Once I got my mind around it, fairly easy to disassembly the gear shift area. The exploded views on several websites were helpful to a degree. Of course I didn't want to break something or make things worse, but I weighed that with the thought of what the dealer would charge me if I had them look for and remove the coin.

iDrive knob popped right off without too much effort. However, the plastic trim piece around the gear shift was a different story, it does pop off, but it felt like it was going to break before the clips released. Was just using my hands, but had to fashion a trim removal tool to get the front clips to release. The gear shift module was easy, five bolts and entire assembly (gear shift/iDrive module) lifted straight out. Re-assembly no problem, trim piece snapped right back in with a little pop from hand.

As you noted, the entire module is one big electronics package so one good spill and who knows, perhaps only saving grace (other than parts cost) is the entire gear shift assembly could be replaced in five minutes or less.

The velcro strip actually works well - its on the M3 models and really prevents those irritating knocking sounds. For the coins, get a small tupperware container with a lid for the centre consol. I would hate to have opened the centre consol!

Cheers,

hey iCX5, can you get a little more detailed in how you took off the trim around the shifter? I've tried what I could to get every corner off, except for the corner closest to the useless phone holder pocket. Is there a secret to this?

I used a thin piece of plastic and went around the sides and lifted up. There are 4 clips on the side of the plastic..so be careful about not breaking those and then there are more 3 metal "pressure clips (front and back).

Well, there is a little "cup" in the center that LOOKS like it's meant for change - it even looks like you "stack" them (horizontally) and that would probably hold fine. I don't know that's what it's FOR, though, but that's what it LOOKS like it's for.

My GX470 didn't have a change holder either - I used the ashtray (worked well as it was very convenient). The new GX has a change holder thing in the center console, which is one of those stupid-but-indispensible-nice-things.

The GX also has a sunglass holder. The X5 does not. I seem to be cursed this way - my old sunglasses would not fit in the GX, and I bought new ones for the X5, only to find there isn't a "proper" place to put them.

These sorts of things ARE annoying, but certainly no reason to diss such an otherwise excellent auto.

I completely sympathize with you wondering who in their right (#$($# mind thought you could leave these out in a vehicle whose market is so US-focused, you built the plant there, but hey.

I will say the cup holders are EXCELLENT - they will grip right on to whatever you want to put there. I was surprised (and a bit impressed). The Lexus didn't have cupholders, it had plastic voids shaped as though drinks could fit there.

At least these little design quirks are not BMW (or X5) specific. I'm sure they have good reasons for what they do.. I just think it would help them to no small degree to SHARE these reasons with us ignorant plebes.

Don't even get me started on the GX's tailgate, as an example of an extremely poor design choice. Even when they gave a reason "it would ruin the weight distribution" it doesn't hold any water. The entire rest of the Lexus / Toyota lineup doesn't have this problem, not even the 4Runner on which the GX is based.

BMW makes 50/50 weight distribution a huge priority in this vehicle (if not also much of the rest of their product line) and they got it right (REALLY right, actually). AND.. It's even a bit HEAVIER than the GX. WTF?

My advice would be use the little cup thing or the ashtray for your change and get on with driving the beast.

or for about $30-40 BMW makes a seatbelt holder that mounts to the headrest....PN52 30 0302 425 mrsp $37.89Seat Belt Holder
Regardless of the seat height or position, drivers and passengers will have no trouble accessing the seat belt with this seat belt holder. (PN: 52 30 0 302 425)


$37.89

I believe they intended that for a cellphone... although not many smartphones when protected with proper cases will fit in it.

The E53 has a nice dedicated sunglasses holder in the headliner just behind the reading lights. I really miss that.

On my quest for the perfect E70 sunglasses holder location, I took out my ashtray to make a great receptical for my sunglasses. Easy access. Perfect fit. I did this just after picking my car up from the PC. I didn't want to drive 1800 miles home without a good place for my sunglasses :).

I haven't covered up the two holes to the 'great beyond' yet though. I have imagined both pens and coins going down there.

I just purchased a used 2007 X5 3.0 si and I have the same issue. I have a screw or coin underneath my cup holders and every time I stop, move, turn, drive, etc. the object rolls back and forth and right to left. It sounds like a marble is on a dinner plate and rolls back and forth according to where the car is going....to say the least, that is all I hear and is driving me crazy. The dealer wants me to bring it in and they will try to remove it....I am scared of what they will charge so I was going to try and do it myself. I was thinking of drilling a hole through the bottom of the cup holder plastic and stick a magnet through it to catch the object. I will try to do what you have shown above but I would need a better view of a diagram to see how everything fits together....I am timid on doing this as I know BMW plastic trim clips are very touchy....anyone have any recommendations?

all you have to do is pull out the idrive knob and slowly work your way around the trim with a plastic trim remover or a flathead with some cloth over it. And then eventually you'll see the screws for the shifter and then you'll find the coin