Any one with trim removal guide

[aw305]

Thinking about wrapping my trim in some 3m carbon vinyl. Any one have a step by step removal guide?

[aw305]

any help guys?

[r33_RGSport]

aw305 , which trim are you talking about?

[aw305]

the trim on the dash, doors and center console. maybe even the black plastic trim around the gauge cluster by the kombi button, i would assum the dash trim is easy just pop off with panel popper, but the trim around the gear shift and the center console might be more involved as as the doors

[r33_RGSport]

aw305 , well the dash and center console, I have done those.
They just popped off. No screws, just clips and guides.
While the one on the doors, maybe wdimagineer could chime in since he replaced his to the M Performance CF already.
Here is my DIY on AC Vent dial that have the removal of the dash trims.

http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1137154

[aw305]

r33_RGSport thanks! you are the man

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by aw305

r33_RGSport thanks! you are the man

That's what my wife said.
Oh, I do have the painted reflector for Space Gray in stock too.

[wdimagineer]

Like R33 said, the dashboard pieces pop off and are easily removable. Just use care on the longer piece, as the start/stop button and air vents are attached to the trim and will come out with it. You'll need to unclip the harness connectors.

The doors require removing the door panels. This isn't a difficult process, but you'll also want to use a good amount of care and patience to prevent any damage.

There are several screws you'll need to remove. One is located under the door locking pin (the plastic trim pops off) and another is located behind the plastic panel by the door lock buttons. Several more are located on the outside/underneath the door, and a further one is located at the base of the grab handle indent. Once removed, you can start to ply the door off of the clips. They are fragile and break easily, so be careful.

Here's a quick PDF guide on how to do it:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/7z0jpyj4qp...rtrim.pdf?dl=0

Once the door panels are off, the trim pieces are held in place by several screws.

[Taran.J]

Since we're on the topic. The trim piece around the gear selector and I drive knob? That hideous black plastic really cheapens the overall look in the center stack

[wdimagineer]

Originally Posted by Taran.J

Since we're on the topic. The trim piece around the gear selector and I drive knob? That hideous black plastic really cheapens the overall look in the center stack

That one just pops out. Use a flat trim tool to work your way around. I recommend starting at the top, near the cupholders. Just be careful, as the metal retaining clips can sometimes dislodge and fall into the cavity underneath. Ask me how I know this.

Also remember that the button panel to the left of the shifter and the iDrive controller are attached to the underside of the trim piece and the harness is a tiny bit on the short side.

And if anybody is curious about the trim pieces on either side (F15 only), it's quite the process to disassemble. I can share instructions if you need them.

[aw305]

Thanks for the info. If you can share that process it will be greatly appreciated

[Influence]

I may be performing a similar job shortly. Any recommendations for the best tools to use for this job? There are a lot of "trim tools" out there, just wondering if any are noticeably superior to others. Thanks.

[aw305]

some pics of the vinyl wrap

[Taran.J]

Looks good you DIY'd?

Should've done the lock surround plastics. Also the center console piece.

[Kzang]

Looks nice aw305

I'm too scared to touch the trims because I know with my luck I'll break something and also I will end up having a creaky sounding door panel in the future

[aw305]

i cant figure out to disassemble the center trim pieces any one with a how too

[r33_RGSport]

aw305 , looks good.
For the center console trim, you just grab the edge by the cup holder and pull up, then work your way to the other end.
Make sure you have the center console open.

[aw305]

great i just did it and one of the clips fell in, how hard is it to get it?

[aw305]

just got it done minus a clip that fell in i hope the rattle doesnt drive me crazy

[Taran.J]

Super clean. Now idk if I should pay $400 for the OEM one or wrap mine :

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by aw305

great i just did it and one of the clips fell in, how hard is it to get it?

Haha. Magnet pen is your friend.

[ABE2(aw/sw)]

Nice thread, how about the back seat center console?