Center cup holder replacement

[z168]

So I finally ponied up to buy a brand new center cup holder because the slide cover on mine quit. Now doing a bit of research it appears that the whole center console has to come out. To do that, either 1)I take apart the back console and the front seats or 2)remove the dashboard completely - really?!? All that for a freaking cup holder

Anyone have an easier way to do this?

Thanks for any useful input

[four.8is]

Originally Posted by z168

So I finally ponied up to buy a brand new center cup holder because the slide cover on mine quit. Now doing a bit of research it appears that the whole center console has to come out. To do that, either 1)I take apart the back console and the front seats or 2)remove the dashboard completely - really?!? All that for a freaking cup holder

Anyone have an easier way to do this?

Thanks for any useful input

It's pretty simple...no seat or dashboard removal...just take the center console out and change the cup holder. Not as hard as many make it seem like..just go slow and make sure you get every screw out so you don't break any clip.

[Riba]

I have done it a few weeks ago. There are step by step instructions on the forum, search for them. No need to remove the dashboard, just the center console comes out.

The guide says to protect the shifter knob, but actually you can remove it completely, just pull straight up. Also, opening the sunroof was not necessary, contrary to what the guide said.

Having an extra pair of hands helps, but it have done it alone.

[z168]

yeay! thats good to hear. I am search-challenged - can anyone post the link here?

Thanks again

[white46]

BMW X5 Centre console removal, handbrake lever replacement, parking brake removal.

[Jungerishere]

I replaced the cup holder earlier this year. Removing the center console was easier than I thought. As mentioned earlier, remove the shift knob. It pulls straight up. Brake handle is tough to remove so cover it up so it won’t get scraped. Note to remember when removing the center console is to fully pull the brake handle up and past the highest click and hold it while removing center console to clear the brake handle (at highest click, center console won't clear the handle).

[z168]

Thanks for the input guys and thanks for the link white46. It looks like I wont need to remove the front seats. Wish me luck

[Riba]

Originally Posted by Jungerishere

Note to remember when removing the center console is to fully pull the brake handle up and past the highest click and hold it while removing center console to clear the brake handle (at highest click, center console won't clear the handle).

It cleared easily for me, but YMMV of course.