How is the center console/cup holder removed?
 

I want to remove my cup holder under the sliding cover in my center console,...going to remove the deteriorating soft touch finish and respray with SEM.

Any suggestions or can someone direct me to a thread,...I searched, and found nothing.

Center console pieces need to come off to access the cup-holder (#15 in diagram). Then I typed "BMW e53 center console removal" into a google search box and got this video at the top of the results list...which is a 3 part video:

Thanks for the diagram and links to videos,.... YIKES! Gotta gut the car to get the console out. Guess I wont be doing that.

Mine's missing the sliding cover so I bought a replacement. I was kind of horrified when I saw how much work it takes to install. It seems like it's the first part that goes in and they build the rest of the car around it. :dunno:

Probably a good time to sell the X5,....and casually tell the buyer,.."and Here's the new cup holder bin cover,.....Probably a quick easy replacement"......hehehehe. (;>)

Honestly removing the console isn't as bad as it seems. Took me about an hour to get it out my first time taking it slow.

Follow the instructions at the top of the forum on the Tips & Tricks to a T, and take your time and read each step twice. If you follow them to a T you will only remove the screws and fasteners you need to, and nothing you don't.

If you are going to wrap the wood trim in vinyl or take it off for painting, now would be a good time to do it. All the screw securing it are on the underside.

any chance of a link to that tips post? searched and cant find it,, the vids in this thread are ok but seem to be 10X more work than what you describe...
cheers

:thumbup:
:bustingup

The dash does not have to be removed at all! I originally saw that video and was very turned off as I needed to remove mine.

Just pull the hand brake as high as you can and it can be removed.

Having an extra hand helps as one can hold it up and other unclips all the wires and etc.

Also removing the armrest helps as it adds weight and makes it easier to handle.


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