Hi

Does anyone know how to remove the center console without marking it ??? got to get to the cigarette ligher and remove it ???


many thanks Airborne7

 

PM Rudy as he has a decent amount of PDF files on how to remove trims. Try going to the FAQ as it might have been posted before.

 

If all you are trying to get to is 12V there are easier ways to get it from the front fuse box. Otherwise removing the Center Console is a pain but to get it out to need to start from the rear of the car i.e. the place with the AC vents are. I'm sure someone will post some pdfs soon otherwise search on here, I'm sure I've seen them posted before.

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=46855

 

I'm in the middle of a trim swap and can tell you that its pretty easy. Takes about 5 minutes.

1. Pull out the shift knob.
2. Pull out the shift boot.
3. Pull off the plastic base piece that, on an automatic, would have the PRND on it. To pull it off, pull the whole base back towards the back seats.
4. That plastic base has three (again, at least on an auto) cables plugged to it. Unplug them. they should be color-coordinated, so you don't have to worry too much about noticing which cable goes where.
5. Pull off the i-drive button (isn't it great how many things just pop off?!)
6. With that wedge tool or flat screwdriver (or whatever you choose), start making your way between the console trim and the base it's on. The trim will start to pry off.

And that's basically it. It may be a bit of a tight squeeze, but if you've ever had to rotate a sofa left and right out of a doorway, then you're ok.

One last thing to note, there's a good chance the trim will bump into the button on the armrest that opens the compartment there on the armrest. I had to push the button in with one hand while pulling up on the trim with the other. The ashtray and lighter assembly are connected to the trim. Good luck!

 

Airborne7, what kind of RIMs are these? They look great. Also who sells them? Thanks