Customized Carbon Fiber Center Console

[Bully]

I had my interior swapped out for the BMW Carbon package.
Then I had them install the steering wheel aftermarket
piece . But the important Center Console cover was not produced by anyone. Eventually AutoTecknic had the piece available. But it was not available for the E-93 Vert because
it did not have a hole made for the Convertible Top switch.
AutoTecknic told me that they were aware that someone had
cut the hole in their piece to install into the Vert. BMW quoted me a labor charge of 3.5 hours for cover removal and electronics swap into the Carbon Fiber cover and re installation .


I decided to DIY. I ordered a set of Trim Removal tools.
My hands are arthritic. I could not get enough leverage
and the slim set tools would bend. So, I used A Lowes
Kobalt Flat Margin Trowel with a surface height of .055 inches (1.40 mm ) --it worked very well.


Since my hands are bad and this was my first attempt, i think I should be given more time than 1/2 the BMW estimate which would be 1.75 hours. My elapsed time for total separation was 23 minutes.


The Cf piece had four mounting posts near the Controller
snap clamps that did not have any purpose in this situation.
The GREAT news is that the CF piece had mounting posts for the Convertible Switch ( which i thought I was going to have to build myself !

[Bully]

Next I scribe the out line of the Vert switch with a hobby
knife. Then proceed to drill 44 holes with a micro hobby
bit 0.0745 inch ( 1.89 mm). The important issue here is not to drill at the scribe line but rather about 1/4 inch inside
to avoid having Carbon Fiber deflection /de-lamination problems. I then used a bigger drill .1065 inch ( 2.73 mm )
to reduce the gap between the holes for easier cutting.

[Bully]

Next I used a Dremel cut off wheel to connect the holes.

I suggest being more careful that I was about letting the drill chuck touch the mounting posts ! Luckily no structural
harm was done here.
Those snap ring pliers ( set to external ) is a great tool for easy removal/ re- installation of the cover retention clips.

[Bully]

BMW cheats by molding the top cover material around the
stock hole to provide a smooth fit. My fit wasn't as nice.
I used 3M Tremflex Rubber Splicing Tape ( which only sticks to itself) to surround the switch so I could more easily remove
it later if necessary . I used Gardner Bender Liquid Electrical
Tape to fill the gap between the switch and the Carbon Fiber.
Interesting to note that the CF plate is a different thickness
here so the switch is mounted slightly lower than the stock position( which might be a good thing here ).
A rotary Dremel file ( .124 inch ( 3.15 mm)) and a 0.60 ( 2.7 mm) sanding drum were used to smooth out the hole edges. However I don't think there is a way to bevel the
CF plate itself.

[Bully]

The ash tray cover taps pry off from the hing side at the five tabs shown ( small trim tools handy here.

[Bully]

As a bonus I ordered InDustry e-brake and DCT custom boots. Here finished with Chemical Guys conditioner .
Original Shift boot was produced August 10, 2000.
The InD was produced September 9, 2011.
The original brake boot was produced in August 2008 while its replacement is July 2011.

[Bully]

Re-installation of the cover and components ( the remaining
1.75 BMW labor estimate) was none in in 16 minutes.

[THE TECH]

Nice job.

[Bully]

Thanks for the comment "The Tech"

I forgot to add a #15 Torx is needed for the Vert switch .
The hand brake boot install was 20 minutes because my weak hand had trouble holding the boot and zip tie in a good position.
About two hours of drilling/cutting/sanding and switch opening, which I did in 20 minute interval, in order to minimize mistakes.

[montreal red]

wow awesome job. must have taken you quite a few hours to do that from start to finish.

[Porschefile]

Looks great, I plan on doing real CF interior pieces in mine eventually.

[kosmo69]

great job

[carbon//m3]

Looks great

[BlackE93]

hey was just wondering what screw driver u used to remove the screws holding the vert button and the controller from the centre console?

[e92livin]

everything is cool expect the steering wheel, try a BMW performance one

[BlackE93]

hey how did you get the coin lid to come off? i got the big piece but cant seem to reach the 5 tabs?

[And1M3]

Good job and great write up.

[OerdingE93]

a buddy of mine is about to install the auto technic carbon interior parts...i think it looks fabulous. great diy btw

[Bully]

#15 torx for the vert switch. i don't remember the size of the controller tool. it may have been the very small ( not labeled) torx from my computer tool kit.
I had to use the slim interior panel tools for the coin holder.

[JR M3]

great job

[0-60Motorsports]

Looks great

[phrozen06]

w0w that is nicely done.