Overhead Console - What am I missing
 

See link below
I ordered this eons ago, as I was going to replace it with my current one which had some custom audio stuff fiberglassed into it...

Looks like I ordered the wrong part.
I have the 4 cutouts running below with not the extra cutout right above.
This new one I have looks like the one in the Ebay link

I've looked on RealOEM and don't even see a replacement button for this extra area in question..

2006 BMW x5 Overhead Console Black LKQNW | eBay

Mine is also as you describe... the 4 in a row with nothing between them and the sonic alarm (in my case) or sunglass holder area.

Not sure what that 5th one is supposed to be for. Maybe that's the only version they sell anymore and they have blank out plates for that top piece? I've seen BMW do that before in different models.

That extra area in question is for the ultrasonic sensor.

Are there two different versions of the ultrasonic sensor/alarm? Mine goes ballistic if you reach through a window with the car locked and doesn't have that 5th opening. Loudest noise I've ever heard from a car alarm. Looks like the one below.

BMW E53 x5 Ultra Sonic Alarm Motion Sensor Module Interior Overhead | eBay

That version is for cars with a panoramic sunroof since they don't have the overhead console in the rear for the light.

Occupancy seat sensor warning light

Thanks for the info. Looks like the OP and I got some good info.:thumbup:

I am new to the X world and am learning something new here almost daily. I'm used to 3 series chassis from e30 to e90 and everything between... and a few 5 series as well (e28 and e39). Going to take a while to learn these things. I'll post an intro thread in the coming days if our daughter gives me some time (7mo old).

Gonna have to poke on RealOEM more....i checked up to the last month May or somethinng or 2006 E53 builds. Did not see any blank covers, etc for the missing slot in question.


I also did poke around in there, and there is a extra wire in there. I'll have to dig further and see what that wire is for. I suppose it's OEM bluetooth ?

the opening for the ultrasonic has a plastic holder that screwed into the main body of the overhead console in order to accomodate the ultrasonic sensor. if that part is unscrewed, you can forgo the ultrasonic sensor and retrofit the sunglass holder... you will need to remove the bracket for the sonic thingy, remove little rectangular "button" looking blank cover, order yourself some sunglass holder parts... not sure why you want to do that in the first place, but it is possible...

the other hole that is not filled (mike, garage opener, sunroof switch, SOS) is for the light that comes on yellow and tells you that the passenger airbag is NOT active - say, a person in the passenger seat is too light-weighted (a kid, or a dog), then the system turns off the bag, and the light comes on...

this overhead, as noted above, is for pano roof, as the ultrasonic sensor used to be in dead in the center of the ceiling on regular roof, and had to be relocated, along with rear reclining seat buttons and lights to elsewhere - the sonic went to the front, the bottons went to the C pillars and the lights scooted over on the ceiling to the rear doors

Took a pic of the console. Also pulled out the cable .
Think I might need to re-order a new cover..

http://www.pingable.net/images/X5/x5.jpg