed - remove the ashtray and switch assembly and you can reach easily underneath.

1 screw, pull out - done.

 

[sk93]

right then.. time to break out the screwdriver!

I have to admit, the trim did feel very well attached. Nothing like your runofthemill Vauxhall

 

[sk93]

gah.. can't seem to twiddle the odl switch out through the ashtray gap :headbang:
is the gearstick gator easy to remove, or is that something you do after removing the center console?

still can't work out how I broke this damn thing :thumbsdown:

 

[ginkster]

I removed the gearlever gator the other week to feed through an iPod cable to the centre cubby hole. It is really easy to remove, just pull up on the rear edge (nearest handbrake) of the plastic trim surrounding the gearlever. It should just pop loose and allow you to lift the leather gator up. There is a foam pad underneath that just lifts away. Can't remember there being much room underneath so not sure if it will help you get to the switch but worth a try. Good luck!

 

[anderson]

http://www.motortribe.it/community/forum/f133/sostituzione-pannello-cruscotto-ii-parte-17411/

you can also remove the gear shift knob, boot, and the trim around the shifter to get to the sport button.

some of the pics are gone, if you get stuck send me a pm.

 

[Taz]

how big is your blummin thumb lol, you should eat less shreaded wheat

 

[srhutch]

http://www.motortribe.it/community/forum/f133/sostituzione-pannello-cruscotto-ii-parte-17411/

you can also remove the gear shift knob, boot, and the trim around the shifter to get to the sport button.

some of the pics are gone, if you get stuck send me a pm.

I think I have this post saved somewhere with all the pics if you want it.

 

[sk93]

i think i'll give this a go... I've skipped the wheetabix this morning.

 

[pvr]

Have the plasters ready, never a car job without blood

 

[sk93]

Have the plasters ready, never a car job without blood

You're not wrong!

I have achieved in staining the carpet under the center console with a fair amount of blood, but still not managed to get the console out or the button fixed :x
I think I need to read more articles on the removal process.. and maybe find those missing pictures from the link above.

funny how replacing a small button is a LOT harder than fixing the wiper moter.. lol

 

[kartman]

wow, so much effort for some button? come on is it really worth it guys?

 

[sk93]

is it really worth it guys?

Imagine being a a young kid at christmas, who's just been given the cool robotic toy that you've been wanting for months.
It does almost everything, but its lights dont flash, it doesn't talk and it's missiles wont fire properly, because it didn't come with those all important AA batteries..

Same situation here.. the car's the robot and the sport button's the batteries

 

[kartman]

so sports button is actually good to have? hmm... didn't know. what it does in short? Sharpens up steering and throttle?

 

[gannet]

so sports button is actually good to have? hmm... didn't know. what it does in short? Sharpens up steering and throttle?

more steering resistance and sharper throttle... in the autos it also holds lower gears for longer (or so we are told)...

I find the throttle too sharp TBH but the steering is a nice change

 

[lacroupade]

Herewith the actual BMW BS...

Tune up: when sport mode is activated, engine output and driving dynamics take on sportier qualities, letting you enjoy your BMW's dynamic character at its peak.

Depending on which BMW model you drive, the sport mode can be activated by a touch of the "Sport" button on the central console. Immediately, your BMW feels even more dynamic: the electronic control units switch to sportier settings, making the engine more responsive and the suspension stiffer.
This increase in sports-style characteristics is accompanied by a reduction in powered assistance for the steering at low and medium RPMs for more direct and immediate steering, giving you an even closer sense of the character of the road.
In vehicles with automatic transmission or the Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG), activating the sport mode (also known as Driving Dynamic Control) shortens gearshift times and makes the gearshift characteristic even more dynamic.


the gearshift characteristic even more dynamic ... very germanic translation! LOL.. "they think its all over...."

 

[kartman]

"your BMW feels even more dynamic" - this line had me. how much more marketing speak can you get. :lol:

 

[Z4play]

The rear centre console has to be removed before the centre console on the floor can come out.