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Center Console Removal
I'm running my IceLink cable to the front of the X, and I'd like to get high-speed and run it up from under the center armrest, into the top (small) compartment of the armrest. Of course, that involves removing the center console.
According to RealOEM (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...62&hg=51&fg=35) it looks like the first thing I need to do is remove the cupholder. Does anyone know if you just give it a good, old-fashioned yank in the verticle direction? Once that's off, it looks like there's six nuts/screws, and then the whole console should come off the bracket? Thanks for any advice. Unfortunately, I neglected to take any pics as I disassembled the (almost) entire rear of my vehicle to route the cable from the connector at the rear, up the driver's side rear seat, and then under the carpet. Since I couldn't get the center console thing figured out, I just ran it up through a hole I made in the carpet under the driver's seat. I don't have too much of a problem leaving it that way, but it would be SO much sexier to just open the top of the armrest, and have the iPod connected to the IceLink right there! :thumbup: |
Yup, just yank on the cup holder, and it pops right out. To remove the inner part of the centre console, just get a good grip on it, and pull vertically. Completely removing the centre console is a bit of a pain, so if you can route your wiring by removing one or two screws, that'll make your life a LOT easier!
BTW, why'd you have to run wires from the rear of the vehicle? The connectors for the ice>Link Plus (or CD changer) are beneath the centre console. |
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Grrr... I hate it when I work harder than I need to! :confused: |
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The ones in the rear are for the satellite radio receiver. The connections for the CD changer/ice>Link Plus are beneath the centre console. If you open the console and pull up on the storage bin, there should be a set of wires hidden there, and wrapped with velcro. You might have to search a bit, but they're there. I'll go take some pics for you.
EDIT: Here are a couple of pics. I drilled a hole through the storage bin, used a rubber grommet to "line" the hole, then threaded the wiring for the ice>Link Plus through it, an idea from one of the other members here. I've included one or two pics of the connections which are within the velcro wrapping. |
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:rofl: At least you have a sense of humour about it! BTW, when hooking up the ice>Link Plus, don't use the connection labelled "CDSARS," use the other, as everything else will work, but you'll have no audio. That connection is used only if you have satellite radio. I figured that one out after hours of frustration, and several helpful emails from Tom G.
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It's there, but REALLY well hidden. If you look carefully at that 2nd picture, I pulled the wires through the metal base of the centre console. You have to poke and feel around the nooks and crannys. You might even have to remove a screw or two to lift (not totally remove) the centre console, and then poke around beneath it. GL! Feel free to send me a pm if you run into trouble!
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Currently, the cable comes out under the driver's seat, and runs up between it and the center console. When I get the urge, I'll do an install of it like yours into the center console itslef. Thanks for the help! I ended up not doing it quite the same way, but it worked, and I was glad for the advice! :thumbup: |
Suh-weet! The "easy way" huh? :)
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Awesome... Just the Thread I need to install my DICE.. this should be Link on the HomePage.. :thumbup:
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alpine rasta ---- Just to confirm: You have Satellite and the connectors were in the center armrest? I am picking up a new X3 this evening and will be installing the Ice>Link or DICE and don't want to do the rear install if I don't have to.
Thanks! - Jayhox '06 X3 Sapphire on Black Leather, Sport, Premium, Step, Xenon, Heated Seats, Privacy Glass, Sat Prep |
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If you have Sirius, you will need to use the connections in the cargo area. If your vehicle is prewired for Sirius and you have no desire to install Sirius, you can disconnect the Sirius prewiring underneath the center console and use that. |
Perfect! Thanks! We are not getting Serius, so I will use the wiring in the center console.
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rasta --- Can you fit the converter module under the armrest bin? Is there enough room somewhere in the center console to keep it hidden?
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Thanks! You just received my order about 37 seconds ago. :thumbup:
It looks like I do not need anything other than the DICE packet, correct? No additional cables, wires etc. for the basic hookup? |
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Thsi will include everything needed for the install, all you need is an iPod and a BMW! |
Those, I have. Now I just need a really, really fast mail courier!!!!! :dancing:
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I've searched the forum but have seen nothing specific to the X3. Does anyone know if there's switched 12V power available in the center console (the convenience outlet in the rear of the console is not switched)? I know that the flashlight charging socket in the glove box is switched, but I'm hoping for something a little closer to the center console if possible.
Thanks in advance. Ian |
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Thanks Tom. :thumbup:
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Update --- DICE iPod system installed! Took a little while to dismantle the center armrest support bracket, but once I did I was easily able to fish out the wiring. I figured a stealth way to wire the connector to set the Ipod in the top part of the armrest to avoid storing it in the lower bin portion. :thumbup: I'll take pics soon to show the setup.
Everything is working great!!! Thanks Tom for the amazingly fast shipping!!! |
Update to my question as well -- I easily found the purple/white striped wire as part of what I think is the phone harness just under the console insert (which just lifts straight up and out with a little force). Confirmed it to be switched power on the multimeter.
Thanks again :thumbup: |
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TIA |
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Thnx - I found it, tapped it and have iPod tunes up and running as of this morning
:thumbup: |
06 X3 cd cable under center console
I have my center console out and I don't see of feel the bundle of cable for cd changer. Do I have to take out the center support bracket to locate and would the cable be in the direction of parking brake or direction of back seat? Can anyone help...........
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Thanks Tom....... I will try this first thing in the morning. Let you know how it turns out. I appreciate the feedback.
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Tom, I'm considering the XM kit for my X3, but I have a question. My X is "Satellite Ready" so does that mean that I won't need an additional antenna? I was under the assumption that the "shark fin" antenna had the satellite antenna integrated within. (or maybe it only works with Sirius?)
thanks |
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As for the antenna - we like to hide them in the rear spoiler, this keeps an ugly antenna hidden from sight. |
I have the non-nav. Do you have any pictures of the mounting procedure in the rear spoiler?
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Tom G. and Jayhox........My IPOD is up and jammin. You were both right about location. I didn't have to take middle support out, it was a strain on the tips of my fingers though getting it up from the back..whew Thanks for the feedback on the location of cable. If you can't see it ........it is there just down toward back of center of console. :o)
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Thanks for your help, I'll be ordering from you if/when I take the plunge! |
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I also don't see the cable on my middle console. I see the cable for bluetooth and the power cable for the cigarret lighter, but nothing else. http://static.flickr.com/72/237779855_fbe1d73ef1_m.jpg When you mean "remove bracket", do you have some detail photos of it? Is the cable under the carpet? I see some cables over a small hole on the back right of the console, but there's hardly space for a finger. http://static.flickr.com/96/237780167_8b4f20decf_m.jpg I have standard radio without dsp, navi pro but no tv, and bluetooth. |
Check to see if you have a fuse for the CD-changer first - fuse 42. If this is present there's a good chance it's been wired with the CD-changer harness.
I searched for ages to find the harness plugs but only discovered them after removing the rear ash tray, unbolting the two nuts and screws at the back and the four top screws (two at front under gearstick gator / trim, two in middle at top near handbrake). Once you have all 6 screws and 2 nuts removed you should be able to lift the entire centre console enough (1 to 2 inches) to get under the rear metal bracket that supports a CD-changer. There you will find the foam wrap containing plugs, usually folded and pushed down almost under carpet directly below rear ash tray. |
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@davidr, tom g.: thanks for your comments. I will dissasemble the console then and look for more cables under the carpet :) I'll be back with photos of it in a couple of days.
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No good luck.
I've dissasembled enough of the console to put my fingers in every available hole and couldn't find any cable. This is the cable runs through the center console, but it doesn't look like the cd changer. I've tried to pull it, but it was well fixed. The lower grey is the console pushed up and left. Do I need to also take out the stell support that is seen in the photo? http://static.flickr.com/79/240708796_7bf5f8e4ec_m.jpg I've taken out those two hexagonal screws on the left, plus the two philips ones. Both the plastic and the big steel support came up enough. Do I also need to take the other steel support, the one with at least one interior-hexagonal-screw? http://static.flickr.com/87/240710846_207912a166_m.jpg davidr: I saw no fuse 42. The numbers end around 28 or something :( And do you have any photos of the hidden cable ? I can't lift the carpet on the "right below the lighter" and there's no hole for fingers at all. Do I need to take the second support out? I have a feeling that USA cars do come prepared, but not German cars that are configured individually. The cable is a separate part, according to the ETK, which then comes either from the front, from radio, in cases like mine, or from the back, for APM enabled cars. I'll connect directly to the navi cable. I think I know the colour codes now :) |
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Davipt - what model X3 do you have? Is it a 2.0i ? I don't know about Germany but here in the UK all X3's come with prep for CD changers (even base 2.0i model). I did this exact same thing last week on a 2005 model X3 2.0d Sport. Try working from the back, lift the entire console upwards to allow fingers underneath the X in the picture, you should feel foam. Might be worth checking with a dealer if option 692 has been built into car (CD preparation) if you have no luck. Despite what Tom says, many European cars do NOT have all the options that US cars get (sadly) David |
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I neglected to take pictures when I re-installed my Icelink using Tom's harness. However, this picture above gives a good idea of what you're looking for.
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Nope. Definitively not. After almost tearing apart the whole center console, I can assure that it is possible to get a X3 without the CD Changer cables :(
This is a photo taken from the front to the back, and from the right side. Those cables go on the right side. The big thing on top is one of the manual break cables. The white thing on top is the beginning of the foam of the carpet right behind the cigarret lighter. http://static.flickr.com/94/242560755_3dd93681de_m.jpg Time to search for the cables on ebay ;) On the good side, I've connected the I-BUS kit to the back of the truck (got the right colour codes) and got a Python command line + library working in my Mac. More info in a new post soon. http://static.flickr.com/93/242539689_ddfc6362c8_m.jpg |
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Has someone one the web made a step by step center armrest support bracket removal to install the dice kit?
I want to check I have acces to the wires before ordering a kit. It would be helpful for me ! ;) Thanks |
You shouldn't have to remove the bracket - but you can use the following as a quick guide:
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/365...odifiedjn8.jpg Most times you can access the needed connectors by pulling on the connectors through the hole in the center of the bracket with a pair of needlenose pliers. |
Thank you Tom, I wiil check tomorrow
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BTW, the bundle is there and hidden very well underneath the large metal bracket. I had the same problem looking for it and finally I went a bit further to remove the whole center tray and lift up the bottom bracket.
Hope this help! |
Hi Clam ALert,
I looked under the center console insert. I pulled up the insert, all i see the is black heat vent, cig plug wire and a black bundle of wire under tightly weaved that goes into the top armrest. You can't see or get to the individual wires. I also see 3 thick straw size wires going into the top part of the other side of the arm rest where phone is suppose to be. There are no visibe harnest. I have a 2004 bmw x5 with nav. No phone or blue tooth option though. Does this mean I dont have the phone harness? I am looking for the purple wire with white line (12v switch power wire) in the center console. Thanks, lc |
Well that's why! You have an x5. The wires are only there on an x3. On an x5 they are in the back.
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Hi,
Oh, I thoguth they were refering to an X5. I just noticed on on x3world instead of x5world. I did a search on something and was brought here. Do you know if there are any 12v switched power in the center console of an X5? I believe its the purple/white wire. I dont see it anywhere there. Thanks, lc |
i have the prewired cd cables behind my radio
is it possible to install dice for iphone ipod in the glove box??? or is there a step by step instr.to run the cable to the center console or to the trunk??? thanks and merry christmas |
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