[TiresOnFire]

Props to linhperfume and his excellent step by step directions to interior trim replacement http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=698981" rel="" target="_blank">http://<a href="http://f30.bimmerpos...p?t=698981</a> that gave me the confidence to take this on on my own. In preparation for big day, I readied my Torx T20 bit, and purchased through Amazon the Car Audio Dash Removal Plastic Pry Tool Yellow - 2 Piece for approximately $6.00. Evan at GetBMWParts.com supplied the carbon fiber trim on sale for $800.00 plus shipping.
The trim delivery arrived yesterday and I immediately dove into the project, that took all of 30 minutes, which mostly resulted from a cautious approach. If I were to do it again, 15 minutes would be the maximum time required.

Here are a few tips:

General: I used only the plastic tool that's flat with a bend at the end, I didn't use the one that looks like a nail puller. Pay attention to clips - one was still stuck to the trim piece I removed. I used a T20 bit in a cordless drill and found it more efficient than a hand operated tool.

Door handles: find the slot below the trim piece about 1/16" x 1/2" and shove the tool in and pry it off. Don't worry, it's indestructible within reason. If you're bending the tool, that's too much. Just work at it an inch at a time. Putting new trim on is more tricky than getting it off. I found starting at the top and working towards the bottom was easiest.

Center console: Nothing too it. Shove the tool in somewhere and start prying up. I have a convertible, so I had to removed the convertible / neck heater switches, and the iDrive - seven torx screws in total. Snaps back in super easy.

Left Vent: Don't pry up or down, pry out toward the rear of car. Once removed, separate the internal vent components from the trim. There are two tabs at the top that simply lift slightly and the two components are separate. Snaps back into place easily.

Center Section: probably the most intimidating due to the long thin piece that looks easy to break. Use blue painters tape on the dash below the trim to avoid any possibly of scratching the dash or the controls. I started closest to the driver's seat and began prying and pulling the trim out toward the rear of the vehicle (not up or down). As each clip freed I worked my way in the direction towards the long thin end of trim. With glove box open so fingers will fit, grip lower edge of long thin piece and pull out. Detach wires at hazard and door lock switches. Separate vent components from trim - done by releasing the seven or so plastic tabs at the top. When resembling, if the seven or so tabs don't snugly snap into position, the vent hasn't been properly inserted into the trim, try again. Installation was the reverse starting at the long thin end and working my way to the steering wheel.

Summary: Easy modification that anyone can do with a little patience and a few tools.

[tboooe]

GREAT Work! The contrast with your light color interior is nice! I would do this mod if I didnt like the dark ash wood of my interior now. Leaving some of the silver accents bits balances things out a bit. Superb, now go out with your top down and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

[TiresOnFire]

Thanks. eBay listing for the original Hexagon Aluminum with Black trim complete, NOW I can go for a drive to admire my work :-)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-F33-2015...-/281551146492?" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://<a href="http://www.ebay.com/...551146492</a>?

[Ryan9095]

Looks great! I like the contrast with the oyster interior. Did you get around to chroming your rims? I'd like to see some exterior shots if you have any.

[TiresOnFire]

Thanks Ryan. I didn't chrome these rims but did the 550i. Here are some photos of the 435i convertible.

[TiresOnFire]

Photos don't appear to upload. I'll try from another computer in the morning...

[PaulT_M5]

Nice write up.

One question though, is the weave really horizontal on one door handle and vertical on the other, or is it just an optical illusion from the photos?

[TiresOnFire]

Originally Posted by PaulT_335i

Nice write up.

One question though, is the weave really horizontal on one door handle and vertical on the other, or is it just an optical illusion from the photos?

Great question Paul. I had to look at it several times in photos and then real life to verify and it's an optical illusion, the pattern runs the same on both handles.

[TiresOnFire]

Ryan, here are the exterior photos you requested. Three left side roof up. One Interior. Three right side roof down.