Anyone have a dash disassembly how to? I was trying to install the invisilens I got from DrO at AMVIV, but the center chrome ring just refuses to come off on my Chrono gauges. Looks like I will need to take apart the dash to get it done. Might as well see if I can kill some squeaks and such.
The chrono (or speedo or Nav) trim ring is attached only by friction to the black background plastic, and it simply pulls off. Basically the ring makes sort of a compression fit against tabs that stick out from the black plastic. The ring can be very stubbornly stuck the first time you try to remove it. When I took off my Nav trim ring, I had to insert a thin screwdriver under the edge and pry it up from the black plastic. After removing it the first time, the fit became not as tight and I am able to pull it off using only my hands on subsequent times.
I saved this post from NAM, but there are others over there, too: North American Motoring - View Single Post - Removal of alloy-patina dash pieces?
I pulled mine like crazy and it still won't separate from the black plastic. The dash would come up but the chrome ring stays in place.
And I just found this on NAM: MINI COOPER :: North American Motoring - Interior/Exterior :: Replacing Speedo and Tach Gauge Faces With Pics! 05-on (3 piece) dashes have center sections that are one piece and the ring does not pop off. Now I need to find out from DrO if they tested fitment with this configuration.
The ring does pop off. I think you'll have to insert a blade to separate and pry the ring from the black background. BlimeyCabrio, MINIBee and a few others have installed InvisiLens on 05+ with chrono pack. I'll ask Blimey to chime in on this thread. http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=RF33&mospid=48018&btnr=51_5446&hg=51&fg=30
I tried inserting a screwdriver, but all that did was scratch up the ring. there is only a few places you can even insert it to begin with.
If it's on very tight, you'll have to insert something thinner than a screwdriver, like a knife blade. Pinch in on the outside of the ring at various spots and try to create a gap where you can insert it. If it's uncomfortable for you to pry it off, then you could take the dash trim pieces off as described in the NAM thread. I have not done this myself. After removing the passenger side trim piece, I've been told that it is possible to work the center piece out without removing the drivers side.
Pulled the dash apart. There is no way that chrome ring was going to come off by simply pulling on it. There are 2 plastic clips at 3 and 9 o'clock that snap in and would not allow to simply pull it off. At least on my car. But at least the lens is in.
Thanks for the report, and I'm glad you got it in. I may need to update the instructions. What is the date of your build? I know at least 3 who installed on 05/06 with chrono pack and chrome ring, and I didn't get any feedback about issues. Are the tabs like hooks that can only be undone from the rear?
The build is 9/04. Yes, the tabs look like hooks. At least enough that you could not pull the ring off. I know I had the dealer work on some rattles and squeaks a few years back, but I doubt that was one of the fixes.
I have a 6/04 MCS with the regular trim ring, and it did not come off for me. I ended up pulling until the entire center of the dash popped off.
Thanks for the information. I apologize if the installation instructions didn't cover all cases. I will investigate differences between versions of trim rings. The trim rings I tested have no tabs or clips and can be popped off. We didn't have feedback about this issue before.
No worries. Removing the dash is easy and this was the first time I've had to do it. Otherwise, love the lenses.
jinky isn't recuperating.. lemme assure you he was not down to the partying Phase I Access bar Phase II ETA Lounge Phase III Hottub (the hotel hottub was open 24-HOURS) Phase IV - ???
While you are wondering about phase IV, I was completing in during your Phase III. Up in my room. With full view of the hot tub.
That's what forums are for! I went through it a couple years ago installing gauge faces. I hated it enough that even though non-glare lenses sound great, there is no way I'm taking all that apart again!
Installing InvisiLens is much quicker and easier than gauge faces. The normal procedure for the speedo/chrono lens is to pop off the trim ring without removing the dash panel (goaljnky is the first case I've come across where it wouldn't come off). Once the trim ring is off, the original lens is easily removed, then put InvisiLens in place and press the trim ring back on, and you're done. This is much easier than changing the gauge face, where you have to take off dash panels, remove the speedo unit from the dash, and partially disassemble the gauge. The tach lens is quick and easy as well. The lens swap is much less involved than a gauge face swap. I do a complete InvisiLens tach installation in 5-10 minutes. Finally, this will sound like shameless self promotion, but I have a genuine belief that an anti-reflective lens is necessary to get the full appearance enhancement from an aftermarket gauge face. During the day, dark gauge faces in particular create a "store window" effect where the reflections interfere with reading the gauges.