I'll find way how to remove it. I'll post some pics.

 

Here's a link to the earlier instructions I posted a while ago.

Keep in mind that the final step is really about removing the entire center console compartment but I think that you need to do that to be able to ultimately remove the hinged storage tray. I'm still not 100% sure that you'll accomplish what you want but it's probably the best shot you have...

Good luck!

(Since the earlier posts were done before the software allowed .pdf attachments, I'll re-post and re-attach the .pdf versions to this reply for convenience sake.)

First, you need this special tool (credit card, maybe?):
1Tool.pdf
Then you'll need to remove the rear insert:
(Also helpful for those wanting to switch this out for the wood one, I think)
2Rear_insert.pdf
Then remove the fresh air grille:
3Fresh_air_grille.pdf
Then remove the preselector lever (gearshift lever):
4Preselector_lever.pdf
Then, you can remove the storage tray:
5Storage_tray.pdf

 

Thanks, Rudy.

Hmmmmm. Just a little more complicated than I think I am willing to get myself into.

my530i, if you successfully remove it, please let us know!

It seems silly to have to take the whole center console apart to remove that!

 

Looks like a $100 job.

 

I agree speedracer, I took one look at the diagrams that Rudy had posted and thought that it would $100 well spent to avoid taking out the entire console myself!

 

Ohhhhh...it's a phone holder and here all this time I thought it was for change and my tire pressure gauge

 

 

shouldnt we repost these instructions either in the faq or the diy section, so they are easier to find?

 

And a few scratches on some piece of trim where the techs take it apart. I don't know about you guys, but I always notice some small scratch or ding somewhere in/on my car whenever those monkeys work on it.........That's why I would rather do things myself when possible - because I care about my car.....

 

Me, too. or grease marks on my door panels (light grey interior). Always a scratch. They act like it's no big deal. I always wipe my car down before I take it in and before I leave the dealer to make sure I can point out all the problems.

I'm thinking of creating my own "scratch" form and giving it to the SA so they know what damage is theirs and can't argue with me. Monkeys is right.
None of the own a BMW.