Ashtray/surround removal

TheCake · 09-26-2013, 05:14 PM

Not sure how best to describe this but it looks like the previous owner lost a sticky car park ticket inside the ashtray. Every time I open the ashtray lid you can hear it catching and scraping on the paper.

I can see it but not get to it.

Any ideas? I've removed the plastic insert of the ashtray but it's kind of down the back of the hinged lid and I don't want to snap it.

bmwak · 09-27-2013, 01:37 AM

youd have to remove the centre console surround, undo the ashtray t20 torx screws and then see if you can tip it upside down to remove it.

TheCake · 09-27-2013, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmwak

youd have to remove the centre console surround, undo the ashtray t20 torx screws and then see if you can tip it upside down to remove it.

Oh Cock.

Back to the metal hook it is then...

dar2008 · 09-27-2013, 04:20 AM

If you do attempt to lift up the centre console trim, a good tip is to wrap a tea-towel round a wide flat headed screw driver and prise up along the side edges - that way you don't hurt the leather...

ashmostro · 09-27-2013, 05:01 AM

Grab the trim by hand at the shift boot. No tools needed for that. It's easy.

BoondogUK · 09-27-2013, 06:00 AM

Agree... easiest way is to pop out the shifter boot... just unclips. Pull it up over the gearstick, then grab holder firmly and pull straight up... it then just unclips, you need to unplug any cables... there is 2 if you have idrive, one if you don't... then its off...

takes about 30seconds

bmwak · 09-27-2013, 05:08 PM

Yep, don't wedge anything on the sides. If you really have to, use a plastic trim tool, not a screwdriver.

RenMart · 10-27-2013, 09:24 PM

A couple of minutes ago I just removed coins stuck at the back of the front ashtray.

Popped up the automatic gear knob by pressing brake (has to be on neutral), then pressing the knob switch then in one swift motion pull it up to release the knob.

Then took a screw driver and wrapped in in cloth and used an old credit card to lift the silver part of the center panel.

From there I just disconnected a couple of clip on wires. Then lifted the panel and shook off the ashtray to remove the coins.

Had this problem for over a year now but was just able to do this now and avoid any damage. No noise so far. Wooohooo.

Thank God for this FORUM!!

09-26-2013, 05:14 PM	#1
TheCake Touring 4 Rep 52 Posts Drives: '06 E91 Touring 330D Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Epsom, Surrey. iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW 330D [0.00]	Ashtray/surround removal Not sure how best to describe this but it looks like the previous owner lost a sticky car park ticket inside the ashtray. Every time I open the ashtray lid you can hear it catching and scraping on the paper. I can see it but not get to it. Any ideas? I've removed the plastic insert of the ashtray but it's kind of down the back of the hinged lid and I don't want to snap it. __________________ 2006 BMW 330D M-Sport Touring - Le Mans E91, iDrive, leather + toys. 2005 PPP Impreza WRX Wagon - Whiteline ARB, K&N Typhoon, Eibach Pro Street S on 18" ROTA GRA's SOLD
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09-27-2013, 01:37 AM	#2
bmwak Major 105 Rep 1,235 Posts Drives: 440i M-Sport Gran Coupe Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: London iTrader: (4)	youd have to remove the centre console surround, undo the ashtray t20 torx screws and then see if you can tip it upside down to remove it.
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09-27-2013, 04:20 AM	#4
dar2008 Major 303 Rep 1,171 Posts Drives: E93 M3 and E92 M3 Comp Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	If you do attempt to lift up the centre console trim, a good tip is to wrap a tea-towel round a wide flat headed screw driver and prise up along the side edges - that way you don't hurt the leather... __________________
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09-27-2013, 05:01 AM	#5
ashmostro Brigadier General 1253 Rep 4,087 Posts Drives: 2020 M4cs \| 2022 M550i Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Falls Church, VA iTrader: (27)	Grab the trim by hand at the shift boot. No tools needed for that. It's easy.
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09-27-2013, 06:00 AM	#6
BoondogUK Captain 28 Rep 901 Posts Drives: Monaco Blue e90 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Gloucestershire iTrader: (0)	Agree... easiest way is to pop out the shifter boot... just unclips. Pull it up over the gearstick, then grab holder firmly and pull straight up... it then just unclips, you need to unplug any cables... there is 2 if you have idrive, one if you don't... then its off... takes about 30seconds __________________ Pre LCI Monaco Blue e90, iDrive, 18" 220M reps, M3 Front Bumper, LCI headlights, Darklines, Eibach Pro Kit [Build Thread] ICE: DLS R4s, Gladen HG-201BMW-3, Alpine PDX 4.100
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09-27-2013, 05:08 PM	#7
bmwak Major 105 Rep 1,235 Posts Drives: 440i M-Sport Gran Coupe Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: London iTrader: (4)	Yep, don't wedge anything on the sides. If you really have to, use a plastic trim tool, not a screwdriver.
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10-27-2013, 09:24 PM	#8
RenMart New Member 5 Rep 24 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW e90 320i Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Philippines iTrader: (0)	A couple of minutes ago I just removed coins stuck at the back of the front ashtray. Popped up the automatic gear knob by pressing brake (has to be on neutral), then pressing the knob switch then in one swift motion pull it up to release the knob. Then took a screw driver and wrapped in in cloth and used an old credit card to lift the silver part of the center panel. From there I just disconnected a couple of clip on wires. Then lifted the panel and shook off the ashtray to remove the coins. Had this problem for over a year now but was just able to do this now and avoid any damage. No noise so far. Wooohooo. Thank God for this FORUM!!
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