51 16 160 Removing and installing/replacing center console cover

Special tools required:

When working on trim panel components, make sure that visible surfaces are not scratched or damaged (e.g. by sharp-edged tools).

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Manual gearbox only:

Disconnect NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE (to avoid fault entries)

Partially unclip the center console cover on the side (2) beginning at the center console cover (1) toward the front with special tool 00 9 325 .

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool 00 9 325

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Bolt (1) of center console cover (2) may be loosened by carefully folding back the center console cover on the side (4) on the center console support (3).

Tightening torque 51 16 6AZ .

Fig 2: Removing Center Console Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with front drinks holder only:

Fold the drinks holder cover open, if necessary.

Insert the special tool 00 9 327 , as shown in the gap (1) between the center console cover and drinks holder insert (2).

Slightly pull the drinks holder insert (2) up and thereby move the special tool 00 9 327 back and forth until the drinks holder insert (2) disengages.

Repeat the disengaging procedure on the opposite side, if applicable.

Installation note:

Check correct installation of drinks holder insert (2) (arrows).

Fig 3: Identifying Special Tool 00 9 327

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lever out center console cover (1) with special tool 00 9 325 from back to front.

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tool 00 9 325

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Manual transmission version only:

Loosen and disconnect plug connection (2). Release the plug connection (2) from the center console support (1).

Fig 5: Locating Plug Connection
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release remaining plug connections (1) on center console cover (2) and disconnect.

Fig 6: Identifying Plug Connections On Center Console Cover

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Installation note:

Retaining clips (5) of center console cover (1) must not be damaged or missing.

Replacement

Modify retaining clips (5)
Modify ashtray/drinks holder (6). See 51 16 202 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT CUPHOLDER .
Modify center console operating unit. See 61 31 197 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING CENTER CONSOLE OPERATING UNIT (MANUAL TRANSMISSION) or 61 31 197 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/RENEWING CENTER CONSOLE OPERATING FACILITY (2).
Manual gearbox versions only:
Modify SWITCH FOR ELECTROMECHANICAL PARKING BRAKE (4)
F12 only:

Fig 7: Identifying Retaining Clips, Holder And Center Console Cover
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Modify SWITCH FOR SOFT TOP OPERATION (3)