Nav delete on a track car

[E46m3zcp]

Removing the nav from my E46 M3 (now a track car). Plan: BMW blanking plate in the top slot, HVAC relocated to the middle slot, LeatherZ gauge panel in the bottom slot.

Turns out nav cars use a different center console frame, so nothing fits until that's swapped. I suspect I need the non-nav version: 51168268892 (single-strip switch opening, smoker package).

Anyone done this conversion and can confirm the PN? And does anyone have this frame for sale?

[moproblems]

They are all over the place on eBay and they get thrown out. I might have one I can spend you for postage if you'd like. Finish isn't perfect though.

[E46m3zcp]

I'm seeing some priced high, I have not looked much though and will look more seriously later. If you have one and woild be willing to ship it to Detroit (assuming you're in the US), I would take it

I dont mind cosmethic issues as long as its not too deep. I would likely paint it

[Avedis]

I did a navigation delete, hvac relocation, radio frame bracket, and radio delete panel in my build thread if you want to see.

https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/main-forum/member-build-journals/217513-immaculate-low-mileage-2004-silver-grey-csl-inspired-build?p=219196#post219196

you’ll need the new bracket, screws, delete panel, instrument switch panel without rounded corners for hvac relocation
51458237560
7119904176
65128229147
51168268891

ebay should have plenty of used radio frame brackets

[E46m3zcp]

I did a navigation delete, hvac relocation, radio frame bracket, and radio delete panel in my build thread if you want to see.

https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/main-forum/member-build-journals/217513-immaculate-low-mileage-2004-silver-grey-csl-inspired-build?p=219196#post219196

you’ll need the new bracket, screws, delete panel, instrument switch panel without rounded corners for hvac relocation
51458237560
7119904176
65128229147
51168268891

ebay should have plenty of used radio frame brackets

Thanks! This is useful, I still dont get what the thing without rounded corners is for 51168268891

[Avedis]

The cars that are equipped with factory nav have the hvac positioned in the lower section of the center console. The frame for those cars have little curved wings that stick up, mirroring the corners of the hvac control panel.

What causes issues is when people move the hvac controls panels upwards then try to put something else in its place. Because the little curved wings stick up, panels such as sunglasses trays (or anything fully rectangular) won’t fit in that opening. The “correct” way to do it is to replace the panel with the genuine version that has fully flat edges.

For your exact situation with your car being a track car, I’d remove the panel, then use a dremel or file to grind down the wings. This way you’ll be able to install your gauge panel in the standard frame with some basic mods.

[E46m3zcp]

hmm that makes sense. Now I think removing the rounded corners might not suffice, since the gauge panel height is taller than the hvac module, so there must be another difference in dimensions of the lower bracket

I bought this on marketplace so at first I was suspicious that the gauge panel might have been something else than what I was told, but I trust the seller and he sent me a photo of it installed in his car in that same position so it must be that lower bracket

[moproblems]

I'm seeing some priced high, I have not looked much though and will look more seriously later. If you have one and woild be willing to ship it to Detroit (assuming you're in the US), I would take it

I dont mind cosmethic issues as long as its not too deep. I would likely paint it

I am actually in Michigan as well, let me dig out one of them. I'll PM you pictures.

[moproblems]

The cars that are equipped with factory nav have the hvac positioned in the lower section of the center console. The frame for those cars have little curved wings that stick up, mirroring the corners of the hvac control panel.

What causes issues is when people move the hvac controls panels upwards then try to put something else in its place. Because the little curved wings stick up, panels such as sunglasses trays (or anything fully rectangular) won’t fit in that opening. The “correct” way to do it is to replace the panel with the genuine version that has fully flat edges.

For your exact situation with your car being a track car, I’d remove the panel, then use a dremel or file to grind down the wings. This way you’ll be able to install your gauge panel in the standard frame with some basic mods.

If you look at the top of the panel the upper portion actually makes the opening shorter as the sunglasses tray/storage box is actually taller than the HVAC display.

[bigjae46]

I have a CF plate that replace the entire opening where the nav screen sits. $30 shipped? It's nothing pretty...just a flat piece of carbon and has holes cut in it. PM me if you're interested and I can send a pic.