This 13 step process will walk you through how to install a 7″ LCD screen into a E90/E92 BMW 335i, 330i or 328i. This process will work for sedans, coupes, and convertibles that do not have the iDrive system. A few things to note before you get started:
- Details for removal of the center console trim can be found in the middle of the first post of this thread.
- The top 1/2″ of your screen will be blocked by the center console trim. To overcome this, a custom front-end theme is required, or you may be able to deal with the overlap like Apander at E90Post.com has. Also, credit belongs to him for the initial idea for this install.
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- Step 1: Once removed, the LCD should fit right against the ridges on the top and bottom. Seperating the touch screen from the LCD will help with the install. You can choose to align the screen in the center, or slightly towards the driver’s side for a better viewing angle.
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- Step 2: You may have to trim some of the lip away with a dremmel depending on the size of your screen’s border. We had to trim in the circled areas for the bottom corners to fit, and to make room for the touch screen’s cable.
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- Step 3: Aquire some aluminum trim from Home Depot or Lowes (part numbers for each shown). This aluminium sheet closely matches the polised metal on the shift knob.
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- Step 4: Using a sheet of paper, create a template to use when cutting the aluminum.
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- Step 5: Trace over the template you have created with a Sharpie. Marking the front of the template can help to ensure you use the proper side of the aluminum.
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- Step 6: Double check to ensure you’ve got the right edge of the trim, and that the front side of the cut will be correct.
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- Step 7: Using either shears or scissors, cut the aluminum. Be careful not to bend the metal, as it is very thin. Using tin snips for the intial cuts then cleaning up with some sharp scissors will work best to keep the metal flat.
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- Step 8: Test fit your pieces, and trim as necissary.
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- Step 9: While there may be cleaner ways to accomplish this, we found that all purpose Duct Tape worked best to hold the aluminum in place until the screen was mounted. Once mounted, friction from the screen, as well as the tape, keeps the metal in place.
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- Step 10: At this point, place your LCD over your touchscreen.
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- Step 11: We chose to use wire ties attached to the screw points from the ashtray to secure the LCD. While not fancy, this method proved to be the most secure of multiple attempts. This could also be accomplished by purchasing the Sunglasses Tray from BMW, and modifying to fit.
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- Step 12: Before installing in the car, test the LCD to ensure everything works properly.
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- Step 13: Re-install the center console trim and admire your handywork.
And there you have it. Look for future posts on wiring and the computer installation that will power this LCD, followed by the software we will use for the system’s brain.
One Response to “7″ LCD ashtray install in a BMW 335i / 330i / 328i (E90 / E92)”
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