Replace Center Console - Tips

[2002Silver4.6is]

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.....