Capo
It's hereOriginally Posted by Sockethead
That's the reason I didn't do it. That, and I was lazy. Just tape it off with some painter's tape, put some newspaper behind the lower grille through the top, and spray the grille with a couple of coats. Really very simple.
Messaggero
As a rank newbie I'm glad I've found this thread. Hope I don't abuse it: please call me on it if I do. My question at this point- what's the best method to pry off the dashboard trim necessary to access the radio? I have an aux input adapter I'd like to install. When I bought the car earlier this week the seller took me to his M3 and pulled the trim and radio out to show me how it's done, but when I try, I can only get the trim loose- not remove it. Seems to require so much force that I risk scratching the trim (and did so, a bit, but a Sharpie put me right).
Campieri
best method is to get the plastic pry tools made for the job but you can wrap a putty knife in several layers of tape and use that. Be careful when taking the trim above the radio off. the end closest to the steering wheel has a habit of breaking off. I'd try to pry from that end first. The other piece on the passenger side needs to come off first if I remember right.
Dinan CAI &Throttle body, ESS Tuning TS2, Bimmerbrakes gen3 headers, UUC SSK & DSSR. Achilles oil pump, VAC oil pan baffle
M3 Motor mounts, UUC Trans mounts, Modified clutch style LSD 3.15, TMS front subframe reinforcement, Koni Yellow sports,
H&R sport springs, UUC sway bars, BMW Perf. Rotors, UUC SS brake lines, Hawk HPS pads, CSL replica wheels,
Rotora strut bar, FXR HID conversion, M3 Mirror conversion, BSW stage 1 speakers
Messaggero
Thank you! I have tools ordered from Amazon now.
Capo
The tools should be under $15 for a pack. Don't be surprised if some of the red/orange female retainers are destroyed in the process. I always keep a few on hand (and the clear/white ones for the door).
---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46fanatic
Soldier
^^^ I'll be diving into all things panel removal this spring/summer...where do you buy the clips?
'06 Legacy GT, '05 ZHP, '08 RDX
Capo
As others have said, get a set of trim removal tools. Remove the passenger dash trim piece first by lifting up under each pin's location evenly. Don't just yank out one side all the way first. Take your time. Patience will help keep you from snapping something. I would look at pictures of each trim piece so you know where the pins on each trim piece are:
Passenger trim piece: https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-33...oard/ES117248/
Center trim piece: https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-33...oard/ES117836/
Hope that helps!
The part number is 51458266814 and I would bet you could pick some up from your local dealer. Otherwise, order online. Just Google the part number and compare prices across a few sellers.
Messaggero
It certainly did! I am very appreciative to all for such rapid and detailed information.
Capo
The dash and door p/ns are different.
---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46fanatic
Campieri
this info is for the clips on door and dash trim:
51458266814 = red clip for dash trim
07149158194 = clear clip for door trim
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
