[eric325ci]

Has anyone considered taking a blow dryer to this portion of the panel for a short amount of time to warm up and make the plastic more pliable before attempting to pry it out? If not, would this be ill advised?

[Sp2pilot]

Originally Posted by eric325ci

Has anyone considered taking a blow dryer to this portion of the panel for a short amount of time to warm up and make the plastic more pliable before attempting to pry it out? If not, would this be ill advised?

IMHO I don't think that's even necessary. It took me longer to tape the area up vs prying it out.

Somebody in here already posted the order in which to pry the piece out with trim tools, pretty easy.

[TselaG80]

Originally Posted by M3YEC

Tried to pry. Didn’t like the way it felt. Busted out the drill and threw 2 wood screws in. Used the split end of a hammer in one hand and a plier in the other, then pulled up. Took a TON of force but it SHOT out. Anyway, it’s in!

this was the best method lmaoo

my hand almost went through roof when it actually popped out!

[G80_Bob]

Didnt end up getting all the photos I wanted due it being complete in 11:32. you can thank the podcast, I was settled in.

Painters Tape helps for the peice of mind, dont know how much it actually helped.

Step 1, from the top. I used the IND pry tools, with the two pronged side to losen the top clips and then the bottom to pop it out.

Step 2, with the blade trim tool, insert at the top left corner then move down to the bend. Pull straight up and its out!

[vmalho2]

Okay so I did the drilled method and took about 5-10 minutes. I prepped around the console, I drilled a hole, stuck an Allen wrench pointing upwards (see pic) and pulled back hard. It takes a few attempts and take your time. Drill slowly, don’t be too harsh, and it should come out. Pop the new piece back in place.

I feel this is better than using the ply tool because I was going to attempt that and there’s more of a chance you scratch the trim that way.

[hrosenberg33]

vmalho2 Thanks for the great pics and info.

Doing this tomorrow, a few questions:
1) is there an actual need to prep the area if you’re doing your method?
2) what size drill bit did you use?
3) with the Allen key are you pulling straight up or forward (since you seem to have the Allen key angled forward.

Thanks for your help! Quite scared to get this one wrong.

[vmalho2]

[QUOTE=hrosenberg33;30228835]vmalho2 Thanks for the great pics and info.

Doing this tomorrow, a few questions:
1) is there an actual need to prep the area if you’re doing your method?
2) what size drill bit did you use?
3) with the Allen key are you pulling straight up or forward (since you seem to have the Allen key angled forward.

Thanks for your help! Quite scared to get this one wrong.

You don’t need to prep anything, I’m just being cautious.

Drill bit size I believe was around 1/4” or so, maybe one size bigger. It doesn’t matter too much because you want just enough so the Allen wrench can slip right in. I pulled upwards once I got the correct angle. Don’t panic if the plastic on the old piece starts cracking around the hole because mine did also, but once you yank on it hard enough it pops right out.

[forcefed]

Originally Posted by hrosenberg33

2) what size drill bit did you use?
3) with the Allen key are you pulling straight up or forward (since you seem to have the Allen key angled forward.

Size depends on the biggest allen key you have, i had a 10mm allen and drilled 1/2" hole, just pull up.

[vmalho2]

[QUOTE=forcefed;30229846]Size depends on the biggest allen key you have, i had a 10mm allen and drilled 1/2" hole, just pull up.


^ Yup exactly

[hrosenberg33]

Another one for the drill method. Worked like a charm. Used 1/4 inch drill bit. Allen key that fit. Pulled up with a wrench (it takes, as everyone said, a surprising amount of force). New piece goes in super smooth.

Total time 13 minutes = 10 minutes of anxiety and 3 minutes of actually doing it.

Highly recommend. And if anyone wants the piece with the hole happy to send it your way. 😁

[kamakaziplayer]

1. drill a whole in the middle of the top portion of the one already installed
2. stick an allen key through the hole and start yanking, work it around focusing on top and right side bc thats where the clips are
3. slot the new one in and add some pressure so all clips click

[mirob]

Originally Posted by hrosenberg33

vmalho2 Thanks for the great pics and info.

Doing this tomorrow, a few questions:
1) is there an actual need to prep the area if you’re doing your method?


Thanks for your help! Quite scared to get this one wrong.

Nah, just don't rush it. I held a portable vacuum cleaner in one hand and the drill in the other in order to pick up the plastic debris and prevent it from going everywhere.

[M3YEC]

[QUOTE=mirob;30252279]Nah, just don't rush it. I held a portable vacuum cleaner in one hand and the drill in the other in order to pick up the plastic debris and prevent it from going everywhere.

This is why I used 2 screws instead of drilling a hole. Less plastic debris. But having a vacuum handy solves that problem too.

[drexplode]

Originally Posted by Ninetres

Knocked mine out in under 5 mins, start to finish based on the great tips in this thread. The "pops" are a bit sketchy to hear despite nothing being visually wrong upon removal.

Only thing I'll contribute that I used in addition to the typical plastic trim tools most of us have, is this tool from OG. It definitely came in handy. It's thinner than standard plastic trim tools, and finished very well so it's unlikely to scratch anything (unless you're very careless).

https://www.obsessedgarage.com/produ...141e99c7&_ss=r

Thanks for the tip! Followed the same instruction with tool. In and out in less than 5min.

[Jax327]

[QUOTE=M3YEC;30253417]

Originally Posted by mirob

Nah, just don't rush it. I held a portable vacuum cleaner in one hand and the drill in the other in order to pick up the plastic debris and prevent it from going everywhere.

This is why I used 2 screws instead of drilling a hole. Less plastic debris. But having a vacuum handy solves that problem too.

Did you just drill in 2 screws then pull up on the piece?

[M3YEC]

Originally Posted by Jax327

Did you just drill in 2 screws then pull up on the piece?

Yes. May need to use pliers or the back end of a hammer to help.

[kgelfen360]

Originally Posted by Jax327

Did you just drill in 2 screws then pull up on the piece?

I just did this mod yesterday. I did the drilling the hole method. Was very easy but scary in brand new car.

I used small drill bit and drilled very small hole. Apply steady pressure and go slow. you do NOT want drill bit to slip.
Then Used larger drill bit to make hole bigger.
Then put Allen key in there and pulled on it with pliers. Poped out right out first attempt.

If you drill the screw in, which I am sure works just as well. Be very careful to not slip becuase plastic is actually very hard and it takes a bit force to get it going.

It’s an easy mod and works perfect. It’s just scary to drill holes in brand new $100k car. Lol. At least it was for me.

[ItsConnor]

Like others just did this “mod” today using the drill and allen method. Whole process took 5 minutes after 2 months of getting the courage to drill it

[n4owo]

Originally Posted by twistedmorphine

I tried with all the trim removal tools I had and didn't manage to pop the thing out. Only popped out the top and nothing further.

In the process, I damaged the surrounding silver trim ( anyone know where I can get a replacement for just the silver bit?

Thanks.

I just want to say I am stupid and I did the same thing as you. Well at least I have the M4 badge on it now. Did you found a way to fix it by any chance?

[kgelfen360]

Originally Posted by n4owo

I just want to say I am stupid and I did the same thing as you. Well at least I have the M4 badge on it now. Did you found a way to fix it by any chance?

I found this for you and twistedmorphine :

https://parts.bmwnorthwest.com/p/Bmw...319502007.html

This may work.

Scroll down a little bit in that link it gives you all parts of that trim. Not cheap. But maybe worth it !!!

[n4owo]

Originally Posted by kgelfen360

I found this for you and twistedmorphine :

https://parts.bmwnorthwest.com/p/Bmw...319502007.html

This may work.

Scroll down a little bit in that link it gives you all parts of that trim. Not cheap. But maybe worth it !!!

This is precisely what I have been looking for, thanks!!!

[adam12hicks]

Just did mine. Super simple. Pre-drill small hole in center, screwed in 1.5” sheet metal screw, locked on screw head with largest pair of vice grips I owned. Pulled straight up ‘smartly’ and it popped right out.

Started trying to pry but that method sucks compared to this one to be honest. Too much work and too much risk.

Quick and easy, and new logo looks awesome!