[bimmernupe]

This is not for the V1, but for the 9500ix. If the OP wants me to remove it I will. Just figured I would give my take on the concealed display for the 9500ix.

Just wired my 9500ix to the fusebox. Pretty simple to do. A few things I did:

1. Pic 1 & 2 I removed the two visor clips to make sure I put the wire above the headliner securely. Pry back tab and it reveals the torx screw. Not necessary, but still. (Also this makes it easier to remove the front dome light unit if you want to change the light bulbs. Just reach in and feel for the two clips and push them in and the unit drops down. This is much easier and less of a chance in damaging the light unit using the plastic pry tool method).



2. I used Ettil's method of removing the A-pillar cover to zip tie the wire to the wiring behind it. Getting that "AIRBAG" cover off to reveal the torx screw is a...well u know. After remembering the warnings about how easy it will damage, I used the tip of a utility knife to carefully pry it up and used a flat head screwdriver to finish removing it. Then the torx.
At this point wash your hands thoroughly, before trying to remove the cover. I chose to wear nitrile gloves. Removing the cover is easy.

3. Pics 3 & 4 - Instead of hiding the wire behind the felt lining, I ran the wire behind the side dash cover. Use a skinny screwdriver to pry it back.



4. I then removed the 2 torx screws beneath the glove box. I ran the wire through where the fuse block is located to the other side.

5. See the DIY for the sunglasses holder mod for removing the center console and removing the ashtray from the console unit. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7049. See Frank0Q's DIY for taking the two piece ashtray unit apart: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32678. See pic 2 in Frank's DIY for separating the unit. This not as easy as it looks and sounds. It is doable, but a bit frustrating. TIP: especially if you have the brushed aluminum, use blue painter's tape to cover the ashtray cover.

6. Pic 5, 6 & 7 - Pull the plastic down toward the floor. I just realized my hand is on the wrong part. It is the part in front of the one I have my hand on. It will take a small amt of umph. You will see where you can fit the wiring behind the console plastic.




7. I had to take the concealed unit apart. Keep reading you will understand. Pretty simple just remove the 1 screw. When you open the unit fold it open using the sticker face as a hinge. It is not necessary to separate into 2 parts.

8. Remove the ashtray insert. On the bottom of the unit which holds the ashtray insert there is a slit (this the part that you will snip out a bit to make room for the wiring. Also try to stay a little in the center so you won't damage the tab holes as I did.) Use a screwdriver as a folcrum or needle nose pliers would be easier to widen to slit as so to fit the concealed unit circuit board through.

9. Using a Dremel I made an opening on the bottom of the ashtray insert. You only need an opening just large enough to fit the circuit board through. Make the opening on the right side (the right side that is the passenger side of the insert). I made the opening on the pointed bottom of the insert.

10. I put the ashtray units back together and put the concealed unit back together. Pull the wire snug and use some electrical tape on the underside of unit to hold the wire. This will hold the concealed unit snug in the ashtray.

11. Re-attach the ashtray to the console. Before tightening the torx be sure to center the ashtray unit.

12. I used the torx in the fuse block for the ground. You will have to cut the ground ring so it will fit around the torx. You only need to cut it once so it maintains the circle. I used fuse 7 on the block.

13 Pic 8 is final product

[FrankoQ]

Nice DIY Algie. That's the way I like them... lots of pics and very detailed.
For an A+ grade, could you re-post the last pic?

[bimmernupe]

Originally Posted by Takashi

I actually took this mood one step further and rewire the remote control and put the switch below the steering wheel. The whole remote stays out of sight and out of view

Nevertheless, good mood

I thought about that, but the display is so bright that I can see it out of my peripheral vision in the ashtray and the ashtray lid closes w/ no issues.