jheiss, thanks. The plug location was just as you described. I was able to remove the phone cradle and harness without breaking or cutting anything on my 2009 E71.

Since I was also removing the rear seat DVD-screen/elbow-whacker I went ahead and pulled out the "bucket". The screw count is 2 front, 2 rear, and 2 on each side for 8 total. One additional trick: you have to pop out the front panel inside the bin that holds the AV connectors and 12v socket. Unplug the cables, and the bin lifts right out complete with the lids. HOWEVER, this will gain access to nothing but a couple of air ducts! To remove the phone cradle, it is only necessary to remove the right side trim panels. I have pics of the back of all of the panels to show where clips are located, if anybody is interested.

To get at the cables for the rear screen, I had to pop out the AC vents and the rear console trim piece. I also took out the player while I was at it. I found an antenna back there. Not sure what it was, so I put it back in with some Velcro tape. So far the BT works fine and the computer has not detected anything amiss. Now I have to figure out what to do with that hole in the rear of the console.

gerG