Console Removal and cleanup

[White Z]

Well I started some of the easier spring projects (ha). I removed the center console and started fixing, cleaning and replacing parts. We covered the wood areas around the shifter and HVAC knobs with black vinyl wrap and with replace the light bulbs with new ones (original ones still work but while I have it off why not). I also will work on the cables and pins on the HVAC, make them move easier. While I have everything apart and easy access to the airbag ECU I'm wondering if I should send it out to "Safety Restore " to have it wiped. I thought that INPA does the same thing. Also, does anyone know what the black square thing with the wires coming out of it is? I found it just dangling inside when I took everything out. It's the picture with the yellow arrow. I hope to get everything cleaned and back together after the snow stops and it gets a little warmer. The big project starts in a few weeks. Complete cooling refresh. All the parts are just sitting in the basement ready to go....
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[White Z]

Sorry, forgot to mention that the black thing is hollow on the inside. It is not one solid piece. I will try and get another picture. I looked on Real OEM and it didn't show anything.

[delvec]

Wow! Good luck with the project....From what I can see and your saying. The square object appears to be the radio alarm sensor...Your OEM Radio has a thimble on the back of it that fits into the hollow space. The square sensor gets mounted in the rear area behind the radio so the thimble has a direct path to it.

[White Z]

Here is a better picture. I found some info on it and it says radio control module. What's that?
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[spfd72]

Here is a better picture. I found some info on it and it says radio control module. What's that?
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Yes, it is the “sensor” that completes the alarm circuit with the OEM head unit (as noted a ~1” nipple projects from the rear of the stereo into the opening of the sensor).

[White Z]

Thanks.
It was just sitting behind the stereo which is aftermarket. I guess the PO just left it there when they put in the new radio. I guess just leave it and the it up.

[solimans]

Sounds like it’s going to look great. Would love to see the wrapped pieces. Planning to do something with my center console in the future


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[z3forlife]

If you’re not going to use it I’d unplug it so it doesn’t interfere with the alarm then label the harness.

[khammack]

If you’re not going to use it I’d unplug it so it doesn’t interfere with the alarm then label the harness.

+1

[White Z]

I don't think there is an alarm in the car.

[White Z]

The top piece went nicely. It was wood, now black. Getting ready for the bottom20200215_171035~2.jpg

[delvec]

I don't think there is an alarm in the car.

Your car was pre-wired for a factory alarm to include the radio sensor..If you car does not have an alarm then the sensor is not active...However, if you decide to put in the factory alarm hardware and have it activated the sensor will need to have a similar thimble inserted into it, disconnected or you can zip tie the metal contact and leave it hanging.

[White Z]

Here is the console wrapped. I bought a black e-brake grip and black shift knob. First time I've done the wrap thing. It wasn't hard but slow.
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[solimans]

Solid. Looks great


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[IndianaRoadster]

While you have the HVAC control unit apart you might want to consider reinforcing the tabs that ride in the groove that have a tendency to break off. I had one break off and I drilled it out and epoxyed RC servo ball stud in. While I was at it went ahead and drilled out the other two that were still good and epoxyed a section of the 1/16" bit in for reinforcement. Never have to worry about that problem again. A drill press helps.

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[Mr Bingley]

Wow, the wrap looks fantastic--so much better than that tacky plastic wood--good job.

[White Z]

I plan on doing the HVAC system repairs including placing a nylon spacer on the cable that operates the blend door and replacing the two light bulbs. I figuared while I had everything apart fix it now even though it is still working, cause you know once you put everything back together something is bound to break and you'll need to do it again...

[TexaZ3]

While you have the HVAC control unit apart you might want to consider reinforcing the tabs that ride in the groove that have a tendency to break off. I had one break off and I drilled it out and epoxyed RC servo ball stud in. While I was at it went ahead and drilled out the other two that were still good and epoxyed a section of the 1/16" bit in for reinforcement. Never have to worry about that problem again. A drill press helps.

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Good job! Did a similar fix not too long on my blend door switch - but I just used modified screws, since I didn't remove the things completely.

[White Z]

Well the interior is completed and back together. A little cleaning was required since the P.O. spilled coffee down the console but now everything looks like new. All three (3) of the HVAC arms were strenghthend and lubricated, the light bulbs changed and blend door adjusted along with the black vinyl wrap. Hopefully start the cooling system soon.
Thanks for the help and advice.....

[pine1000]

Wow, the wrap looks fantastic--so much better than that tacky plastic wood--good job.

It does look better, but it's real wood not plastic.

[White Z]

Yeah, I liked the real wood but it was starting to crack from the sun. The shift knob was the worst. It was starting to look dated so that's why I went with the wrap. After I put it on I pulled it off to see if the wood would be damaged but it looked the same. If I ever want to change it back I kept all the parts.

[White Z]

Finished product
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[IndianaRoadster]

Real nice job. It's amazing what some upgrades will do for a car.

[Mr Bingley]

It does look better, but it's real wood not plastic.

I don't know what it's actually made of, or that it really matters, but it certainly looks like plastic--in that it looks cheap and plasticy--like something you'd see in a Buick. All the more sad for its being made out of real wood if if that's what it is. The OP came up with a good solution and my hat's off to him for coming to terms with the issue square on and devising a good cover up. I can't imagine what BMW was thinking on that one.

[JeffPortland]

I don't know what it's actually made of, or that it really matters, but it certainly looks like plastic--in that it looks cheap and plasticy--like something you'd see in a Buick. All the more sad for its being made out of real wood if if that's what it is. The OP came up with a good solution and my hat's off to him for coming to terms with the issue square on and devising a good cover up. I can't imagine what BMW was thinking on that one.

Just a thought. If it's real wood you could refinish it with a modern finish. That would be really cool actually.