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Subject: How to remove the glovebox trim and center console Author: davidc (moderator) : member since December, 2003 : 10074 posts Posted on: 2004-02-05 18:02:15

To remove the center console or to service anything in it like the flip-down wood trim or the cupholder assembly, you must first work on the glovebox. The basic procedure is to open the glovebox, remove the outer beige (or whatever interior color you have) trim below the wood, then remove the wood trim. Do not try to remove the wood trim on it's own first -- you'll break it.


Start by opening the glovebox and detaching the black plastic cover.


The cover is held in place by three screws and a pressure rivet. Removing the cover will provide access to the nylon screws shown in the next photo.


Next, remove the beige dash trim below the wood. There are four nylon screws holding it in place from the inside of the top of the glovebox.


The wood trim is secured to the dash by another set of four nylon screws, accessible from the inside top of the glovebox. Once the screws have been removed, gently pull the wood away from the dash. It's secured to the dash by two metal posts which are held in place by pressure only. The wood trim is actually laminated onto aluminum. It's a lot more sturdy than it seems -- just don't twist it or pull to hard.


The wood trim on the left side of the console is removed by simply pulling it away from the dash. As with the other side, the wood is secured by two metal posts that are held in place by pressure only. There are no screws to remove.

Here are the steps to removing the rest of the center console. BTW, this is what you have to do to replace the cupholder, too. This is not as difficult as it may appear. You won't have to make any more expensive trips to the dealer to replace the cupholder if/when it breaks again.


The electronics in the center console are mounted in a one-piece metal frame that's secured to the dash by six screws: two on the top on either side, and two on the bottom underneath the cupholder and OBD port. You'll need both torx and philips screwdriver bits. Make a mental note of the location of the two screws on the top, because one is torx screw and the other is a philips screw. There are also two retaining clips beneath each one so don't knock them loose behind the dash or you'll never find them.


Remove the two screws on the left side.


Here's a shot of the torx screw on the left side.


And the torx screw on the right side.


The lower right screw is located underneath/within the cupholder drawer. It's a philips screw. It helps to have a short ratchet. You'll probably have to locate the screw by touch since it's difficult to see it. There's another matching screw on the left side behind the OBD port.


Once the six screws have been removed, the entire frame can be removed. The right side is easier to open, but don't pull it out too far since its easy to break the metal tab on the left side. I suggest pulling the frame out about 20 degrees as shown above, then use the access to push out the electronics (the radio, tape deck, MID, AC controls) from behind. All of the cables and wires are keyed, so you can't make a mistake when reconnecting them. The metal frame is MUCH easier to separate from the dash without the electronics. If you need to adjust or repair the flip-down wood trim, you may not have to remove anything else. If you are replacing the cupholder, remove the metal frame from the dash and turn it over. There are two small philips screws on either side that hold the cupholder assembly in place.

I hope this helps someone.

David Cecil
'97 740iL, 117k miles
'86 735i, 91k miles

www.e38.org has links for everything about your BMW 7-series automobile

• How to remove the glovebox trim and center console (pic) - davidc 2004-02-05 18:02:15 (29699 views)
  • Dave when that entire console is removed do you know - Gary 2004-02-06 14:40:58 (2000 views)
    • yes, you can see the heater box (m) (pic) - davidc 2004-02-07 21:40:06 (2333 views)
  • definite e38.org material... (nt) - petrolero 2004-02-06 12:37:20 (1231 views)