Yesterday, I finally got around to opening up the center console to get the part number for the rotation-rate sensor.

I didn't need to remove the console completely. Just loose enough to tilt up to take a pic. When it comes time to replace it, I think I can get away with it this way too.

I just followed the write-up found here at Xoutpost in the Articles & How To's sections.

#1 - On the front carpeted side panels, remove two phillips head screws (one on each side) under the dash area.

#2 - Grab the front carpeted side panel and pull straight out, away from the console. They are just held on with plastic push-in grommets. On the passenger side you will have to disconnect a harness.


#3 - There are no screws holding the rear carpeted side panels so just pull them out.

Front and rear side panels. You can see the plastic push-in grommets that hold the side panels.


#4 - At the rear of the console you will find several phillips head screws on each side. Only remove the BOTTOM ones closest to the floor. One on each side.


#5 - At the middle/front of the console, there are two screws on each side that hold the console. Remove those four screws.


#6 - Open the center armrest and remove the plastic bin. There's a notch in the bin to grab and just pull straight up. Remove the two phillips head screws at the bottom.


#7 - Remove the shifter boot and bezel. Easiest way was to grab the boot (closest to the hazard switch) and pull up. The whole assembly will just pop out.


#8 - (EDIT: Step not required since complete console removal is not required. Only follow this step if removing the console) Underneath the shifter bezel, there are three things to disconnect. The black connector you just squeeze and pull. The white and purple have center tabs that need to be pushed in before you can remove them.


#9 - Remove the Hazard & Central lock switch. Use something slim to just pry it out. Disconnect the switch. The remove a screw directly under the switch's location that holds down the console (sorry no pic).


#10 - (EDIT: Step not required since complete console removal is not required. Only follow this step if removing the console) At the middle of the console, lower driver side, there is a harness connected to the console. Remove the harness from the console by simply rotating it and it will pop out. Then unclip the lower harness.


That was enough to pull up the rear of the console to access the rotation-rate sensor.



Markings on it say BOSCH, 0 265 005 285 and 34.52-6 762 235. Ordered from Craig of BMW of Bloomfield. $285 shipped and just waiting to receive it.