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Subject: How to remove the center control panel in the dashboard Author: davidc (moderator) : member since December, 2003 : 10306 posts Posted on: 2006-03-31 02:59:37

First, remove the radio. BMW radios have two little door flaps, at either side, that conceal little retaining screws. Use the BMW 5-sided tool (see next photo below) or the closest hex-wrench that will fit, taking care not to strip the sockets. After that, remove the four philips screws at the top of the panel. If you're lucky, your car will still have all four -- most of us aren't.


For the BMW radio removal, use the BMW 5-sided (a "penta-wrench" for lack of a better name) tool (part number 81 11 1 466 971) to loosen the screws behind the door flaps on the radio.


Removing the radio will expose two 10mm bolts at the bottom edge of the hole where the radio was located. Remove them, then reach your hand up into the left side of the hole and gently pull the rubber air sampling tube off of the metal pipe. The entire console panel can be pulled away from the dash. Take care not to yank out any wires as the electrical harness will come into full view once the panel is pulled out.

Turn the panel over and you'll see four philips screws that secure the OBC to the panel.


David Cecil

'97 740iL, 134k miles
'92 750iL, 84k miles
'89 735i, 170k miles, rare 5-speed tranny (current restoration project)
'86 735i, 100k miles

Visit e38.org for everything technical about your BMW

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