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Pelican Parts Technical Articles Main Image

BMW Z4M Center Console Replacement

Applicable Models:

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Rennline Performance Products Lifetime Replacement Parts Pelican Parts Tech Forums
  • Parts Required: Trim panel clips. Center console, I Drive knob
  • Performance Gain: Access to items under console
  • Complementary Modification: Route accessory wiring under console

Interior trim pieces in BMW Z4 cars are often made of preformed hard plastic.

Plastic clips or metal screws are used to hold them in place. To avoid marring the trim, work with a plastic prying tool or wrap a screwdriver tip with masking tape before prying out trim panels, switches or electrical accessories.

A number of electrical components are installed in the center console. Before removing the console, disconnect the battery negative cable and insulate the cable end to prevent accidental reconnection.

The center console runs from the dashboard along the transmission tunnel to the rear storage compartment. You may have to remove it to work on your stereo system or to replace the BMW airbag module. You may also have to remove the center console to replace your parking brake cables. Having them out makes the procedure easier. Be careful when levering off wood or aluminum trim panels. If you twist or lever too hard the wood can crack or the aluminum can bend. If running new wiring under the center console for an iPod or other aftermarket equipment, run it through a protective loom and be sure it is well out of the way of the parking brake cable.

Keep in mind that when your car was serviced before, parts may have been replaced with different size fasteners used in the replacement. The sizes of the nuts and bolts we give may be different from what you have, so be prepared with different size sockets and wrenches.

Protect your eyes, hands and body from fluids, dust and debris while working on your vehicle. If working with the electrical system, disconnect the battery before beginning. Always catch fluids in appropriate containers and properly dispose of any fluid waste. Recycle parts, packaging and fluids when possible. Do not work on your vehicle if you feel the task is beyond your ability.

Vehicle models change and evolve as they grow older, so the vehicle shown in our illustrations may vary slightly from yours. If something seems different, let us know and share your info to help other users. Questions or want to add to the article? Leave a comment below. When leaving a comment, please leave your vehicle information.

Hot tip

Clean once removed

Nick Czerula, DIY Expert

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Project Photos

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Figure 1 The center console runs from the dashboard along the transmission tunnel to the rear storage compartment.
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Figure 2 Using a plastic prying tool, lever the shift boot trim (red arrow) out of the center console. You may even be able to pinch the shift boot and pull the trim piece straight out without prying.
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Figure 3 Gently push out the switch (red arrow). Be gentle when prying. Do not break the switch or push it too far. The electrical connector is still connected. Disconnect the electrical connector (blue arrow) by pulling it straight out of the switch. Remove the switch from the vehicle. Once the hazard switch is disconnected, follow the wires for the shift knob to the electrical connector. Pull the connector straight apart to disconnect.
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Figure 4 Next, remove shift knob by pulling straight up and off shift lever (red arrow). The knob can be on quite tight and may need a lot of force to remove it. I found if you slightly twist the knob back and forth while pulling up it will come off easier. Slide shift boot up and off shifter. Disconnect electrical connector for shift knob lighting, if equipped.
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Figure 5 Using a plastic prying tool, lever the plastic trim piece below the parking brake handle (red arrow) out of the center console.
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Figure 6 Working at the center console, lever the top of the parking brake lever boot out using a plastic prying tool. Then pull out the parking brake lever boot (red arrow) to detach it from the center console. Pull it up and over the handle.
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Figure 7 Pull the boot (red arrow) over the handle as far as it will go. To remove the boot completely for better clearance, cut the tie strap (blue arrows) securing the boot to the handle, then remove boot from handle.
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Figure 8 Next the screws along the side of the center console and rear storage compartment have to be removed. First, use a small pick and lever out the round covers (red arrows). When removing the round covers, 2/3s of it will pop out, the final tab has to be slid out at an angle. Then remove the Phillips head screws (yellow arrow). The seat will have to be moved back and forth to access the covers. Left seat shown removed. Covers for left side of vehicle shown, right side is similar. Next remove the knee pad (blue arrow).
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Figure 9 Using a plastic prying too (red arrow) lever the knee pad off the center console.
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Figure 10 Once removed, double check that the metal clips remained in the center console, if not, remove them from the pad and press them back into the center console. Then remove the Phillips head screw (red arrow).
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Figure 11 Working at the front of the center console, push the Sport button and Airbag light fixture out of console. Then disconnect the electrical connectors by pulling them straight out.
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Figure 12 Pull the ashtray (red arrow) out of the console. Then remove the Phillips head screw (blue arrow).
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Figure 13 Pull the rear of the panel up and feed it out of the center console enough to access the electrical connectors.
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Figure 14 Disconnect the 12 volt socket connector by squeezing the tabs and pulling it apart (blue arrows). Then press the release tabs (red arrows) and disconnect the main connector. Finally pull the remaining connector straight out to remove. To replace the seat heat, convertible switch panel, remove the T10 Torx screws, then remove it from the ashtray panel.
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Figure 15 Open the rear storage compartment door. Then remove the Phillips head screws (red arrow) and the small cover.
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Figure 16 Next, remove the storage compartment door from the rear console.
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Figure 17 Using a plastic prying tool, lever the bottom cover (red arrow) out of the rear storage compartment. With the panel removed, remove the two T20 Torx fasteners (blue arrows).
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Figure 18 Working at the top of the storage compartment trim, remove the two plastic Phillips head screws (red arrows) and the anchors (inset).
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Figure 19 Unclip the top of the storage compartment trim (red arrow).
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Figure 20 Lift the trim piece up and slide it off (red arrow) to remove.
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Figure 21 This photo shows two of the four catches (red arrows) on the rear storage compartment trim that was just removed. These are what is detached when you slide it up.
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Figure 22 Working at the rear storage compartment door latch, unhook the release rope (red arrow).
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Figure 23 Then press the release tabs (red arrows) and disconnect the electrical connector.
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Figure 24 Working at the top of the rear storage compartment, remove the two T25 Torx fasteners (red arrows).
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Figure 25 Lift the rear storage compartment trim up (red arrow) to remove from the body enough to access the electrical connectors. Pull the electrical connectors (blue arrows) straight out to remove.
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Figure 26 Using a plastic prying tool, gently lever out the rear vent trim panel of the center console. Remove it in the direction of the red arrow. Once removed, be sure to reinstall the retaining clips (blue arrows). They have a tendency to fall off during removing.
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Figure 27 Slide the center console toward the rear of the vehicle (blue arrow) and lift up.

Comments and Suggestions

Paul WAH

July 4, 2021

Good stuff
Difficult to get sport button up and out .. some electrical plugs don’t pull out have to depress a little pip in middle of socket. Re the rear compartment storage door and the removal .. the “cover” as referred to after unscrewing the small screws actually comes out with the door itself .. not just little covers as I thought.. on each of these items there is a snap fit leg that as the screw is tightened is forced to engage .. theoretically removing the screw should allow it to flex and release .. it does but only after a lot of sweat blood and tears .. the angle of attack / pull may be critical but ended up pot luck and a screwdriver down the side of cover to try and lever the snap fit inwards
Snap fit insert would be a better description and the fact it comes out with door would have saved me some time.
Now trying to lift the entire back section high enough to get to the electrical plugs ..

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Thanks for sharing your repair process and experience. These types of comments add so much to the Pelican tech community. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Mike

April 18, 2021

The Z4, and Z4M appear to have different part numbers for the center consoles. It doesn’t look like it’s simply based on color, the presence of a sport button, or other trim, and I vaguely remember the mention on the M having a wider transmission tunnel. The price difference however is monumental, with the M part listed at $1100! Can anyone confirm or deny that a non-M part will fit the 2006-2008 Z4M/M Coupe?

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

I can not confirm myself. With your vehicle info handy, give The Pelican Parts parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They might be able to tell from the parts catalog. - Nick at Pelican Parts

MrBMW

April 29, 2020

I need to remove the right side aluminum dash panel so I can wrap it. Can you show a description on how to remove it please

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

We don't currently have that tech article. If we get a chance to perform the procedure, we will be sure to document it. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Bearded_Ed

November 22, 2019

I just wanted to say thank you for this guide!

I have just finished putting the car back together after spending a couple of days wrapping things in carbon vinyl.

Couldn't have done it without the guide.

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Thanks for the feedback. Glad we could help. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Mike

October 31, 2018

You don't list the upper and lower doors for the rear storage compartment, are they available? How about the latching mechanism?

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

I believe they are available. With your vehicle info handy, give The Pelican Parts parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They can figure out what part or repair kit you need. - Nick at Pelican Parts

craig

June 22, 2018

Hi Nick
pic 25
there is a 2 pin wire and another connector.
Mine only had the 2 pin connected. Other wire is just hanging there. What is it supposed to be connected to? Craig in NC. Console is all apart so I hope you can respond quick.

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

I don't have wiring to check and confirm, but it is likely for a component your vehicle does not have. Phone, controls, etc. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Jordan

January 26, 2018

I have troubles in figure 25 the storage trim won’t go up at all. I’ve done all the steps before. I tried with much force and didn’t come off, ps. I don’t have the sos buttons in there so there should be no wires to disconnect. Idk what’s holding it

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Did you remove the fasteners in the steps leading up to step 25? - Nick at Pelican Parts

Salty

October 18, 2017

A helpful hint on the door removal. First remove the screws at the base of the door. If you then open the door, you will notice a small hole on the left edge of the door. Cut a piece of wire coat hanger about 3" long. This next step is important. Close the door and barely open it just enough to see the hole on the left side. Place the coat hanger wire into that hole and slowly lower the door. When the door stops against the metal wire, the door is now at the correct angle for removal. Pull it straight back toward you toward the front of the car. It will take some force, but it will come loose. If you don't have the correct angle on the door, you risk breaking part of the door support "hinge." I hope this helps. It seems to be a common problem.

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Thanks for the additional info. We appreciate it. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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Rod

October 15, 2017

Terry, Im having the same problem...I unscrewed the screws and I can not get the door to give--finally after pulling the door outward one side came loose-the small piece that came with it feel through the console. Im not sure if that piece was suppose to come out, or if I broke it - I stopped working on the door for fear of breaking the other fastener. Nick is there a piece that I can order to screw the console door back on?

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

A tip from Salty A helpful hint on the door removal. First remove the screws at the base of the door. If you then open the door, you will notice a small hole on the left edge of the door. Cut a piece of wire coat hanger about 3" long. This next step is important. Close the door and barely open it just enough to see the hole on the left side. Place the coat hanger wire into that hole and slowly lower the door. When the door stops against the metal wire, the door is now at the correct angle for removal. Pull it straight back toward you toward the front of the car. It will take some force, but it will come loose. If you don't have the correct angle on the door, you risk breaking part of the door support "hinge." I hope this helps. It seems to be a common problem. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Doug

August 20, 2017

Hi Pelican Folks,

I am having difficulty removing the leather knee pads at the front of the center console on right and one left. Nothing I do allows me to gain any space at all between the console and the knee pad, so I am unable to gain the purchase required to pry to knee pad off. Any suggestions?

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

What year and model vehicle are you working on? if Z4, see step 9. If they are stuck, someone may have glued them on.- Nick at Pelican Parts

Oz

July 17, 2017

On a 2005 Z4, 2.5i, does any one know if the entire center console needs to be removed to replace the silver trim cover on top of the console, or is it held with quick press on fastener that can be pry out?

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Yes, it attached from under the console. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Terry

June 29, 2017

Hi Nick, thanks for your comments. My trouble is removing the compartment door. Once I've taken out the tiny screws in the hinges, I can't seem to dig out the little plastic housing it sits in this is the cover for the pivot you refer to?, and the compartment door is still firmly in place. Do you know how I can remove the little plastic housing the screw was sitting in? I've attached a photo to show you what I'm talking about. Thanks mate.

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Pop off the cover the fastener went through, I see it just below your arrow. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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Terry

June 25, 2017

G'day, I'm having trouble with figure 15 and 16. I can't seem to remove the small covers and the compartment doors. Could you please give me a few more tips to get these off?

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Did you remove the fastener and cover for the pivot? Then fold down cover and slide off pivots. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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