51 16 180 Removing and installing (replacing) center console support

Special tools required: 

• 00 9 325
• 64 1 020

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: 

• Disconnect NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE
• Remove side trim panel (carpet) on center console on left and right. See 51 16... REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING SIDE TRIM PANELS (CARPET) ON CENTER CONSOLE ON LEFT OR RIGHT .
• Remove trim on center console on side on left/right. See 51 16 227 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING TRIM ON CENTER CONSOLE AT SIDE LEFT OR RIGHT .
• Remove rear center console trim. See 51 16 163 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR CENTER CONSOLE COVER .
• Remove side clip on center console. See 51 16 178 REMOVING AND INSTALLING (REPLACING) SIDE CLIP AT CENTER CONSOLE .
• Version with automatic transmissions only: 
  • Remove GEAR SELECTOR SWITCH
• Depending on optional equipment: 
• Remove center armrest storage compartment. See 51 16 172 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING CENTER ARMREST STORAGE COMPARTMENT .

Procedure with installed center armrest storage compartment: 

• Remove rear insert mat (1).
  Fig 1: Identifying Rear Insert Mat

  Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
• Pry out floor cover (1) with special tool 64 1 020 and remove.
  Fig 2: Identifying Special Tool 64 1 020

  Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
• Release screws (1) from center console support (2).
• Tightening torque 51 16 4AZ .
  Fig 3: Identifying Screws From Center Console Support

  Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Procedure with removed center armrest storage compartment: 

• Release screws (1) from center console support (2).
• Tightening torque 51 16 4AZ .
• Unlock required plug connections and disconnect.
  Fig 4: Identifying Screws From Center Console Support

  Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release center screws (1) from center console support (2).

Tightening torque 51 16 24AZ .

Release front screws (1) from center console support (2).

Tightening torque 51 16 10AZ .

F12 only: 

• Disconnect plug connection (1) from actuator drive (2).

Unlock remaining plug connections and disconnect.

Feed wiring harness out of center console support and remove center console support.

Replacement 

• If necessary, modify center armrest storage compartment. See 51 16 172 Removing and installing/replacing center armrest storage compartment .
• With Car Access version only: 
  • Modify interior aerials/antennas for Comfort Access system  . See 61 35 953 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING INTERIOR AERIAL FOR COMFORT ACCESS SYSTEM (FRONT CENTER CONSOLE) (AFTER VEHICLE DIAGNOSIS) or 61 35 954 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING INTERIOR AERIAL FOR COMFORT ACCESS SYSTEM (REAR CENTER CONSOLE) (AFTER VEHICLE DIAGNOSIS) .
    Fig 7: Identifying Plug Connection From Actuator Drive

    Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.