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Thread: center wood console removal

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    center wood console removal

    I sold my e34 but this question applys to e32 and e34's. I can't find a 'how to' anywhere it seems..... I need to remove the wood/console under the gear selector on my automatic '93 740i...but I don't want to break anything. Can anyone steer me in the right direction on a procedure for removal? I dropped something down the through the gear selector.
    thanks in advance

  2. #2
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    1995 540i/6
    The automatic and manual shift surround removals are similar:

    - Remove the shift knob
    - Carefully pry the front portion upwards
    - Once the front is raised, slide the piece forward releasing the tabs which hold the back in
    - Disconnect the light connection (if applicable)

    Hope that helps!

  3. #3
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    11/88 E32 750iL+98 E36M3
    it is here in the pic series for dash removal page 2 http://bmwe32.masscom.net/johan/dash...al_v1.1-1.html
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

  4. #4
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    I made a video showing this on an E32, it applies also to the E34: https://youtu.be/EKHuRSqENf0

    90,700 miles 1992 BMW 735iL Azure Blue Metallic with Silver Grey leather interior ‣My car ‣My YouTube channel

  5. #5
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    One thing to note. After I made the video I realized that one of the rear tabs broke, they are very fragile. So I would make sure to start pulling up the front first, then slide the rear forward like JThomp33 said.

    90,700 miles 1992 BMW 735iL Azure Blue Metallic with Silver Grey leather interior ‣My car ‣My YouTube channel

  6. #6
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    way too many
    Ditto, remove it from the front of the panel with a small hook bent from stiff wire:

    http://www.nmia.com/~dgnrg/page_13.htm
    ​"The US Olympics bobsled team has renamed their sled 'Biden' because nothing has taken America downhill faster"

    TheStigg (aka "gale")
    92 735i 5-spd, turbo pending
    89 535i 5-spd (may she rest in pieces)
    94 325ic 5-spd
    87 325is

  7. #7
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    Thanks to you all !!! I'll be able to do this job shortly today, I appreciate your responses. Cactuar, I subscribed to your channel now! Does anyone know if there is a source for replacing the wood veneer as mine is scratched and dulled....or possibly a restoration technique?

  8. #8
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    Maybe it's just the clearcoat that is damaged. There is a neat video related to this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DuFkZOOssM

    From the description:
    Polyester coating removed first, then varnish (shellac) will be put back instead. That gives more vivid shade to the wood. The polyester kills the wood and very hard. The varnishing means at least in 50 layers to get almost mirror-bright, smooth surface. This procedure is used also for the old Rolls Royce's wooden trim too.
    Last edited by Cactuar; 05-29-2020 at 01:14 PM.

    90,700 miles 1992 BMW 735iL Azure Blue Metallic with Silver Grey leather interior ‣My car ‣My YouTube channel

  9. #9
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    if it is too much damaged, water transfer printing is nice https://www.liquidprintone.com/hydro...sfer-printing/
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

  10. #10
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    1993 740i build 11/92
    thanks for the links and suggestions fellas, also, with your ideas and advice, I successfully removed the wood console!

  11. #11
    moroza's Avatar
    moroza is offline MORΩN ΛABIA BMW CCA Member
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  12. #12
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    525i & Corvette
    Wonder if anyone can assist me with my project.
    1. How do I remove the plastic shift indicator, specifically the clear plastic strip which illuminates the gear positions? See photo

    2. Also removing the veneer which has peeled off over the years and wrap it with a black vinyl carbon fiber look. I intend to do the same with the old cracked wood trim on the dash and doors.
    Applying a heat gun has facilitated the process using a vibrating chisel but I need to remove that plastic piece in the center to really get the veneer underneath it.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Last edited by ricks5series; 09-18-2022 at 10:05 PM.

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