NEWBIE question: searched but no answer - center console

[hk20000]

do you guys know of a better way to get at the HVAC panel other than removing the stereo? I can't get the stereo out because the previous owner installed an Alpine CD changer in it and I can't find any vulnerable points of attack to it.

Coming from doing Toyotas I would guess the black center panel (set in a beige dashboard) would come out from metal snap tabs - I'd have yanked ages ago if this was a Toyota, but after reading and hearing all the horror stories of removing......well just about anything on a bimmer, I would like to know if anyone tried removing that panel with any success before I break out my trusty fingernails and biceps

Please help.

[winfred]

most aftermarket radios can be released with about a 1/4" wide piece of sheet metal around 4" long stuck in at the 9 and 3 o-clock positions on either side.
the hvac panel releases with a latch thats hidden behind the ac switch, push the latch and swing the panel out

[bigtisas]

I still keep the stereo removal tool from my JVC headunit. They are two long thin "L" shape metal to be insert from left and right side. Pretty much like Winfred described.

[rickm]

most aftermarket radios can be released with about a 1/4" wide piece of sheet metal around 4" long stuck in at the 9 and 3 o-clock positions on either side.
the hvac panel releases with a latch thats hidden behind the ac switch, push the latch and swing the panel out

Which you could make from a computer slot cover in seconds flat.

[stilljester]

I can't get the stereo out because the previous owner installed an Alpine CD changer in it and I can't find any vulnerable points of attack to it.

My Alpine removes by lifting up on the small locks as shown
http://images14.fotki.com/v379/photos/9/925706/4227555/CIMG0080-vi.jpg
http://images14.fotki.com/v379/photos/9/925706/4227555/CIMG0081-vi.jpg

[hk20000]

thanks for the Alpine Specific tip I got it out. :)

[rickm]

You could look up the manual for it online, maybe it will show how it sits in there, esp if the face comes off. Worth a shot, anyway.

[brick8]

I think you have to pry the trim ring off around the alpine unit first. I have a similar one. It looks like it is a part of the unit, but it is not.

[filip00]

you can pull out that console just by sticking a very thin screwdriver on the side of it and then pulling it out. but be gentle.