[GBV]

Originally Posted by SCCThree

Okay. It's installed. Was more of a pain than I thought but not too bad. I couldn't find a how to anywhere so I looked up parts on ebay to get a look at the back side so I knew what I was dealing with.

I first tried to remove the radio control panel by itself but the top hooks into the piece around the AC vent and controls. You first have to pop that piece off, then remove the radio trim, then remove the radio controls, swap them to the new trim and reinstall in reverse.

The problem I ran into was a hook behind the AC trim that I broke. If I had lifted from the bottom I probably wouldn't have snapped it off so pry up from the bottom then tilt up.

I unplugged everything from the X to make it easier. There is a pic is of the two pry tools I used.

Let me know if anyone has questions.

Really appreciate the explanation and photos! Mine just shipped so I should see it in a few weeks. From the photos the CF weave looks like a really good match to the OEM above it.

[21WhiteX3MC]

Originally Posted by EricP3

I tried polishing it out but the scratches are pretty deep. Seller offered me a 10% discount lol.

Be careful and examine your new trim carefully, mine also arrived with scratches, and the seller suggested to take it to a “store” to have it polished out. Scratches were deep enough for my finger nail to catch. Scratches were on the driver’s side near the edge, so no one but me will ever see them.

[SCCThree]

Originally Posted by 1nityrider

This looks nice! This definitely finishes the look. Thanks for taking the lead in doing it.
Can you upload a picture and circle where you pry to get it off?

So I started removing the AC trim from the top right which is where the hook is that I broke. The only hook on the dash.

For the AC trim I would (in my opinion) start at the bottom left, get the bottom unclipped then tilt up to unhook that top right spot. Once the AC trim is off just pop the radio trim off starting anywhere.

If you look at my first pic and zoom into the very top right you should be able to see where I broke that hook. There are so many tight clips on the AC trim I'm not worried about it though.

Hope that helps.

[1nityrider]

Originally Posted by SCCThree

So I started removing the AC trim from the top right which is where the hook is that I broke. The only hook on the dash.

For the AC trim I would (in my opinion) start at the bottom left, get the bottom unclipped then tilt up to unhook that top right spot. Once the AC trim is off just pop the radio trim off starting anywhere.

If you look at my first pic and zoom into the very top right you should be able to see where I broke that hook. There are so many tight clips on the AC trim I'm not worried about it though.

Hope that helps.

Ah I see, thanks for the explanation. I have submitted and offer for $190 to them and looking to get mine too.

If you break any plastic/rubber on you car or anything, I have found this glue to be the best. It hardens quick, 30 seconds and after it's fully cured, it's as strong as original.
I bought it from home depot.

[SCCThree]

Good to know. Not worried about the broken part in this case. There are so many clips on that AC vent trim piece, it ain't going anywhere.

[1nityrider]

Originally Posted by Nick8915

What was the EBay seller’s name again? Runnstar?

Originally Posted by SCCThree

Yep. That's them. I offered $190 for the CF preset part. They countered at $195. Pulled the trigger.

Edit: Added pic of part from sellers ebay listing.

FYI for anyone interested I offered them $180 and they accepted with no counter offer.

[FrankieFord]

Just ordered the carbon center console from the linked vendor. They accepted my $250 offer. I’ll upload pics whenever it comes in and I install it.

[Scottycs19]

want to order this but I have the open pore wood......just will look out of place with no matching Carbon Fiber

[jackal15]

Very happy with it for the money. 9/10 quality. Slight blemish on the bottom right but you have to look for it. 3 minute install.

[gonz-photog]

I received mine yesterday, coating it today then installing tomorrow! I just need to figure out how to post pics and then I’ll post. As far as quality 9/10 as well, I have a slight blemish up top in the left corner near the emblem but it is barely noticeable.

[Influence]

If anyone wants one of these and doesn't want to deal with the long shipping from China I just put one of these up in the classifieds:

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...1#post30147571

I had my father-in-law order 1 for his '23 X3M40i and somehow he ordered (and paid for) 2 of them at $275 a pop.

Sadly, my X3M is a 2020 so I can't use it. I was really impressed with the overall quality/installation and it goes great with his factory carbon trim in his M40i.

Figured it would be easier (and less of a loss) to just sell it here instead of shipping the extra back to China.

[1nityrider]

Originally Posted by SCCThree

Okay. It's installed. Was more of a pain than I thought but not too bad. I couldn't find a how to anywhere so I looked up parts on ebay to get a look at the back side so I knew what I was dealing with.

I first tried to remove the radio control panel by itself but the top hooks into the piece around the AC vent and controls. You first have to pop that piece off, then remove the radio trim, then remove the radio controls, swap them to the new trim and reinstall in reverse.

The problem I ran into was a hook behind the AC trim that I broke. If I had lifted from the bottom I probably wouldn't have snapped it off so pry up from the bottom then tilt up.

I unplugged everything from the X to make it easier. There is a pic is of the two pry tools I used.

Let me know if anyone has questions.

I tried to pry blow around where I have the blue plastic pry bar from right to left. That bottom section popped out.
I tried to pry the top around the carbon fiber trim around the AC vent (top right of the picture) but it would not move at all.
Do I need a little more force or is there a different place that I need to pry from?

[SCCThree]

I started prying at the top right but that is where the plastic hook is that I broke. Perhaps try the left side. Hard to say since the way I did it was wrong and I broke that hook. Best advice I have for ya, sorry.

[1nityrider]

Originally Posted by SCCThree

I started prying at the top right but that is where the plastic hook is that I broke. Perhaps try the left side. Hard to say since the way I did it was wrong and I broke that hook. Best advice I have for ya, sorry.

You didn't have to remove the display correct?

[SCCThree]

Originally Posted by 1nityrider

You didn't have to remove the display correct?

Correct. Popped off the AC trim, swapped the radio trim then popped the AC trim back on. Even with the broken hook it went back in there tight so not worried about it.

[MontegoMarina]

Originally Posted by jackal15

Very happy with it for the money. 9/10 quality. Slight blemish on the bottom right but you have to look for it. 3 minute install.

I just received my center console trim from China. Any advice on the install? I have zero technical skills - I’m afraid I’ll break something, especially the emblem. Did you have a go-by for reference (video, etc.)? Any tools necessary? Tips/tricks? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[SCCThree]

It’s easy. Everything is held together by clips. I swiped mine out in less than a minute.

Pull the original off. Swap the x3mc badge. Snap back in.

[DBU]

Originally Posted by MontegoMarina

I just received my center console trim from China. Any advice on the install? I have zero technical skills - I’m afraid I’ll break something, especially the emblem. Did you have a go-by for reference (video, etc.)? Any tools necessary? Tips/tricks? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Start lifting up the rear-most part of the center console by gripping from both sides. Look at the new piece to see exactly where the clips are. Use either fingers (if strong nails) or a pry tool. If you don't have a pry tool, try with a plastic knife (order delivery food for tonight first...). Once the first two or three clips are loose, the rest will follow easily. You may want to put some protection around the shifter. The hardest part is to transfer the X3/X4 logo on front. Again, take a hard look at the new piece to figure out how that logo comes loose.

[MontegoMarina]

Originally Posted by DBU

Start lifting up the rear-most part of the center console by gripping from both sides. Look at the new piece to see exactly where the clips are. Use either fingers (if strong nails) or a pry tool. If you don't have a pry tool, try with a plastic knife (order delivery food for tonight first...). Once the first two or three clips are loose, the rest will follow easily. You may want to put some protection around the shifter. The hardest part is to transfer the X3/X4 logo on front. Again, take a hard look at the new piece to figure out how that logo comes loose.

Yeah, the logo bit worried me the most. And to actually install the CF console piece? Just reverse the process? Best point to start snapping it in?

Appreciate the help!

[Shaun170]

Originally Posted by MontegoMarina

Yeah, the logo bit worried me the most. And to actually install the CF console piece? Just reverse the process? Best point to start snapping it in?

Appreciate the help!

For info the logo clips alternate in different directions. It really isn’t hard to remove the logo. Just push with your fingers on two clips in the correct direction at one end and it will become loose. Do the same at the other end and it will come away.

[danniexi]

Originally Posted by MontegoMarina

Yeah, the logo bit worried me the most. And to actually install the CF console piece? Just reverse the process? Best point to start snapping it in?

Appreciate the help!

[MontegoMarina]

Thanks for all the help, guys! Even the exceptionally mechanically uninclined can get it done. The emblem was the most challenging but - I think I bent one of the small prongs and didn’t initially realize it. It just wouldn’t snap into the new pieces. I was able to bend it back to look like the opposite side prong and it popped right into the new trim.

Appreciate the assistance!