Dashboard- Airbag Indentation-with cool pics :)

[smpeck]

just curious if the indentations are something that just appear? and do they worsen over time.

i put my car in the shop yesterday for some creaking/rattles around the a-pillars - not sure if the technician removed the dash, but now my dash has the air bag indentations.

[shodanusmc]

No way he would have removed your airbag. One day the indentation is not there, the next day it is. Heat is a contributing factor. I just taped a picture of my mother in law over it, and now there is no way I even look over there!

[135iUSN]

mine just appeared.. with full 'square' outline, but I was gone for 3 weeks so not sure how it emerged, other will have better input I'm sure..

[smpeck]

i'm not quite certain it's the heat. my car has been in the Alambama/Florida heat for over a year and the indentations just appeared yesterday, after it was in the shop.

even if the dash weren't removed i wonder if the technician pressed on it or something. there's also another indentation on the center of the dash.

it's scheduled to go back when they get some special felt they need to get the a-pillars creak/squeak free. i'll have them look at the indentations then.

[oasis3582]

That storage bin looks pretty awful to me. Would definitely demand the stock dash if I have this issue.

[BBBluey]

I wonder if you could wrap the storage bin in CF - it would probably look tacky. And since the dash is already out, consider install of the performance steering wheel...

[135iUSN]

so how is the new dash working out?? any rattles, did they scratch anything.. seats..etc... hope it was a success.. . . and how long did it take? and at least a loaner was provided.. (:

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by Chris_B

i know this has been around the forums before, but i thought you guys might be interested in seeing some cool pics a friend of mine from Brecht BMW took for me.

Here was the problem. (My Pictures)




Here are a couple pics BMW took for me.
(Process of Installing New Dashboard)




And here's the new dashboard with a compartment on top that they gave me (my picture)

DO you like the new cubby bin?
It looks a bit...hmmm....tacky?
I don't know.

It reminds me of the bin the 350Z had, but it was cheap and flimsy.
How does that one feel?

Also, why? Is this a new thing for the 2010 1 series?

Is it big enough to fit a portable GPS inside it?
If so, then it could be cool for that. Does it have a 12V power port inside it?

What trim is that you have? Is that walnut?
It looks a lot more red than what I remember.

[135iUSN]

one thing I know is the storage bin is not new. It's mostly on euro spec, other an US lets say, only cars from what I saw at dealers and rentals; the 3 and 5 door variants.

I remember reading about a guy cut his dash and installed a portable gps, which it looked good actually, he purchased the factory storage bin you see pictured here and went at it.

[tennistodd]

My SA told me yesterday that...get this, BMW believes the reason these dash indentations are appearing is due to cleaning solutions used on the dash?" I've never used anything but a VERY damp microfiber cloth. NO chemicals, armorall, Nothing! BULLSHIT BMW

[smpeck]

I've never used anything but a damp cloth on mines and mines also has the indentation.

[135iUSN]

only used dry micro... so um no .. don't fall for it..

[shodanusmc]

Nope, it just showed up one day. I think it may be heat related....

[ChrisK]

Originally Posted by tennistodd

My SA told me yesterday that...get this, BMW believes the reason these dash indentations are appearing is due to cleaning solutions used on the dash?" I've never used anything but a VERY damp microfiber cloth. NO chemicals, armorall, Nothing! BULLSHIT BMW

I agree with you. I have never used anything on my dash but a duster. No chemicals or water ever. ...and I have the mark on my dash.

I think the airbag inside the dash has moved and is putting pressure on the dash. When the dash gets hot, the dash material expands leaving a permanent mark.

Even if you live in a hot climate... if the airbag didn't move, you won't get the mark.

[ChrisK]

I won't have my dealer tear my car apart until BMW has an actual fix for this.

[zamm3k]

I was about to call my SA to go get my dash replaced, but I really don't want them to tear my car apart, specially with reports of the indentations coming back. Waste of my time

[ChrisK]

Originally Posted by zamm3k

I was about to call my SA to go get my dash replaced, but I really don't want them to tear my car apart, specially with reports of the indentations coming back. Waste of my time

[shodanusmc]

Originally Posted by ChrisK

I won't have my dealer tear my car apart until BMW has an actual fix for this.

Totally agree Chris. I will live with it until there is a permanent fic. Now of only they could also get a permanent fix on my driver side window going 1/2 way down when I roll it up!

[theanhdy]

What's the service bulletin number (SIB) on this?

[ChrisK]

I don't believe there is one. If they put out a service bulletin, I would figure BMW would have a fix.

Replacing the dash is not a fix.

[bmwsam]

I just discovered this recently on my less than two month old car. It's barely noticible right now so I'm going to wait until it gets worse to have it fixed and hopefully BMW will have a permanent fix by then.

[ChrisK]

The killer of this issue is the fact that it is in your direct line of sight as you sit in the drivers seats.