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Jeff Wong | profile | all galleries >> Canon Digital Gallery >> DIY: E46 M3 Center Console removal tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

DIY: E46 M3 Center Console removal

*** I take no responsibility whatsoever if you manage to damage any part of your car while following this DIY, if you are not sure please consult your local dealer for assistance ***

This is a guide for removing the center console and tapping on to the cell phone pre-wiring for a switched 12v power supply. My car is a 2003 M3 Coupe with SMG, 99% of this guide should also apply to 6 speed/manual cars. I also have the Euro storage box which makes accessing the wires a lot easier through the center console.
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Remove the shift knob by just pulling straight up
Remove the shift knob by just pulling straight up		 Use a cloth covered screw driver to pop the shifter plate up
Use a cloth covered screw driver to pop the shifter plate up		 Gently lift the shifter plate and disconnect the SMG switch connector
Gently lift the shifter plate and disconnect the SMG switch connector		 Use a philip screw driver to take out 2 screws
Use a philip screw driver to take out 2 screws
You can now lift the plate up by just using your thumb.
You can now lift the plate up by just using your thumb.		 Gently lift the plate up, you can see 2 sets of wires for the windows which you need to disconnect
Gently lift the plate up, you can see 2 sets of wires for the windows which you need to disconnect		 Go to the back seat and slide the rear ashtray cover all the way down till the ashtray pops up
Go to the back seat and slide the rear ashtray cover all the way down till the ashtray pops up		 Take out the 2 plastic screws
Take out the 2 plastic screws
You can now lift the ashtray up, disconnect the wire for the light
You can now lift the ashtray up, disconnect the wire for the light		 Unscrew 2 more screws, now you can lift the rear ashtray housing, set aside
Unscrew 2 more screws, now you can lift the rear ashtray housing, set aside		 Rear ashtray housing removed from the center console.
Rear ashtray housing removed from the center console.		 Lift up the emergency handbrake boot by squeezing on it's side.
Lift up the emergency handbrake boot by squeezing on it's side.
Lift the front part of the center console then disconnect the connector for the hazard and power door lock
Lift the front part of the center console then disconnect the connector for the hazard and power door lock		 Gently lift the entire center console off, you need to work it with the armrest before you can take the entire console out
Gently lift the entire center console off, you need to work it with the armrest before you can take the entire console out		 Center Console parts
Center Console parts		 You should see the cell phone pre-wiring on the passenger side bundled up
You should see the cell phone pre-wiring on the passenger side bundled up
Open the bundled wires, you need to use the WHITE/PURPLE wire for + positive and brown wire for negative
Open the bundled wires, you need to use the WHITE/PURPLE wire for + positive and brown wire for negative		 I used a 12v female socket from Radio shack, connect the red to the positive (white/purple wire) and black to the negative wire.
I used a 12v female socket from Radio shack, connect the red to the positive (white/purple wire) and black to the negative wire.		 Switch the car keys to 2nd position, if done correctly you now should have power. Re-wrapped the wires again and tuck it back in
Switch the car keys to 2nd position, if done correctly you now should have power. Re-wrapped the wires again and tuck it back in		 Reverse everything that you have done so far then your all set! Enjoy!!!
Reverse everything that you have done so far then your all set! Enjoy!!!
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Guest 21-Jun-2015 12:53
You saved my life and my marriage! My wedding ring fell inside the center console and my wife was already inventing some thing not funny at all. Thanks to your post I recovered it easily!
pukka10 13-Apr-2013 13:12
My central locking has decided it's tools oldest to continue working. 2003 M3 convertable.: All locks work w/key in door. GM-V does not seem to be a probably. I have 2 keytiwords neither works there locks, they both useless at the same time, not the fobs, not GM-V. What's my next step. Please help.
Ben 31-Mar-2011 05:33
This write up was an absolute life saver!!! I just used it to take apart my center console and install a Sirius radio inside my armrest. The stealth install went perfectly and all that was additionally needed was a 1/4" drill to create a hole beneath my armrest for the wires. The power wires (purple/white & brown) worked perfectly to drive the new head unit, and I wired my antenna to the trunk via a cavity in the E46 convertible body mold which is in the center just below the carpet (the cavity is also used for wires needed to drive the convertible).

Thanks so much!!
Patrice Laforet 13-Dec-2009 17:27
Merci pour ce guide bien detaillé et pour le pré-câblage téléphone cellulaire, tout est facilement démontable avec ces photos.
Merci
omak 17-Sep-2009 06:39
Great DIY guide! The previous owner badly scratched the centre console and storage box, so I had to replace them. Thanks to your guide, I've now replaced it and it is as good as new! Thanks
Guest 24-Apr-2009 03:41
Jeff:

Had to replace the door lock and emergency switch on my 2002 E46. Your instructions and pictures were a great help.
Thanks for your effort in posting this.

Brent
Guest 07-Dec-2008 17:41
Wow! I didn't think anyone still uses this DIY... Nav is factory option unfortunately.

Cheers,
Jeff
Matt 24-Sep-2008 01:20
What type of navigation system do you have installed? Do you have a DIY for that installation or where di you have it done. I'd like to install the same in my 2003 E46.
David Mather 23-Mar-2008 00:10
Thanks alot for the DIY guide with all the great pictures, it worked flawlessly for XM on my 2005 330i.

David
Jeff 04-Aug-2003 08:14
The Main diaplay unit is also the receiver...

I installed the antenna on the bottom left corner (driver side) windshield.



Jeff :D
Guest 04-Aug-2003 05:50
Hi Jeff!

cool! but i didn't see where you to the recevier and antenna ?

Alex.
Jeff 01-Aug-2003 21:03
Hey Alex,

It's the Delphi XM Satellite Radio head control unit. :0)

Jeff
Guest 01-Aug-2003 15:12
Hi Jeff

Cool! and what is that little device for ???
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