[scanspeak]

I considered that option but the M3 uses a more open steel mesh than non-M3 speakers and removing the rear foam barely made a difference (I actually tested it on a spare speaker I have). Also I think I actually prefer the non-transparent look.

Non-M3 speaker mesh




BMW M3 speaker mesh (mesh holes are roughly twice the size).

[scanspeak]

Originally Posted by BdSM n54iS

... best pic I have atm

Hey I like that armrest design. Did you do that yourself? How?

[BSM n54iS]

Originally Posted by scanspeak

I considered that option but the M3 uses a more open steel mesh than non-M3 speakers and removing the rear foam barely made a difference (I actually tested it on a spare speaker I have). Also I think I actually prefer the non-transparent look.

Non-M3 speaker mesh




BMW M3 speaker mesh (mesh holes are roughly twice the size).

Interesting, never seen the close up side by side comparison. Still though I think you can see through them very well on my car, each their own.

Originally Posted by scanspeak

Hey I like that armrest design. Did you do that yourself? How?

I did do a design myself that I made from MDF and wrapped in alcantara, but our e9x armrest have that slight slope/curve going down towards the front as you can see, and mine being straight on top didn't quite cut it.

This one I just got from PSDesigns actually out of the UK, it's SO nice! I highly recommend getting it, I really can't tell the difference between mine and the M3 GTS one that retails for like 1500

[scanspeak]

Thanks for that, you've just given me another project to add to my long list

Having an armrest that is too high is terrible for your shoulder and neck - I used to get pains when I worked in IT and it was due to the armrests on my chair. I'm sure raising the seat in the car is somewhat of a fix.

I'm inclined to fabricate my own out of aluminium which I can form to the right curvature and I might want to cover it in red leather (although black alcantara would be nice too). Is there a thread somewhere that describes the deletion process? Is it easy?

[scanspeak]

And we're done.
Overall quite happy with the result. Color matched very well.
One thing to note - with this paint the circular ring needed to be wiped clean of some residue the paint leaves on the surface.

[EB89]

Originally Posted by scanspeak

And we're done.
Overall quite happy with the result. Color matched very well.
One thing to note - with this paint the circular ring needed to be wiped clean of some residue the paint leaves on the surface.

I much prefer the all black speaker rather than silver and red.

[scanspeak]

Removed my glove box, trim, cupholders, and radio. Only took about an hour.

Doesn't look too difficult to reach all the necessary areas. Under the steering wheel and around the handbrake will probably be the trickiest area for cutting in.
I can take my time as the car is still drivable.



Here's what I'm aiming for.

[/QUOTE]

[scanspeak]

I will start with the glove box and coin holder so if I screw up it's an easy replacement.

[scanspeak]

A good scrub down with prep wash, then alcohol, then water.




First coat on, applied with artists brushes. No issues with adhesion to the vinyl.

[Digitalize]

Have you found a photo of an extended non iDrive? As on the iDrive the coloured dash sections are separate, unless you're just planning to do the part over the top of radio where it's split on the iDrive.

[scanspeak]

I haven't ever seen a pic of an extended non iDrive. Yes I'll be dying the top section above the radio.

[scanspeak]

3 coats



6 coats



1st coat on the dash

[scanspeak]

3 coats down today, 3 to go. Each coat takes about an hour to apply with a brush, then I give it an hour to dry.

This is turning out to be a lot easier than the seats as there is no stitching to deal with and very little cutting in as most edges will be covered by trim.

[Rayzor]

Thats just wow, you are one brave soul.
The speaker cover would look better in black with the silver trim. Did you try that combo before spraying them red?

[scanspeak]

Thanks mate. I did some photoshops and these looked best and I like their retro vibe.
I'll wait until everything's complete and then reassess how they look. Eventually I'll be upgrading the speakers so I might try a completely different design then.

I guess this is my inspiration.

[Digitalize]

Doing the dash definitely is brave, but got to admit I'd be tempted!

[scanspeak]

6 coats now on. The final coat was applied with a small microfibre pad to prevent brush strokes. Next will be 4 coats of 50%-diluted matt clear.

[scanspeak]

4 coats of 50%-diluted matt clear followed by a light rub down with a sanding scourer.













The dashboard is also now complete. I will let it fully cure for 1 week before installing the trim.
In the meantime I can start on the centre console.

[scanspeak]

1st coat down using just a high quality artist brush.

[scanspeak]

Bad weather on it's way so I hustled today to get it done.
After 8 hours mission accomplished and very happy with the final result (still need to give it a light rub down with a sanding scourer).

Now a week to cure and then reassemble.

[NYBulldog]

Originally Posted by scanspeak

Bad weather on it's way so I hustled today to get it done.
After 8 hours mission accomplished and very happy with the final result.

Now a week to cure and then reassemble.

Looks fantastic! Thought about doing this many times.

[scanspeak]

Reassembly under way.

While everything is out I'm taking the opportunity to fit a wireless reverse camera to my recently purchased Eonon GA7165. I'm also relocating the GPS and WIFI antennae under the dash.

GPS antenna



WIFi antenna



Wireless reverse camera



Head unit fitted and GPS reception tests OK



My location (Melbourne, Australia).