[derek.megyesi]

Hi All,

I was cleaning my 2020 BMW 430xi Grand Coupe (F36) this morning, and I felt this "hole" underneath the centre console (see pictures below).





What is this hole for? Is a light supposed to go here? Or is this for inserting a tool to try the body panel apart? Just curious.

[freespirit]

That's for a light.

[Th3Walrus]

Newer models have the hole, but no light. If you pull that panel off, look if you have a wire harness with a connector there. If so, you can buy a Y adapter harness and led light on amazon for it:

https://www.amazon.ca/Jaronx-Ambient...d_i=B0BJ2T41VQ

[derek.megyesi]

oh, I didn't know that. I'd rather not pull the panel off. I want to keep it OEM. So then the car comes like this from the factory (with no bulb in the center console)?

[Oksamit78]

Originally Posted by derek.megyesi

oh, I didn't know that. I'd rather not pull the panel off. I want to keep it OEM. So then the car comes like this from the factory (with no bulb in the center console)?

You don't replace OEM panel with different one. The panel you have already has in the back of it a mounting spot with tabs to receive the LED that shines down through that hole at the cell phone charger/cup holder area. All you need to get the LED assembly and the Y cable to power it up.

These are the Part Numbers for LED module that goes into that panel:
63319242162 (Two LEDs: White + Red) for cars with M Sports package / Sport Line / Modern Line / Luxury Line
63319237697 (One LED) for cars with Light package only

[derek.megyesi]

Originally Posted by Oksamit78

You don't replace OEM panel with different one. The panel you have already has in the back of it a mounting spot with tabs to receive the LED that shines down through that hole at the cell phone charger/cup holder area. All you need to get the LED assembly and the Y cable to power it up.

These are the Part Numbers for LED module that goes into that panel:
63319242162 (Two LEDs: White + Red) for cars with M Sports package / Sport Line / Modern Line / Luxury Line
63319237697 (One LED) for cars with Light package only

---

Hi thanks for this tip. I want to make sure I am understanding this correctly. The BMW part numbers that you provided are OEM part #s (not aftermarket). The one I am interested in is the 63319242162 (Two LEDs: White + Red). Can you get the BMW # for the Y cable as well?

Will this work with the Idrive setting as well for interior lighting. On the F36 the only selections are Modern (White) and Classic (Red/Orange).

Also, how hard is it to take off the bottom panel?

[Th3Walrus]

The panel just pulls off. See this video at 2:20:

I don't think BMW sells a Y harness on it's own. You have to buy an aftermarket one, most of which come with the LED, like the link I already posted.

[Oksamit78]

Originally Posted by Th3Walrus

The panel just pulls off. See this video at 2:20:

I don't think BMW sells a Y harness on it's own. You have to buy an aftermarket one, most of which come with the LED, like the link I already posted.

@derek.megyesi : Do this ^^^ as @Th3Walrus suggested. This way you do not need to purchase the LED module because the linked Y cable already comes with it. If you do want the OEM LED module, then you need the Y cable that only has plugs at the end. Like this one:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fits-BMW-F3...-/362604853115

Will this work with the Idrive setting as well for interior lighting. On the F36 the only selections are Modern (White) and Classic (Red/Orange).

Yes, it will work, as long as Y cable connects to the pre-existing ambient lighting wiring (radio/ac panel surround, for example).

Panel comes off easy as shown in the posted video. I have replaced the one in my wife's F30 with a storage compartment one. Is really good for small items. Just like this:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...1cbbc9d5c42e7f
Looks OEM on non-leather wrapped black interior.
Didn't replace in F34 because it has OEM USB plug in the panel.

[Th3Walrus]

Originally Posted by Oksamit78

I have replaced the one in my wife's F30 with a storage compartment one. Is really good for small items. Just like this:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...1cbbc9d5c42e7f
Looks OEM on non-leather wrapped black interior.
Didn't replace in F34 because it has OEM USB plug in the panel.

Oksamit78 How am I just finding out about this? I'm always struggling with where to put my phone (11 pro max). It flops around in the cup holders, and it's bigger than the tray in front of the cup holders and comes flying at the shifter when driving hard. It rests nicely beside the parking brake, but I have a 6MT so it's in the way when parking and pulling the brake.

Will large/tall water bottles the diameter of the cup holder still fit? I use a thermoflask bottle and I'm wondering if it would hit this.

[Oksamit78]

Originally Posted by Th3Walrus

Oksamit78 How am I just finding out about this? I'm always struggling with where to put my phone (11 pro max). It flops around in the cup holders, and it's bigger than the tray in front of the cup holders and comes flying at the shifter when driving hard. It rests nicely beside the parking brake, but I have a 6MT so it's in the way when parking and pulling the brake.

Will large/tall water bottles the diameter of the cup holder still fit? I use a thermoflask bottle and I'm wondering if it would hit this.

I'm in GTA and have a spare black NIB as I've gotten two at the time. You are welcome to try it in your car if you are in GTA area. I'm struggling with my phone as well, but this can not be used in cars with USB plug... I'm still brainstorming adequate/elegant solution as I want a storage compartment in my F34, but want the USB plug as well!

Right now I have this plugged into it just for fun:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...5a07f19cVRIZts

[derek.megyesi]

Originally Posted by Th3Walrus

The panel just pulls off. See this video at 2:20:

I don't think BMW sells a Y harness on it's own. You have to buy an aftermarket one, most of which come with the LED, like the link I already posted.

-----

Hi Th3Walrus,

I went to BMW Gallery and quoted this part number: 63319242162, but they said it will not work on my F36 body style. If it is possible to get this LED OEM, then I would assume the Y harness would also be available OEM? No?

[Th3Walrus]

Originally Posted by derek.megyesi

-----

Hi Th3Walrus,

I went to BMW Gallery and quoted this part number: 63319242162, but they said it will not work on my F36 body style. If it is possible to get this LED OEM, then I would assume the Y harness would also be available OEM? No?

No idea. I imagine the previous years that came with this light, had a wire harness that included a connector for the light, and not a Y cable with 3 connectors. Otherwise someone on this forum would have found the part number years ago, and not resorted to making their own connector until these became available on Amazon/Ebay.

[Th3Walrus]

Originally Posted by Oksamit78

I'm in GTA and have a spare black NIB as I've gotten two at the time. You are welcome to try it in your car if you are in GTA area. I'm struggling with my phone as well, but this can not be used in cars with USB plug... I'm still brainstorming adequate/elegant solution as I want a storage compartment in my F34, but want the USB plug as well!

Right now I have this plugged into it just for fun:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...5a07f19cVRIZts

I'm west of you in K/W area. I have the USB port, but I never ever use it for anything. I could probably disconnect it and leave it behind the panel. What do you use the port for?

[Oksamit78]

Originally Posted by Th3Walrus

I'm west of you in K/W area. I have the USB port, but I never ever use it for anything. I could probably disconnect it and leave it behind the panel. What do you use the port for?

I work at Clappison Corners (Hwy 5 and Hwy 6 North) North of Hamilton daily. That's a little closer to K/W area.

Yes, I think you could disconnect it - I remember seeing the back of the panel and connector to the back of USB socket. Needs to be verified.

I use that USB socket on long trips with family when I need spare USB for phone charging. I use the cigarette lighter charger for wife's phone and the panel USB plug for my phone. I don't have wireless charge pad in my car and my phone doesn't have that option either. - Could switch onto dual cigarette charge if I have to, I guess. The USB socket in the arm rest is used for media (music videos and mp3s) only.

[Oksamit78]

Originally Posted by Th3Walrus

No idea. I imagine the previous years that came with this light, had a wire harness that included a connector for the light, and not a Y cable with 3 connectors. Otherwise someone on this forum would have found the part number years ago, and not resorted to making their own connector until these became available on Amazon/Ebay.

100%

[Oksamit78]

Originally Posted by derek.megyesi

-----

Hi Th3Walrus,

I went to BMW Gallery and quoted this part number: 63319242162, but they said it will not work on my F36 body style. If it is possible to get this LED OEM, then I would assume the Y harness would also be available OEM? No?

Of course the dealer will tell you that it won't work with your car...

There is no OEM "Y" cable per se, because the original wiring loom already has the plug in place that is used to power the perimeter backlight of radio/ac panel in LCI vehicles with M sport and other lines (like dual LED cupholder shine down module for the panel you are looking at). The Y cable allows to splice into that without cutting the original wires. So, at the end you will end up with the AC cover perimeter backlight and with cup holder LED lights.

This is the ac cover and perimeter lighting I'm talking about:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fits-BMW-3-...-/184071888786

For instance:
My wife's pre-LCI M Sport F30 does not have the AC panel perimeter backlight, but has the cupholder LED you are enquiring about.
My LCI F34 has the perimeter backlight, but no cupholder LED module.
The wiring loom in that area of both cars is the same but powers different LED options.

[derek.megyesi]

Originally Posted by Th3Walrus

Newer models have the hole, but no light. If you pull that panel off, look if you have a wire harness with a connector there. If so, you can buy a Y adapter harness and led light on amazon for it:

https://www.amazon.ca/Jaronx-Ambient...d_i=B0BJ2T41VQ

---
Ok, I understand now how this works. This Jaronx Y-cable only has one star. Has anyone else used this? Is there a highly recommended one?

[Oksamit78]

Originally Posted by derek.megyesi

---
Ok, I understand now how this works. This Jaronx Y-cable only has one star. Has anyone else used this? Is there a highly recommended one?

Personally I'd get the OEM LED module and the Y cable with plugs separate. The two piece assembly will cost more than that item off Amazon with 1 star rating, but LED module quality will be guaranteed.

OEM Module: https://shop.bmw.ca/p/BMW__/LED-modu...319242162.html

Y Cable (Cheapest): https://www.ebay.com/itm/15541043557...Bk9SR_is_OXMYQ

Or you can build Y cable yourself using OEM connectors.
You will need two (2) of #3: Universal pin terminal uncoded 3 POL. 61136931929
One (1) of #2: Universal socket housing uncoded 3 POL. 61138377072
See here for part breakdown: https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=61_1280

[derek.megyesi]

Thanks all. I went ahead and ordered the OEM module + the Y cable from Amazon. The module is coming from Germany, so may take a few weeks . I'll post pics once it arrives.

[freakystyly]

Just thought I'd try this out since it lists it on the ad. Can confirm the amazon item linked doesn't work for my F22.

The light is a 3 pin and my HVAC controls are a 4 pin connector (all black with 3 wires) and there are no other nearby connectors. It may possibly be able to work with a 4 pin Y but I'm not up for guessing which black cable is which.

What other power sources do you 3/4 series guys/gals have?

[derek.megyesi]

Originally Posted by freakystyly

Just thought I'd try this out since it lists it on the ad. Can confirm the amazon item linked doesn't work for my F22.

The light is a 3 pin and my HVAC controls are a 4 pin connector (all black with 3 wires) and there are no other nearby connectors. It may possibly be able to work with a 4 pin Y but I'm not up for guessing which black cable is which.

What other power sources do you 3/4 series guys/gals have?

---

hmmm, will this work on a F36 though?

[Oksamit78]

Originally Posted by freakystyly

Just thought I'd try this out since it lists it on the ad. Can confirm the amazon item linked doesn't work for my F22.

The light is a 3 pin and my HVAC controls are a 4 pin connector (all black with 3 wires) and there are no other nearby connectors. It may possibly be able to work with a 4 pin Y but I'm not up for guessing which black cable is which.

What other power sources do you 3/4 series guys/gals have?

If you are talking about this connector 4 pin/3 black wires):
[IMG][/IMG]
- you should not touch it.

You should be looking for a separate wire that connects to the perimeter back light of HVAC control panel itself or to LED module in the panel BELOW the HVAC.

For all F3x: Pre LCI vehicles have the LED module OP was asking about and the LCI vehicles have the HVAC panel perimeter backlight. In both cases the in-car wire loom is the same with 3 pin connector.

Wait.... you have LCI F22 with B58! - Those never came with the light option for HVAC panel. I've just checked: only LCI F3x (including F36) have that option. So your car might not eve have the provision for this function.

Here is the example of the panel/shroud without actual HVAC control module, but with the panel perimeter backlight wiring:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fits-BMW-3-...-/184071888786

The OEM P/No for the panel with back light is 6411 9358940 (I have purchased it to be installed in my wife's preLCI F30 with LED module). It does have a 3 pin connector to match what I've listed earlier.