How to remove the Multi Information Display (MID) from the center console of a 1997 BMW 740iL.

April 8, 2003
David Cecil

Though the photo below shows the center console already removed from the vehicle, you do not need to remove the entire assembly. Note the two little doors on the sides of the tape deck that have been opened. You'll need a T10 Torx screwdriver to loosen (not remove) the screws. The procedure is to remove the tape deck which exposes a metal retaining tab on the top of the MID unit, which secures the MID to the metal frame. The MID can then be pushed out from behind while pressing the metal retaining tab downward.

 

In case you're wondering what the back of the assembly looks like, here's a photo of that, too.

 

The first step is to remove the tape deck. Open the two little hinged doors on the left and right sides of the tape deck to expose a T10 Torx screw. You don't need to remove the screws -- just loosen them and the entire tape deck can be pulled out. There are three cables on the back of the tape deck that will need to be removed. All of the cables behind the center console are keyed so you can't make a wrong connection later.

 

This is a view from the rear after the tape deck has been removed. The metal retaining tab that holds the MID in place is circled.

 

Here's a closeup of the metal retaining tab on the top of the MID, from the front.

 

Use one finger to press the metal retaining tab downward, then use your other hand to reach inside the hole from the tape deck and push the MID out from behind.

 

The trick is just to push the metal retaining tab down. Once that's done, the MID simply slides out.

 

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