I just started my interior swap and I can't get out the center console part that includes the cigarette lighter up to the radio. I followed the instructions from http://www.e-24.ru/eng/practice/862.shtml and got the thing loose to the point that I feel it should easily come out but it keeps getting stuck because I have an automatic(it gets stuck where the shifter would be on a manual) How can I get this out? Thanks

Most of the screws should be right inside where the shifter is. There may be one on each side over the gas pedal and by the glove compartment. Does your car have a cooler?

I dont think it has a cooler, and I'm pretty sure I got all the screws out from following instructions. For the most part it feels like its coming out until the tray gets stuck on something jutting out from the bottom.

is radio and obc detached? Clips as maitreg points out that it side of console screws into. And what do you mean you dont think it has a cooler? Have you removed the ebrake cover (small screw at back of "fur"/brush) I recall. Then snap that out then few more screws to get the center piece under ebrake between front seats out, should all be out of your way b4 pulling console. Post some pics if you'd like, might help.

Yeah, I got the radio and OBC detached and removed the cover around the parking brake. Here's some pics, I feel like I'm doing something really retarded and I'm gonna regret it soon...http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/1599/63gj2.th.jpg (http://img229.imageshack.us/my.php?image=63gj2.jpg)

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/9536/64gb1.th.jpg (http://img224.imageshack.us/my.php?image=64gb1.jpg)


http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/419/65ns9.th.jpg (http://img145.imageshack.us/my.php?image=65ns9.jpg)

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/654/66ac6.th.jpg (http://img224.imageshack.us/my.php?image=66ac6.jpg)

the third pic is when I try to pull out the console

The first thing you need to do is take the shifter handle off, Allen screw from the rear, and remove the switches. Put finger inside and push window switches up, be careful when removing so that the contact stay intact. You don't need the wires coming out of the switch recipient contact. I seem to be looking at a screw on the left side in the picture. Look inside in the rear of the console and the top where it touches the lower part of the dashboard and also at the rear of the surface of the console, toward the front of the car, for any thing that looks like an indent that may be a screw. You never know the screws come with a washer and if not, it may be imbedded in the console surface material. If you have to put pressure on it, that means something if holding it. BMW is smooth in and smooth out, no hammer or chisel needed.

Thanks guys! I got it out, after MaitreG advised I remove the shifter handle, everything else was relatively simple. Thanks again!

It was a pleasure Rodger!