F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > Technical Forums > F30 DIYs and Coding Discussions > DIY: Illuminated LCI AC/radio trim retrofit
proTUNING Freaks
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      12-11-2015, 05:24 PM   #243
squidlyboy
Major
squidlyboy's Avatar
United_States
568
Rep
1,035
Posts

Drives: 2014 Alpine White 328i M-Sport
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Chandler, Arizona

iTrader: (0)

Just received my LCI trim from Dante - thanks bro! Installing it this afternoon and after taking out the old trim, noticed that the Radio and AC control units in that original trim doesn't come out in an obvious way.

The two separate units don't just lift out, and after a few minutes of easy prying, lifting, angling, leveraging, it still doesn't want to pop out easily. It looks pretty obvious when you look at it from the back that it pulls out from the back, but when you look at it from the front, it almost seems like you have to do some removal of some of the buttons first as it seems like they overhang/overlap the edge of the opening. I'd hate to have to pry off buttons as it would increase the chance of scratching it. Do you have to remove anything from the front first? It is necessary?

I've broken things before trying to force things out, and i don't want to ruin anything as i have to look at this every time i'm in the car.

Whats the best/easiest way to remove the two AC control units from the old trim piece?
Attached Images
  
Appreciate 0
      12-11-2015, 05:29 PM   #244
tboooe
Brigadier General
tboooe's Avatar
925
Rep
3,089
Posts

Drives: F36 428i GC, E36 M3 - gone :(
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: The OC!

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by squidlyboy View Post
I've broken things before trying to force things out, and i don't want to ruin anything as i have to look at this every time i'm in the car.

Whats the best/easiest way to remove the two AC control units from the old trim piece?
There are clips that run along the top and bottom of the electronic units. If you look you can see them. I found the best way to remove the AC and radio electronics components was to use one trim tool to release the top clips, a second trim tool to release the bottom clips while applying pressure on the front. You need to keep constant pressure on the front while you work your way across to the release the other clips otherwise the clips you just released will re-engage. The process would have been must easier with a second person to apply the constant pressure while the first person released the clips.

Here are some pics of what I did:
__________________
My build thread

2015 428i GC - Alpine White - Coral Red - M Sport
Appreciate 2
      12-11-2015, 05:33 PM   #245
squidlyboy
Major
squidlyboy's Avatar
United_States
568
Rep
1,035
Posts

Drives: 2014 Alpine White 328i M-Sport
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Chandler, Arizona

iTrader: (0)

Thanks tboooe for the quick response! I'll try that after i get back from dinner tonight!

UPDATE: yup, that did the trick! Thanks for the tip. Man, that ambient light is pretty subtle. When i first got everything all buttoned up, the light didn't seem like it was even on. I had to check the wiring again to make sure i wired it up right, then realized that my Brightness setting was only at 50%. Dude.. i had to crank it to 100% to finally see it. I don't think i ever saw the cup holder LED until tonight lol

Thanks Dante, mbfanos, and tboooe!
Attached Images
 

Last edited by squidlyboy; 12-11-2015 at 10:49 PM..
Appreciate 1
      12-12-2015, 09:37 AM   #246
lemonchicken
Lieutenant
United_States
251
Rep
439
Posts

Drives: 2013 328i blue
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: los angeles

iTrader: (0)

got the part a couple weeks back. Finally installed. Super awesome!

Thanks Dante

Last edited by lemonchicken; 12-12-2015 at 09:38 AM.. Reason: Grammar
Appreciate 1
      12-12-2015, 10:10 AM   #247
ahero4eternity
Major
450
Rep
1,425
Posts

Drives: bmw
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: usa

iTrader: (4)

Quote:
Originally Posted by QUiKSR20
Anyone know if you can swap the LED ring into the original non LCI part? I want to do this mod but my F30 has aluminum w/red stripe sport trim.. Nothing in my car is piano black so Id love to keep the matte piece i have now but add the subtle glow.
Just paint the LCI trim matte black. Easy to do.
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2015, 01:20 PM   #248
tboooe
Brigadier General
tboooe's Avatar
925
Rep
3,089
Posts

Drives: F36 428i GC, E36 M3 - gone :(
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: The OC!

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by squidlyboy View Post

Thanks Dante, mbfanos, and tboooe!
Glad it worked for you! By far, this is one of my favorite mods. Now I just need to get the ballz to do the b pillar ambient light mod too.
__________________
My build thread

2015 428i GC - Alpine White - Coral Red - M Sport
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2015, 04:27 PM   #249
a803sgo
Captain
170
Rep
616
Posts

Drives: BMW 320D M-SPORT (F30)
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Kent, UK

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ahero4eternity View Post
Just paint the LCI trim matte black. Easy to do.
easy but will it look good?

getting a flawless finish will be difficult and as squidlyboy said its something we look at every time we're in the car.
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2015, 05:47 PM   #250
cryptocar
Captain
cryptocar's Avatar
United_States
496
Rep
902
Posts

Drives: 13' F30 385xi VNV Speed Custom
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Chicago, IL

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by tboooe
Quote:
Originally Posted by squidlyboy View Post

Thanks Dante, mbfanos, and tboooe!
Glad it worked for you! By far, this is one of my favorite mods. Now I just need to get the ballz to do the b pillar ambient light mod too.
I'm just waiting on back ordered parts for the B-Pillar. National back order for the optical connectors.
__________________
13' 335xi, ACF Tuned, ACF Stage 3 Turbo Kit (67mm),PDU PI, ACF Stage 4 LPFP, M-Perf Brakes, AEM CM10 Meth/Nitro, CG DR-1 + VS-1 3.5" Turboback, AFe S2 CAI+Ram Scoop, ER Chargepipe, Wagner EVOII Comp. FMIC, Stop-Tech SS Brake Lines, BMS Sport Oil Cooler Valve+Spacers F10mm R15mm, 19" Bridgestone Potenzas, KW EDC Coilovers, CF Seibon Hood + CSL trunk. Track:Pagid Race Pads, Stop-Tech Custom Pads Front+Rear Racing Tow Hooks
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2015, 06:12 PM   #251
ahero4eternity
Major
450
Rep
1,425
Posts

Drives: bmw
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: usa

iTrader: (4)

Quote:
Originally Posted by a803sgo View Post
easy but will it look good?

getting a flawless finish will be difficult and as squidlyboy said its something we look at every time we're in the car.
It's not difficult. A little sanding, a couple coats of primer, and a few coats of flat or satin black paint.

Or Plasti-Dip, which is completely reversible. Or if you really want, take it to a body shop and have them paint match it to the rest of the trim.

I installed my trim today. I friggin' hate the wire connectors that BMW uses. They're such a pain to unclip, haha. PITA when I installed my BMS Stage 1 and just as much of a PITA when installing this trim.
Appreciate 0
      12-13-2015, 04:48 AM   #252
mbfanos
Second Lieutenant
55
Rep
261
Posts

Drives: 330i G20
Join Date: May 2014
Location: California

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by squidlyboy View Post
Thanks tboooe for the quick response! I'll try that after i get back from dinner tonight!

UPDATE: yup, that did the trick! Thanks for the tip. Man, that ambient light is pretty subtle. When i first got everything all buttoned up, the light didn't seem like it was even on. I had to check the wiring again to make sure i wired it up right, then realized that my Brightness setting was only at 50%. Dude.. i had to crank it to 100% to finally see it. I don't think i ever saw the cup holder LED until tonight lol

Thanks Dante, mbfanos, and tboooe!

It took me like an hour to remove those AC control units
Glad it works for ya
Appreciate 1
      12-13-2015, 10:52 AM   #253
Dog Face Pony Soldier
2006 TIME Person Of The Year
Dog Face Pony Soldier's Avatar
United_States
9720
Rep
6,445
Posts

Drives: M Sport 335i
Join Date: May 2013
Location: North Jersey

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2014 335i  [9.74]
Talking

Just put my dash trim in. Thanks Dante!






LCI Dash Trim Upgrade by glenn Q, on Flickr
__________________

Last edited by Dog Face Pony Soldier; 12-13-2015 at 12:59 PM..
Appreciate 1
      12-13-2015, 01:05 PM   #254
Dog Face Pony Soldier
2006 TIME Person Of The Year
Dog Face Pony Soldier's Avatar
United_States
9720
Rep
6,445
Posts

Drives: M Sport 335i
Join Date: May 2013
Location: North Jersey

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2014 335i  [9.74]
Thumbs up



LCI Dash Trim Upgrade by glenn Q, on Flickr
__________________
Appreciate 0
      12-13-2015, 07:08 PM   #255
MikeVictor
Brigadier General
Australia
209
Rep
3,288
Posts

Drives: anything given a chance
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: .au

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Mine's in. Thanks Dante and thanks Tboooe for the tip on removing the console parts. It goes very nicely with the Individual Shadowline trim
Appreciate 1
      12-13-2015, 07:09 PM   #256
ahero4eternity
Major
450
Rep
1,425
Posts

Drives: bmw
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: usa

iTrader: (4)

Had my roommate help me remove the AC/radio units. No idea how some of you did it on your own!

Start to finish took about 15 minutes.
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2015, 08:26 AM   #257
cesare87
First Lieutenant
64
Rep
308
Posts

Drives: 435i
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: uk

iTrader: (0)

Does anyone know if this will work on the f32? Or is it a different shaped trim piece?
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2015, 08:29 AM   #258
tboooe
Brigadier General
tboooe's Avatar
925
Rep
3,089
Posts

Drives: F36 428i GC, E36 M3 - gone :(
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: The OC!

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by cesare87 View Post
Does anyone know if this will work on the f32? Or is it a different shaped trim piece?
Yes it will work on F32. I did it on my F36 which is the same piece.
__________________
My build thread

2015 428i GC - Alpine White - Coral Red - M Sport
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2015, 08:34 AM   #259
Dante
Enthusiast
Dante's Avatar
Germany
466
Rep
1,791
Posts

Drives: F87 M2 / F31 330d
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Bavaria

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by cesare87 View Post
Does anyone know if this will work on the f32? Or is it a different shaped trim piece?
Yes, if it has light package and its not a Model 2016 it will work just fine.
The parts are the same.
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2015, 08:37 AM   #260
cesare87
First Lieutenant
64
Rep
308
Posts

Drives: 435i
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: uk

iTrader: (0)

Awesome! Thanks guys
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2015, 08:32 PM   #261
pentagon
Private First Class
pentagon's Avatar
23
Rep
112
Posts

Drives: 2015 F30 328xi
Join Date: May 2015
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

Hi guys,

Does anyone know if the y adaptor will work with only 2 sets of wires (ground and orange led pin)? Since my car does not have the white led function, can I just skip the cable Altogether? Thanks
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2015, 09:00 PM   #262
tboooe
Brigadier General
tboooe's Avatar
925
Rep
3,089
Posts

Drives: F36 428i GC, E36 M3 - gone :(
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: The OC!

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by pentagon View Post
Hi guys,

Does anyone know if the y adaptor will work with only 2 sets of wires (ground and orange led pin)? Since my car does not have the white led function, can I just skip the cable Altogether? Thanks
You still need the Y cable to power the cup holder led and lci trim piece. However, you can use just 2 wires. Just make sure the power wires from the car is connected to the Orange led power wire of the lci trim piece.
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2015, 09:15 PM   #263
pentagon
Private First Class
pentagon's Avatar
23
Rep
112
Posts

Drives: 2015 F30 328xi
Join Date: May 2015
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by tboooe View Post
You still need the Y cable to power the cup holder led and lci trim piece. However, you can use just 2 wires. Just make sure the power wires from the car is connected to the Orange led power wire of the lci trim piece.
Thank you, that's good to know. the vendor messed up and only sent me 2 sets of pins and wires instead of 3, rather not wait till next week for parts.
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2015, 11:11 PM   #264
MikeVictor
Brigadier General
Australia
209
Rep
3,288
Posts

Drives: anything given a chance
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: .au

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I just can't get over how good the trim looks in gloss black even during daylight when the LEDs don't show as strongly.

My biggest issue now is Sport or Classic... Sport or Classic...
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:55 PM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST