It does indeed require removing the whole console. Only the ashtray portion is removable without. Sorry.

well damn i got a mission ahead of me thanks fellas

Clockwork posted back in 2013 that replacing the lighter only required removing the ashtray...

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...ocket-how.html

Perhaps simply removing the ashtray gives sufficient access. :dunno:

*edit* re-reading that post, maybe he didnt actually say that. Funny how you read what you searched for rather than what is posted! :rolleyes:

That’s where I’m at too... told my wife on Wednesday that I was going to wash, clay bar and wax both cars while she vacuumed and started the interiors... It’s now Saturday and I’ve found at least 50 other things to do to avoid the cars...

But I’ll get there one of these days... I did manage to tear the back hatch apart in preparation for my BlueBus to arrive though [emoji106]


Sent from my iPhone using Xoutpost.com

Perhaps not. This thread may offer some hope that the lighter socket can be removed sans console removal...

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...install-2.html

COVID-19 Quarantined or Stay At Home X5 Projects
 

For what it’s worth I installed the Aux cord for the factory BMW radio and I installed it in the ashtray and I can assure you that all I removed was the head unit and the ashtray itself. The console did not have to come out, I simply opened the ashtray cover and pulled straight up on the ashtray itself and mine came right out [emoji106]

I was able to unplug what I needed to, drill the ashtray, install the Aux jack and literally just snap everything back in place when I was finished.


Sent from my iPhone using Xoutpost.com

I updated that thread with the missing pictures. Hope that helps. Definitely do not need to remove console. To replace the blower motor however, you do. Ask me how I know :)

well that was easy enought i popped it with supper thin flat head broke the plastic clear ring in process but considering i am not replacing it with oem but with usb port or possible dc power out let converter not sure about that... if i have to do any more wiring put it looks easy enough.. remove ashtray then with plastic pry tool side hole push on socket till it tilted and the pry up with flat head then needle nose and pull up and twist some pursation took place but i got her any way let see if i can get the usb be port in stall cleanly.

I did. I’ll have to look for my post on it or you can search the e53 threads.

@tmatt1977, Since you have an android infotainment system, I replaced the cigarette lighter in my ashtray with the USB AUX 3RCA connected to my Avin Avant-4. I ended up with an extension for one of my USB inputs, and an audio/video 3.5mm jack connected to my AV IN input. Might be something to think about.

https://avinusa.com/media/catalog/pr...sbaux-3rca.jpg

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/x5-...522_140948.jpg