Lower dash removal.
Discussion
borat said:
Hello all, just wondering if anyone has any tips on removing the lower dash on my 88 350i. Bit concerned about the wiring behind the switches, etc.
What do you mean by lower dash ?? the square bit that sits in front of the gear knob ??
That is not be to hard to remove the worst thing is the heater controls dont give too much free play so you will need to remove em. Just remove the leather covered cowl thing first and have a look
Good Luck
Shouldnt worry too much about the wiring etc. Just remove the 2 screws holding the vinyl covering on and the moulded unit should just pop off. At this point, you should be able to remove/move the rectangular 2 side panels which go up either side of the transmission tunnel. They may be screwed at the ends, so just rotate them oit of the way if needed.
I'm assuming that youre trying to access the heater fan. If you now look up to the right of the transmission tunnel, you will be able to see the motor etc. I can't remember off hand, but I thought you could actually remove the motor now by undoing the 3 self tapping screws that hold it in. If not though, then you will need to remove the rest of the lower switch panel.
Put a nice thick blanket over your transmission tunnel to avoid any damage. Undo the 2 self tapping screws either side of the switch panel which is holding it down onto the transmission tunnel covering. Also, try and remove the stereo at this point to make everything easier to handle. You should now be able to grab hold of the switch panel unit, and pull it away from the dashboard. Take it slowly as there may be some cable ties which need cutting, or a few twisted wires. Also, the heater control wheels may hold things up a little, so you can always disconnect the linkages which is no more than a nut and bolt on each one. The main wiring loom for the switch panel comes from the left hand side of the car, so you should be able to swing the right hand side of the panel out and rest it on the blanket. You don't need to remove any of the switches individually, so you shouldn't need to touch any of the wiring. You should now have good access to the fan motor housing.
I'm assuming that youre trying to access the heater fan. If you now look up to the right of the transmission tunnel, you will be able to see the motor etc. I can't remember off hand, but I thought you could actually remove the motor now by undoing the 3 self tapping screws that hold it in. If not though, then you will need to remove the rest of the lower switch panel.
Put a nice thick blanket over your transmission tunnel to avoid any damage. Undo the 2 self tapping screws either side of the switch panel which is holding it down onto the transmission tunnel covering. Also, try and remove the stereo at this point to make everything easier to handle. You should now be able to grab hold of the switch panel unit, and pull it away from the dashboard. Take it slowly as there may be some cable ties which need cutting, or a few twisted wires. Also, the heater control wheels may hold things up a little, so you can always disconnect the linkages which is no more than a nut and bolt on each one. The main wiring loom for the switch panel comes from the left hand side of the car, so you should be able to swing the right hand side of the panel out and rest it on the blanket. You don't need to remove any of the switches individually, so you shouldn't need to touch any of the wiring. You should now have good access to the fan motor housing.
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