Replace Center Console - Tips

2002Silver4.6is · #1 05-19-2007, 11:07 PM

I switched out my center console today. My trim had a few cracks, my cup holder had a few spring guys missing and I wanted the large storage bin.

The article on removing the console in the Articles section is great! Really not that hard to do at all. I have a few tips that may save the next guy a lil bit of hastle.

Proceed to rear of console. On each side (where console meets floor)
you will find a series of screws. Remove the screws closest to the floor,
one on each side of console.
Move approximately half way up the console and remove two Phillips head
screws that secure console to vehicle.

Only the bottom screw at the rear attaches the console to the vehicle. Only remove 1 screw at the rear of the console at each side. The other 3 on each side hold parts of the console together.

On the lower left side of console, approximately in the middle, are
three connectors. Ashtray cigar lighter and phone antenna coax cable with
18 pin ELO connector. Locate and disconnect all three.

The ELO connector stumped me. I had to refer to ye ole web to find how to get it open.

http://www.bmwtips.com/tipsntricks/c...leshooting.pdf

Go to the image on page 4. All you do to open the ELO is press on the "back" of it to "unlock" and move the little lever down. Amazing design.

I do not think you need to open the sunroof. I got the console up, swung it and ten took it out.

Pull up the brake lever ALL OF THE WAY!! When I went to install my new console I found I could not get it on..... the brake lever was in the way. I thought it was as high as it coud go.

Sat there for a few minutes anazlizing and then gave a really hard yank on the brake lever and bob's yer uncle the console went right on!!

You may want to remove the shifter knob. It is so damn easy!!! You really do just pull up hard and it comes off!

Covering the brake handle might be a good idea. I did not and mine got a lil beat up. An old cloth wrapped in tape would be a great idea!!!

Make sure when you reinstall the console your wires are where you can get to them (Hazard light hookup, rear seat heater wires.. etc..). If not you will have to fish for them or lift the console back up!!

Make sure the rear corners of the console are on the outside of where they are attached to the vehicle. I had one side that was on the inside of where it attaches and I had to loosten a lot of screws to lift the console back up to get in the proper position.

All in all it took me the afternoon to do the switch. Not that bad at all.

Good luck!!!!

If a mod wants to post a link to this on the article it may be helpful.....

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2002Silver4.6is · #2 05-20-2007, 12:11 AM

One other thing to note. Be careful with the top of the front of the console when you are re-installing. I had to move my console around to get it into place and I got a minute nick on the top of the front of the console.

You may want to attach a cloth to the bottom of the dash where the top of the console meets it. Then when it is in place you can simply remove the cloth. Some blue painters tape may work to attach the cloth to the dash.

ncx · #3 05-20-2007, 10:10 AM

Great tips... thanks for sharing them. I am sure this will be helpful to a lot of folks.

we350z · #4 11-08-2008, 01:20 AM

I can't for the life of me find these 3 connectors, including the ELO connector which I now know what it looks like from this post. I'm looking on lower left side of console in middle and i dont see any connectors... Are they in this pic?

http://www.xoutpost.com/attachments/x...g?d=1192088459

we350z · #5 11-08-2008, 02:29 AM

Are these connectors only found in cellphone equipped models? Mine is a 2000 without cellphone. I still don't understand where the ashtray connector is are we talking about the rear cigar lighter here? What is the third connector!? I definately dont see the clamp down ELO connector, I see something that looks like a coax cable but I don't see how it comes off. It feels like something is still connected when I try to pull the console...

we350z · #6 11-08-2008, 05:22 AM

OK got the bastard off what a bitch that was. Turns out there is only one little white connector on the driver side halfway down none of these other connectors mentioned here. Bunch of metal clips fell off and a big metal plate too but I think I know how it goes back on. Got the console all cleaned up and transferred all the pieces to the new trim. The little torx screws on the ashtray lid were a pain. Also notice my new trim is plastic where as the old is metal (thats probably why they crack). Looks pretty good will post pics once i have it mounted all up. I think i will sand down the old pieces and paint them.

realchef · #7 11-08-2008, 02:06 PM

AWESOME, Thank you for taking the time to post.
This is a garage mod for me for the winter, adding the large center console bin!

Thanks for the heads up. Nothing's worse than undoing alot of screws you find out later you didn't have too!

(I am also going to add the bT module/cradle while it's apart)

we350z · #8 11-08-2008, 03:05 PM

Yeah no problem like they always say the first time is the hardest. This is just mostly time consuming and a little awkward removing the console. I still need to vaccum the mess that is underneath where the console used to lie and I want to run my AUX cable as well. Gonna go get started on that now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by realchef

AWESOME, Thank you for taking the time to post.
This is a garage mod for me for the winter, adding the large center console bin!

Thanks for the heads up. Nothing's worse than undoing alot of screws you find out later you didn't have too!

(I am also going to add the bT module/cradle while it's apart)

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