Success!

The M console finally showed up today. I have ordered this part several times but finally got it right (I actually first ordered the console in April, before I had even ordered my car).

I have no idea when I will find time to get it installed, Supersprint goes in tomorrow and I have had shocks and springs sitting here since June. Expect a full how-to article on removing and replacing the center console.

Sorry for the washed out pic, lighting in the LZ shop isn't the best.

No ports for gong or OBD connector. Relocate those items to avoid cutting leather.

It starts out simple enough...

Funny thing about the gong; the wiring plug came off it while I was lifting out the console.
After getting the console out, I plugged all the switches back in to be sure I'd know where they went later.
Then I had this one plug left over...
Hmmm!
Later when cleaning the console I figured it went to the gong

Just make sure that you don't get a Gray/Red Stripe wire caught under the rightside console securing screw (like I did) when you're putting it all back together.
I do however, now have a fix if you no longer care about dimmed panel lights

Originally posted by AndyM
I have no idea when I will find time to get it installed,

When you do, see if the OBC connector is there. Parts CD implies that it is on the non M's.

Andy,

How much does this cost.... $1800?
This is a mod I'd like to do also..
Jed

Hey Randy, did you get the leather caps?

All prices are list (read: way too much):

51 16 2 491 388 Upper Console Panel: $148.00
51 16 2 491 396 Lower Console Panel: $182.00
51 16 2 496 668 Console Schwartz Leather: $1950.00

My price on the 3 parts was $15XX. I already have Jon's pair of Leather center console hockeysticks (51 16 2 491 375 and 376), as well as an M chrome shifter surround (51 16 2 491 402) that a customer backed out on (I actually have 2 of these). I will reuse the HVAC rings (51 16 2 491 394-qty. 3) from my console. I also have VDO Series 1 gauges that a customer stuck us with a long while ago which helps on the overall cost of the project as well. The OBD cover and Gong cover would be re-used but it looks like they are now obsolete.

I know of one person who switched out the upper and lower panels if you are looking for a cheap way to get the 'look' of the M console. JonM knows more about what was involved than I do.

Originally posted by JonM
Hey Randy, did you get the leather caps?

Yes, thank you.
They arrived yesterday.

They're gorgeous, but the stem sticks up too far.
I pulled the liner higher than it normally sits and put in the plug, which looked great btw, but as soon as I let the liner go it popped out


I have a plan now though...
As soon as I find some "capplugs" that will fit over the stem, I will send them out to you for "treatment".

The leather sample would do, as you would only be able to tell the pattern is different upon close examination (I did not not really check it out in the sunlight though).
I'm hoping that the 4/99 onwards cover that I ordered (non rollhoops w/subwoofer) will be the same covering as the towers.
Thanks for that bit of insight.

Wholesale on leather console hockey sticks is about $200 each.

BMW OEM leather is not cheap. Not by a long shot.

The chrome shifter plastic-o ring with fake Torx screws wholesales for about $30. Zionsvilleautosport sold us the one Andy is using new in box for about $15 in an Ebay auction 2 years ago.