Removing charging cradle from center console

[cfm56d7b]

The charging cradle is taking so much space that I am considering to remove it. It's quite an effort based on the diagram from RealOEM. I can probably turn this into a weekend project but simply don't have the time.

I called the dealer and the labor quote is $500. Expensive.

Did anyone get a better quote?

[opasha]

I wouldn't waste your money. It's not that difficult. Many of us have already gotten rid of it:

r33's DIY: http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=963790

http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...=963790&page=3 (post #65 is my post with extra pics)

[Kzang]

I have this cradle in my current E70 but I never did anything about it. I think it is more of a nuisance than being useful. On the F15, is this cradle standard or does it come with a certain option ( Enhanced USB and Bluetooth plus Smartphone Integration )? My F15 is arriving soon and I am not sure if mine will have the cradle or not.
Thanks.

[Armen383]

Originally Posted by Kzang

On the F15, does it come with a certain option ( Enhanced USB and Bluetooth plus Smartphone Integration )?

It does.

[Wing Co]

My F16 came without it - I was delighted as it was a pain in my E70.

[Kzang]

Originally Posted by Armen383

It does.

Great.. since I did not get the enhanced usb my X5 should come with out it then.
Thanks.

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

The charging cradle is taking so much space that I am considering to remove it. It's quite an effort based on the diagram from RealOEM. I can probably turn this into a weekend project but simply don't have the time.

I called the dealer and the labor quote is $500. Expensive.

Did anyone get a better quote?

Come by to my shop.
It will only cost you fraction of what the dealer charge you. Unless if you want to give me more.

Kzang, that cradle only came with enhanced bluetooth option.

[atomic80]

I would recommend doing it yourself. It took half hour for me to do it and I'm not all that technically inclined. It's definitely worth it.

[cfm56d7b]

All,

Thank you for the advice. Did you have a chance to research a list of parts which would return the center console to "no charging cradle ordered" stat, i.e close any openings?

[Nkbm82]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

All,

Thank you for the advice. Did you have a chance to research a list of parts which would return the center console to "no charging cradle ordered" stat, i.e close any openings?

That information is in the link Opasha provided in the very first post.

[opasha]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

All,

Thank you for the advice. Did you have a chance to research a list of parts which would return the center console to "no charging cradle ordered" stat, i.e close any openings?

As scnick82 states, all part info is in those posts. You will only need the one part (it literally just slides right into and clicks into place without any issues/hassles.

[cfm56d7b]

I wanted to thank everyone for providing great information. I ordered one part to replace the charging cradle opening which arrived in 3 days. My local independent BMW shop in Orange County CA (SoCal) did a fantastic job in 1 hour. All done. Happy to recommend this shop for all work. PM me for details.

Now I need to sell the charging cradle ...

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

I wanted to thank everyone for providing great information. I ordered one part to replace the charging cradle opening which arrived in 3 days. My local independent BMW shop in Orange County CA (SoCal) did a fantastic job in 1 hour. All done. Happy to recommend this shop for all work. PM me for details.

Now I need to sell the charging cradle ...

Congrats in reclaiming the storage space again.
But 1 hour, really?
I did it in 15 minutes or less.

[opasha]

Originally Posted by r33_RGSport

Congrats in reclaiming the storage space again.
But 1 hour, really?
I did it in 15 minutes or less.

Yep, same here. They charged him for labor so they could maybe make money (hopefully it was free or not too expensive). I think 1 hour is the minimum they put on for labor ? Either way...better to not have it to get that extra storage space for sure .

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by opasha

Yep, same here. They charged him for labor so they could maybe make money (hopefully it was free or not too expensive). I think 1 hour is the minimum they put on for labor ? Either way...better to not have it to get that extra storage space for sure .

True. I think the first hour is full, then a fraction of 1/2 hour.

[cfm56d7b]

The shop also installed aluminum pedal set. Didn't have any time to do it myself.
The shop is a local business and I am happy to give them business. Next task - install KW Street Comfort coilovers on my 2013 F30 XDrive.

[Doanster]

Just finished this little mod. All the pics and hints from the main thread were invaluable, naturally (thx Ben/Omar!)The one thing that baffled me??? The stupid fan wire connector. Could not get it to detach, so brute forced it with pliers after spending way the hell too much time on it. Oh well... job is done.

Thanks again for the part and fast shipping, Ben!

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by Doanster

Just finished this little mod. All the pics and hints from the main thread were invaluable, naturally (thx Ben/Omar!)The one thing that baffled me??? The stupid fan wire connector. Could not get it to detach, so brute forced it with pliers after spending way the hell too much time on it. Oh well... job is done.

Thanks again for the part and fast shipping, Ben!