[Topshelf]

I just picked up an E91 for the wife and wanted to do this mod as well, but the instructions for the steptronic with iDrive just didn't make sense and had me worried about damaging something. Luckily I got an E90 step loaner today, so what better way to figure out how this really works.

I haven't done the actual mod yet, but I did tear the center console trim apart and it's very easy.

I've added a few arrows to TambourineMan's pic. (hope he doesn't mind)



The leather boot and plastic cover are all one piece and held into the trim at 6 points. The 3 important ones have red arrows pointing to them in the pic above. You basically grab the front of the black plastic surround with your finger tips and press in towards the shifter to release that clip on the top. Then move to the front right corner and do the same. Once that corner is out, the whole piece can easily be lifted out by pulling towards the front of the car. It's not as terrifying as it sounds. After you have that out you'll need to grab the lower left side of the center trim (closest to the drivers seat) with your fingers and pull up to release one of the clips. Then just work your way around. Not nearly as bad as I was expecting. Just thought this info might help some step owners since I know none of this made sense to me. Obviously having the shifter in D allows you to slide the center trim piece over the shift cover for easier removal.

[adjmcloon]

Awesome, thanks for the additional info. I am going to do this mod (with the lights as well) and was wondering about getting that off of there.

[LittleBlue]

Yeah, I made the mod without the lights, I would like to go back and put the lights back in, is there a way to remove the lights without cutting the wires? If that's the only way to do it then be it, I am looking for details or pictures of the led light process ( I couldn't find on here) . Thanks All

[FrankoQ]

Here is the link for the illuminated tray:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32678

[LittleBlue]

thank you Franko!

[Andy M]

I just did this mod on my 09 LCI Sedan Step last night. I did it with the engine on and the shifter in neutral. Once you get the trim lifted up (you don't need to disconnect anything yet), it's very easy to just put it back to park.

I did the same thing that Topshelf did. I found though that the easiest way is to angle the black piece holding the shifter boot so it fits along the diagonal and it comes out the easiest.

That was kind of scary though because I was figuring it all out for the first time and the instructions here for the removal aren't very good for the 09 step models.

Here's a photo of the center console trim removed:

[adjmcloon]

I did this mod (lighted and all) and really enjoy it. I noticed, however, that when closed the lid doesn't quite sit perfectly flush..it is raised maybe a few mm. Anyone else have this? It's not bad, just not quite as perfect as it should be.

[ehssan_alkhiyami]

I'm getting the part tomorrow and I'll follow your steps ..thanks

[TayF80]

You can buy an adapter for the glove box flash light that will give you a cigarette adapter. then u can hide the wires in your glove box. $19 for the adapter

[mccltd]

Is this what you get if you opt not to have the smokers pack?

[LittleBlue]

Has anyone that did the mod with no lights and left the harness not plugged into the console? Any issues with that?

[2008e93M3lease]

I just did this on my M3 vert. I just unplugged the entire apparatus for the cigarette lighter and put the sunglasses thing in. It sits flush and looks like it was done in the factory

[hawk910]

haha awesome DIY!

[norymeoreason41]

Dealer can keep their Satellite Radio for $800!







Thanks for the great DIY!

[edugg]

Hi there,

I ordered a non-smokers pack and I just got my car... I was quite surprise that there is not cover at all in the console

I'm planning to install the sunglass holder but I don't know if I should change sth in the console too.

Does the sunglass holder have the mechanism to hold and move the cover??? is the mechanism in the main console??

Thanks a lot!

[Kevro]

Originally Posted by edugg

Hi there,

Does the sunglass holder have the mechanism to hold and move the cover??? is the mechanism in the main console??

Thanks a lot!

Yes, the sunglass holder includes the lid mechanism, but not the shiny wood/AL cover for the lid. You'd have to buy that separately (in the same flavor as your console) and snap it onto the lid mechanism, and then the whole shebang bolts to the underside of the console.

[SchwarzOpsAZ]

Originally Posted by LittleBlue

Has anyone that did the mod with no lights and left the harness not plugged into the console? Any issues with that?

I did this mod with no lights, I have had it unplugged for at least a month, no problems.

[FrankoQ]

Originally Posted by Kevro

Yes, the sunglass holder includes the lid mechanism, but not the shiny wood/AL cover for the lid. You'd have to buy that separately (in the same flavor as your console) and snap it onto the lid mechanism, and then the whole shebang bolts to the underside of the console.

+1
The trick is getting that piece of trim.
Last time I checked, that piece comes as a set with the whole center console.
But I could be wrong.

[gqmd]

Where is the cigarette lighter adapter (for 12 volt supply) on the '09's?

[efunroom]

Is it possible to put climate control into the sunglass holder? I need relocate the radio and climate control, thus install a LCD touch screen.

[FrankoQ]

Originally Posted by efunroom

Is it possible to put climate control into the sunglass holder? I need relocate the radio and climate control, thus install a LCD touch screen.

Negative. Not enough room.

[gqmd]

Originally Posted by FrankoQ

Negative. Not enough room.

Yes it is possible, do a search on the bimmerpost member that owns mybimmer.net, he'll guide you...there are a few people who have done it but you have to know how to mod your trim, etc...