|
|
08-03-2012, 03:12 AM | #1 |
New Member
7
Rep 21
Posts |
DIY:Customized Carbon Fiber Center Console
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 ! Last edited by Bully; 08-08-2012 at 06:43 PM.. |
08-03-2012, 03:28 AM | #2 |
New Member
7
Rep 21
Posts |
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. |
Appreciate
0
|
08-03-2012, 03:40 AM | #3 |
New Member
7
Rep 21
Posts |
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. |
Appreciate
0
|
08-03-2012, 03:59 AM | #4 |
New Member
7
Rep 21
Posts |
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. |
Appreciate
0
|
08-03-2012, 04:16 AM | #6 |
New Member
7
Rep 21
Posts |
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. |
Appreciate
0
|
08-03-2012, 07:40 AM | #8 |
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
307
Rep 13,093
Posts
Drives: BPMsport 2012 E92 M3
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Kansas
iTrader: (45)
Garage List 2013 Nissan GTR [0.00]
2019 Sierra Denali ... [0.00] 1999 Nissan Silvia [0.00] 1999 Nissan Skyline ... [0.00] 1998 Toyota Supra [0.00] |
Nice job.
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-03-2012, 09:18 AM | #9 |
New Member
7
Rep 21
Posts |
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. |
Appreciate
0
|
08-03-2012, 03:59 PM | #10 |
chris
278
Rep 12,144
Posts |
wow awesome job. must have taken you quite a few hours to do that from start to finish.
__________________
Current: 2013 F10 M5 & 2016 Mini JCW 2013 GLK350 (gone), 997.1 GT3RS (gone), 2009 WRX STI (gone), e92 M3 (gone) |
Appreciate
0
|
11-24-2012, 02:16 AM | #17 |
Major
28
Rep 1,073
Posts |
Good job and great write up.
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-24-2012, 02:38 AM | #18 |
Lieutenant
59
Rep 459
Posts |
a buddy of mine is about to install the auto technic carbon interior parts...i think it looks fabulous. great diy btw
__________________
|ESS VT1-550 510whp|MRF MID|AKRA REAR|CKS COILS|FORGESTAR|CSL TRUNK|GT4 Lip|3D-DESIGN |
Appreciate
0
|
11-24-2012, 06:13 AM | #19 |
New Member
7
Rep 21
Posts |
#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. |
Appreciate
0
|
11-24-2012, 02:48 PM | #21 |
Brigadier General
792
Rep 3,151
Posts |
Looks great
__________________
Current Mods:
2004 E46 M3cs JB/CSL 2010 E70 X5M AW/BLACK 2011 VW Golf R DSG White/Black IG: @060Motorsports |
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|