Center console — removal and installation (BMW 3 Series E46)

Removal

1. Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal (see chapter 5A).

2. Lower the rear storage compartment/ashtray cover. Press the edge of the cover and remove the storage compartment/ashtray from the centre console (Fig. 28.2).



3. Loosen the screws and remove them together with the plastic clips, then remove the ashtray trim. When removing the trim, disconnect the ashtray light bulb socket (Fig. 28.3).



4. On all models, remove the parking brake lever boot from the center console (Fig. 28.4).



5. Remove the two screws and remove the rear center console box/ashtray trim (Fig. 28.5).





6. Carefully remove the gearshift lever boot from the trim (Fig. 28.6). On models with an automatic transmission, remove the boot together with the trim.



7. Remove the two screws located at the rear of the gearshift lever socket. Lift the boot trim and slide the rear section of the centre console slightly rearward (Fig. 28.7). Disconnect all electrical connectors from the console, making a note of their locations. Lift the centre console above the parking brake lever. On models with a centre armrest, lift the armrest, then pull the rear section of the console up and forward.



8. If necessary, loosen the mounting bolts, remove the center armrest and disconnect the parking brake indicator lamp wiring connector.

Installation

9. Place the center console over the parking brake lever and armrest (if it exists). The rest of the installation procedure is carried out in the reverse order of removal. Make sure that all fasteners are securely tightened.

[The original article is posted on the resource: «BMWMAN»]