E30 Zone

I've got to remove to dash to install my AC, can anyone give me some advice on hidden screws or anything to be aware of.

http://home.comcast.net/~cdeegan9/dashb ... ard_1.html I did mine the other day (dashboard swap) long winded lol

That's very helpful thanks a lot.

Good luck dude. Label all the wires up though! Cant stress that one enough.

I plan on doing that thanks.

There's one major mistake in that link. The upper dashboard wiring loom (the one that he unclips in section unplugs at a multi pin socket behind the glovebox area, and comes out with the dash, switches and clock still in place.

I also found getting the dash back in without ruining the A pillar trims was much easier if you remove two of the security bolts on the steering column (either the pair of horizontal or the pair of vertical ones) to allow it to drop a little. Just replace them with normal bolts afterwards.

clipper wrote:I also found getting the dash back in without ruining the A pillar trims was much easier if you remove two of the security bolts on the steering column (either the pair of horizontal or the pair of vertical ones) to allow it to drop a little. Just replace them with normal bolts afterwards.

it's easier to remove the windscreen and drop it in through the window opening,

good thinking Mr. Topless

How do you remove the bolts holding the steering column though, they have no heads, maybe a blow with a chisel might do it not sure.

I took a dremel to them and cut a slot in the head. Then replaced them with alen head bolts.

I've never done a windscreen so I can't comment on which method is "easier" or "quicker" I did actually think about removing the screen but dropping the column, including the dremelling probably took me 15 mins.

Also another thing to note is some dashboard's have different multi pin connectors behind the glovebox. I did mine last week and had to use my old dashboard loom.

clipper wrote:I also found getting the dash back in without ruining the A pillar trims was much easier if you remove two of the security bolts on the steering column (either the pair of horizontal or the pair of vertical ones) to allow it to drop a little. Just replace them with normal bolts afterwards.

The A-pillar trim can be removed independent of the dashboard. Just replace them after reinstalling the dash.

It is certainly very much easier to locate the dash in it's correct position with the 'screen out,snag is replacing the 'screen's locking strip without the special tool takes ages!

I too remove a pair of the security bolts and drop the column,get them turning with a centre punch and hammer,replace with a pair of standard M10 bolts,or you can buy the correct shear bolts from your dealer for a few quid.

A pillar trims can be protected with masking tape,although I have yet to damage one....

Allow at least half a day to swap a dash,more if you are planning other work in the area.