Headliner removal?

[e46m3to335i]

Anybody know where I can find a headliner removal DIY? Im looking to remove my headliner to wrap it in black alcantara to match the rest of my interior trim bits. Thanks in advance!

-Nick

[Satalite]

Originally Posted by e46m3to335i

Anybody know where I can find a headliner removal DIY? Im looking to remove my headliner to wrap it in black alcantara to match the rest of my interior trim bits. Thanks in advance!

-Nick

Sounds cool! May I ask what the headliner is?

[e46m3to335i]

Originally Posted by Satalite

Sounds cool! May I ask what the headliner is?

Thw inside roof of the interior. Mine is grey along with the a/b pillars. I hate having a all black on black car with a grey headliner and a/b pillars.

-Nick

[spfdenhugh]

I ordered the dark A+B+C pillars from the dealer (~$120) and replaced them (I have an 08 before the M sport pkg with dark headliner). Looks much better but still have the grey headliner. I am ok with it as everything in line of sight is dark. Headliner is likely not hard but a little tedious (and big $ if you replace with the factory dark headliner/moonroof cover/assorted bits).

[Sarracino89]

planning to do the same later on so I'm gonna subscribe to this.

My concern was also the piece that goes around the sunroof. Are you going to wrap that piece as well? and what about the sliding piece?

[Yvette]

Originally Posted by spfdenhugh

I ordered the dark A+B+C pillars from the dealer (~$120) and replaced them (I have an 08 before the M sport pkg with dark headliner). Looks much better but still have the grey headliner. I am ok with it as everything in line of sight is dark. Headliner is likely not hard but a little tedious (and big $ if you replace with the factory dark headliner/moonroof cover/assorted bits).

can you show pics of what you ordered???

[e46m3to335i]

Originally Posted by Sarracino89

planning to do the same later on so I'm gonna subscribe to this.

My concern was also the piece that goes around the sunroof. Are you going to wrap that piece as well? and what about the sliding piece?

Yes I plan to wrap everything. I was concerned a lil about the sliding portion and trim ring also but im pretty good at wrapping interior parts so as long as everything comes out without any big issues then I feel I can handle it.

Nick

[Sarracino89]

Awesome can't wait to see the finished product. Don't forget to take lots of PICTURES cuz you know us 1addicts are like kids and want more pictures less words LOL

[e46m3to335i]

Originally Posted by spfdenhugh

I ordered the dark A+B+C pillars from the dealer (~$120) and replaced them (I have an 08 before the M sport pkg with dark headliner). Looks much better but still have the grey headliner. I am ok with it as everything in line of sight is dark. Headliner is likely not hard but a little tedious (and big $ if you replace with the factory dark headliner/moonroof cover/assorted bits).

Can you give any tips on how to remove the factory A,B and C pillars. Did you have any issues with the airbags? Did you disconnect the battery before removal? Any special tools?

-Nick

[RWolf10]

OP. It'll take you half a day to do it right. Wear long sleeves when taking out the roof because of the tiny fiberglass slivers that will dust off when removing. I made this mistake and had a rash for days.

You'll need some friends too.

[e46m3to335i]

Originally Posted by RWolf10

OP. It'll take you half a day to do it right. Wear long sleeves when taking out the roof because of the tiny fiberglass slivers that will dust off when removing. I made this mistake and had a rash for days.

You'll need some friends too.

Thanks for the heads up on that. Any tips for hidden screws in the headliner or certain panels to remove to actually get to the headliner??

Nick

[RWolf10]

Originally Posted by e46m3to335i

Thanks for the heads up on that. Any tips for hidden screws in the headliner or certain panels to remove to actually get to the headliner??

Nick

You'll need to remove the A,B, and C pillars first. Check out realoem.com for schematics and screw points.

The moonroof sliding panel was the only thing my buddies and i couldn't figure out how to remove. you'll need a tech's help on that one.

[e46m3to335i]

Originally Posted by RWolf10

You'll need to remove the A,B, and C pillars first. Check out realoem.com for schematics and screw points.

The moonroof sliding panel was the only thing my buddies and i couldn't figure out how to remove. you'll need a tech's help on that one.

Thanks!!

[e46m3to335i]

Originally Posted by e46m3to335i

Thanks!!

I forgot to ask. Did you and your buddies unplug the battery during the removal?

The A/C pillar curtain airbags have me a bit nervous lol.

Nick

[RWolf10]

Originally Posted by e46m3to335i

I forgot to ask. Did you and your buddies unplug the battery during the removal?

The A/C pillar curtain airbags have me a bit nervous lol.

Nick

nope. no worries, you're not actually touching the airbag as its attached to the frame and not the panel you're removing. that airbag square pops off to reveal a screw.

[spfdenhugh]

can you show pics of what you ordered???

I don't have any pictures handy, but go to realoem.com and you can see what you need. A+B+C covers in graphite + 4 of the "airbag" tabs in graphite as well.

Can you give any tips on how to remove the factory A,B and C pillars. Did you have any issues with the airbags? Did you disconnect the battery before removal? Any special tools?

No airbag issues, but I would leave the ignition off (or if you are really worried, just disconnect the battery, but it is not really necessary). There are screws under the "airbag tabs", otherwise the A & C just need to be pried up with plastic trim tools. The B requires you to take the seatbelt loose from the rail on the floor and thread it through the slot in the new trim. Just make sure all the tabs line up with the slots before giving it a short strike with the heel of your hand to lock it in. It is actually pretty easy, just take your time.

[TSiggs]

Originally Posted by spfdenhugh

can you show pics of what you ordered???

I don't have any pictures handy, but go to realoem.com and you can see what you need. A+B+C covers in graphite + 4 of the "airbag" tabs in graphite as well.

Can you give any tips on how to remove the factory A,B and C pillars. Did you have any issues with the airbags? Did you disconnect the battery before removal? Any special tools?

No airbag issues, but I would leave the ignition off (or if you are really worried, just disconnect the battery, but it is not really necessary). There are screws under the "airbag tabs", otherwise the A & C just need to be pried up with plastic trim tools. The B requires you to take the seatbelt loose from the rail on the floor and thread it through the slot in the new trim. Just make sure all the tabs line up with the slots before giving it a short strike with the heel of your hand to lock it in. It is actually pretty easy, just take your time.

Just don't lock your keys in the car with the battery disconnected. We all had a laugh at that thread....

[e46m3to335i]

Originally Posted by RWolf10

nope. no worries, you're not actually touching the airbag as its attached to the frame and not the panel you're removing. that airbag square pops off to reveal a screw.

Another big thanks to ya!

[e46m3to335i]

[QUOTE=spfdenhugh;9411917]can you show pics of what you ordered???

I don't have any pictures handy, but go to realoem.com and you can see what you need. A B C covers in graphite 4 of the "airbag" tabs in graphite as well.

Can you give any tips on how to remove the factory A,B and C pillars. Did you have any issues with the airbags? Did you disconnect the battery before removal? Any special tools?

No airbag issues, but I would leave the ignition off (or if you are really worried, just disconnect the battery, but it is not really necessary). There are screws under the "airbag tabs", otherwise the A

[spfdenhugh]

One more thing: for those who are doing the "B" pillar, make sure you order the clothes hook in graphite as well (I didn't even know we had a hook until I did this mod).