I had to replace all of this stuff because I DIDN'T read a DIY before attempting to do this, so I have dedicated my life to making sure you guys don't go down the same dark path I have...
The new parts w00t w00t!!
This is what the center console looks like....
First thing to do is pull the shifter off... (Upwards, AWAY from your FACE...) It will give you a black eye...
Next, take a thin, flathead screwdriver, and towel...
You're going to insert the towel covered screw driver in between the black plastic and the woodgrain, DO NOT TRY TO PRY THE WOODGRAIN OUT!!!!!!!!!!!! IT WILL NOT MOVE, THERE ARE SCREWS HOLDING IT DOWN...
This is where you pry, and seperate the plastic from the wood....
The plastic piece is not going to just move easily, there is a tiny plug holding it in place, you're going to have to sneak your hand in there, and unplug it... Its the white stuff pictured below....
Once you have unplugged the center piece, you will see the two screws holding down your woodgrain trim...
Unscrew these, and gently pull the woodgrain back towards the trunk, and up, as it is clipped onto the ashtray compartment.... Keep in mind, there are still wires attached to it...
Unplug these wires:
If you are replacing the wood trim (like I had to) the window buttons clip off, its pretty self explanatory by just looking at it...
Next you will have to take out the sunglass compartment... Just open it, and pull gently until it pops loose... NEVER force anything... trust me...
Next you will locate the 4 screws holding the center console unit to the car.... They are pictured below...
The two on the bottom:
and the two on the top:
Now, I can not emphasize the importance of taking the next step CAREFULLY, as you have to mess with the bezel to get the console out without scratching up your leather... Like before, there are wires holding it to the car, so don't pull too hard... Give yourself enough space to get your hands in there, and unplug everything...
Now there are 4 plugs that need to be unplugged, the two on the top are for your buttons, and the two on the bottom are for your cigarette lighter.... unplug these:
At this point, you should be able to set the console on your lap, turn it over and look at the back:
Different models have different buttons, mine is a cabrio with heated seats, so I have 1 unit with 5 buttons on it... Different models may have different set ups:
At this point, you will need a set of star-key thing things:
I took a picture of the biggest one in the set so you can see what it looks like:
at each side, there are two screws, use the star-key thing thing to take them off... Now the buttons can be separated from the unit:
pick up any loose change underneath the shifter....
And then re-assemble...
Thats about it.... as a bonus for all of my sorrows, I bought a shifter off an e90 and slapped it on there....
Linear Mode
