DIY: Install the dash top storage bin

[Traf]

Hi, does anybody have the cutting template ? I can't print the one from the first page to scale...

[pepper135I]

Originally Posted by j8smith

I decided I wanted to install the dash top storage compartment that’s available outside of North America. A quick check of real-oem showed there is a retrofit kit available

Step 1

I ordered the storage compartment retrofit kit Part # 51450428424 from Tischer BMW, and it took 3 weeks to come from Germany and cost $85. It comes with a cutting template, fasteners, a wiring harness and the storage bin. It didn't come with the install instructions, but Jason at Tischer emailed them to me. These instructions are basically useless as most of the diagrams are missing or incorrect.

Step 2

Cut out and align the cutting template and stick it to the dash. I used a marker to mark where to cut, than removed the template.

Step 3

Now it’s time to cut a big hole in your dash. The install instructions say to use a vibratory saw for this but I don’t now where you would find one of these. I ended up using a rotary tool with a flex shaft and a rotozip bit. It mostly just melted through the plastic, but it worked fairly well.

Step 4

Remove the center vent using a plastic trim tool at 4 points, where the indentations are on the dash panel.

Step 5

Install the supplied metal clips in the mounting points in the dash

Step 6

Connect the wire on the storage bin to the unused connector clipped to the steel tube in the dash. This is for the light in the storage compartment
The Kit also comes with a wiring harness that is meant to tie into the glovebox light wiring. DO NOT USE THIS. The glove box light always has power so if you use this, the storage compartment light will always been on. The unused plug already in the dash is tied to the interior lights and is only powered when the headlights are on.

Step 7

Remove the rubber matt from inside the storage compartment. Then install the compartment into the dash.

Step 8
Install the 4 torx screws that secure the storage compartment to the dash

Step 9

Reinstall the rubber matt, then reinstall the center vent

Step 10

Vacuum up all the plastic shavings that are now all over your interior.

And that’s it, you are done

Sorry to bring back a old thread . Awesome write up, I was hoping you could give me some insight. I am trying to figure out if it is possible to route a mini usb cable from my glove box to behind the dash and out the center vent . My question is when you took the out the center vent was it open all the way to the bottom? In other words if I take out my stereo, AC and center vent did you see open space to get a wire through from under? Or is behind the center AC vent its own seperate box area with no access below to the radio and AC? Hoping I can get more info before ripping apart the interior . I have a custom mount for my mhd tablet that goes inside my vent but would like to hide the wire that would run from my glove box to the vent .. Once again awesome write up!

[desertman123]

Also bumping an ancient thread.

I have to agree with y'all, I just don't know if I could cut into my dash like that. I love having more storage (the eternal struggle with E82), especially with an OEM part.

Oh well, I'll add this to my wishlist on ECS. It's reached over $2000