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Jeff Wong | profile | all galleries >> Canon Digital Gallery >> DIY: E46 M3 Center Console removal tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

DIY: E46 M3 Center Console removal

*** I take no responsibility whatsoever if you manage to damage any part of your car while following this DIY, if you are not sure please consult your local dealer for assistance ***

This is a guide for removing the center console and tapping on to the cell phone pre-wiring for a switched 12v power supply. My car is a 2003 M3 Coupe with SMG, 99% of this guide should also apply to 6 speed/manual cars. I also have the Euro storage box which makes accessing the wires a lot easier through the center console.
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Remove the shift knob by just pulling straight up
Remove the shift knob by just pulling straight up
Use a cloth covered screw driver to pop the shifter plate up
Use a cloth covered screw driver to pop the shifter plate up
Gently lift the shifter plate and disconnect the SMG switch connector
Gently lift the shifter plate and disconnect the SMG switch connector
Use a philip screw driver to take out 2 screws
Use a philip screw driver to take out 2 screws
You can now lift the plate up by just using your thumb.
You can now lift the plate up by just using your thumb.
Gently lift the plate up, you can see 2 sets of wires for the windows which you need to disconnect
Gently lift the plate up, you can see 2 sets of wires for the windows which you need to disconnect
Go to the back seat and slide the rear ashtray cover all the way down till the ashtray pops up
Go to the back seat and slide the rear ashtray cover all the way down till the ashtray pops up
Take out the 2 plastic screws
Take out the 2 plastic screws
You can now lift the ashtray up, disconnect the wire for the light
You can now lift the ashtray up, disconnect the wire for the light
Unscrew 2 more screws, now you can lift the rear ashtray housing, set aside
Unscrew 2 more screws, now you can lift the rear ashtray housing, set aside
Rear ashtray housing removed from the center console.
Rear ashtray housing removed from the center console.
Lift up the emergency handbrake boot by squeezing on it's side.
Lift up the emergency handbrake boot by squeezing on it's side.
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