51 16 165 Removing and installing/replacing complete center console

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove side carpet from storage compartment on left and right 51 16... Removing and installing/replacing side carpet on storage compartment (center console) 
• Remove fresh-air grille in rear cabin, see 64 22 191 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR CABIN FRESH-AIR GRILLE
• Remove gear selector switch support (not when Releasing center console)  , see 61 31 342 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING GEAR SELECTOR SWITCH
• Remove AV connecting socket trim (not when Releasing center console)  , see 61 31 133 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING AV CONNECTION SOCKET

Release screws (1) and (2) on left and right.

Removing torque: 5.6 Nm

Fig 1: Identifying Left And Right Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screw (1) and pull center console (2) approx. 50 mm towards rear.

Tightening torque: 5.6 Nm

Version with rear compartment monitor: 

Disconnect plug connection (3).

Fig 2: Identifying Screw, Plug Connection And Centre Console

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Feed air duct (1) out of center console (3).

Release cable holder for cable (2) from center console (3).

Installation note: 

Make sure air duct (1) is correctly seated on center console (3).

Fig 3: Identifying Air Duct, Cable And Centre Console

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Disconnect plug connection (1).

Fig 4: Identifying Plug Connection

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Version with eject box: 

Expose plug connections for EJECT BOX wiring harness and disconnect.

Pull center console (1) towards rear/top, feed out wiring harnesses (2) and (3) and remove center console (1).

Fig 5: Identifying Centre Console, Wiring Harnesses And Centre Console

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement: 

If necessary, remove REAR-CABIN MONITOR

Remove REAR STORAGE BOX 

Remove SIDE TRIM ON CENTER CONSOLE .

Remove FRONT CUP HOLDER .