How do you remove the phone cradle?

[JimB44]

Originally Posted by g3rG

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.

I'm planning on removing the phone cradle from my new-to-me 2011 E70 and would interested in the pics of the back of the panels.

Cheers,
Jim

[jheiss]

I removed my DVD screen and player too. I'm awaiting the "oddments tray" (BMW part 51166973519) and "cover" (BMW part 51166963383) which I think are the right parts to fill in where the DVD player used to be. The cover looks similar to what was on the DVD player and I could possibly have just reused it, but I decided to order a new one just in case. I've also ordered the "cover" (BMW part 51166954955) which I believe is the part that should cover where the DVD screen was. I've read in other forums that the cover doesn't fit cars which used to have a DVD screen due to the mounting brackets for the screen. I figure I'll modify it to fit somehow.

[g3rG]

jheiss, I think that you have the right parts on order. I think that the cover for the oddments tray is actually a small bin that sits above, making a sort of stairstepped bin.

I was looking at the bracket that held the rear screen. I think that it can be removed without impacting anything else. I left it in because I like the idea of extra mount points.

[JBF]

I'm also looking to remove the cradle from my new-to-me 2012 X40d. Everything works with my iphone via BT or USB so I don't see what benefit the cradle offers - it just takes up a lot of space.

Jim did you have any luck removing yours?

[JimB44]

Originally Posted by JBF

Jim did you have any luck removing yours?

I did. Removing the trim panels on the right side (pass side in the US) helped. The connections for the phone cradle cables can be seen and accessed, so it's just a matter of disconnecting them and pulling them up through the center storage bin.

Jim

[JBF]

If you actually disconnect the cables won't the system complain that it's missing? Do the USB and aux ports in the storage bin still work? I was planning to strip it down and leave the wires/circuit board tucked inside the hole as others had suggested but this sounds cleaner if nothing else it affected.

[JimB44]

Originally Posted by JBF

If you actually disconnect the cables won't the system complain that it's missing?

I didn't notice any issues.

Do the USB and aux ports in the storage bin still work?

Yep, they're on separate cables.

[JBF]

Great thanks I think this will be my first mod on this car. Hopefully getting the trim off isn't too tricky.

[JBF]

This post suggests you only need to remove a piece of carpet trim to access the cables:

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...e-removal.html

Does that match up with your experience? When I do this I figure I'll pull through a drawstring with the cables in case I ever want to put the thing back.

[JimB44]

Originally Posted by JBF

Does that match up with your experience?

Yes. When I mentioned trim in my earlier post I was referring to the 2 pieces of carpeted trim along the right side of the center area.

Jim