So-I've got the center console pulled out and will be relocating the HVAC controls to the cut-out where the phone used to go. In the area behind the console (directly behind where the MID currently lives) there is a plastic cover of some kind that looks really difficult to get out. (This is the piece that would restrict the depth of something replacing the MID to about 5-1/2")
Am I making sense yet?
Let's say someone (we'll call him "zeke") was enough of an idiot to want to put in a new double-din media receiver - any chance that offending piece could be cut down in some way or another to give an extra inch of clearance?
I'm sure that answer is more along the lines of "there's a really critical piece of something that runs just behind it and there's not a darn thing you can do", but I can still hope...

that plastic cover is actually the cover over the Heater Core, and is neccessary to provide the correct air movement over the core. DO NOT CUT!!

figured as much-
but I live in SoCal - who needs a heater in SoCal? :)

heater cores are really no fun , when they are leaking.
i would not mess with it.

You need the defrosters... IMO. Don't butcher the car ... JMO. :)

Yo,
Rod

No worries, I'd never butcher something that couldn't be put back together later...

seems to me if you cut a hole in it, you will lose airflow to the vents because it will always roar out that hole you cut?!

You can install a D-din without cutting the A/C box... You just have to have a kit made, which I can do for you if you're interested, here is a pic of one we did:


http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn26/WorldWideStereo/bmw325customdoubledin.jpgYOU


We space the touchscreen out and recontour the kit so you don't have to cut the box. It's not cheap, but it gets the job done and looks pretty darn good, too.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn26/WorldWideStereo/bmw325customdoubledin2.jpg

just email me , wwstereo@gmail.com if you think your interested

I'm certainly not against something like that - but I'd need to see one in an e31 instead of a 3 series

I'm certainly not against something like that - but I'd need to see one in an e31 instead of a 3 series

not sure it's a 3, it looks like a 7 series (E38)

not sure it's a 3, it looks like a 7 series (E38)

Actually I think that is an X SUV because it has the hill descent button.

In any event... :)

just email me , wwstereo@gmail.com if you think your interested

How much are we talking (ballpark)? I live in Philly and want a Pioneer AVIC-D3....

its a 2002 bmw 325xi , I promise , lol

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn26/WorldWideStereo/bmw325amprack.jpg

still would need to see how it looked in an e31 - what you've done for the 325 doesn't work for our cars-

i know its not an 850 but same concept just a different location . the ball park price 1100-1400 ,that high because i have never done on and e31 but i am positive that it is not out of my ability. And if it ends up being easier than I think then the part gets cheaper.

Just a suggestion...I have a 7" display...which is A..easier to see...B..adjustable...C...hidden when not in use....

I put the heater control unit in the radio slot so when the screen comes out it covers the heater and computer display unit.


GL

i know its not an 850 but same concept just a different location . the ball park price 1100-1400 ,that high because i have never done on and e31 but i am positive that it is not out of my ability. And if it ends up being easier than I think then the part gets cheaper.
Can we meet up sometime to discuss in person? I am down in Philly proper.

you could come to my store in montgomeryville , its right by montgomeryville mall

www.wwstereo.com/mobile (http://www.wwstereo.com/mobile) I promise this is the nicest electronics shop in the area. you will be impressed (worth the drive)