Help!! E36 Dash Install Do U Need To Remove The Windshield?

BanginBeema · #1 (**permalink**) 05-10-2003, 01:40 PM

I'm doing a tan to black interior change over. I GOT MY DASH OUT BY TEARING IT OUT. I had a hell of a time getting the dash board OUT because of the dash bolts along the windshield, now I can't get the new dash in!! Is it possible to install without removing the windshield? It doesn't seem possible!! HELP!

DeeDubb · #2 (**permalink**) 05-10-2003, 02:32 PM

LOL, i just did this too. I got the two side dash bolts off/on ok and the center one.....
well lets just say that i cracked the hell out of my windshield getting it out, replaced the windshield and never put in the center bolt.

It came out good but i will never attempt this again. That was the most complicated and tedious thing i have attempted on my car yet.

BanginBeema · #3 (**permalink**) 05-10-2003, 02:36 PM

Thanks for the 411. I guess I had better luck then you ^TTT^

WannaBeeM3 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-10-2003, 07:28 PM

You do not need to remove your windsheild, you just need to get a small enough ratchet to fit between the windsheild and the dash. I've done this twice, and IMO it wasn't that bad, took me about 4 hours to strip a entire e36 the first time. Tne dash alone took about 45 mins.

BanginBeema · #5 (**permalink**) 05-11-2003, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by WannaBeeM3
You do not need to remove your windsheild, you just need to get a small enough ratchet to fit between the windsheild and the dash. I've done this twice, and IMO it wasn't that bad, took me about 4 hours to strip a entire e36 the first time. Tne dash alone took about 45 mins.

I got it out but I can't get the new dash IN! Any suggestions?
BTW I have the smallest 1/4" drive rachet Craftsman makes. I used a shallow socket as well.

WannaBeeM3 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-11-2003, 01:25 PM

Well what I did was I bought one of those cheap ass rachet sets from Kragen that cost 4.99. and luckily for me the racket they had was small enough. But it still had no clearance, My rachet still touched the windshield. But I never chiped it or cracked it. But what I'd do, is if you at least manage to loosen off the bolts that are under the vents that hold the dash in, use the socket alone and take it off by hand. And the same goes for putting it on. Start it by hand but torque it down with the Ratchet. Its kinda hard but you'll be able to do it.

BanginBeema · #7 (**permalink**) 05-11-2003, 01:30 PM

Yea I got the dash totally out and didnt break the windshield or anything. I can't get the new dash in place

Maybe its a 2 man job? It even seems a lil wide for my dash its so damn snug,but I know its out of a 97m3 coupe and I have a 95 325is!
So you definately were able to switch dashboards without removing the windshield? I guess I'm not gonna give up! Did you do the headliner? What do you gotta do to adhere it?

scottycs · #8 (**permalink**) 05-11-2003, 03:06 PM

I replaced my dash as well. I had no problems. Your putting it in wrong if the windshield is in the way. It is pretty self explanitory.

BanginBeema · #9 (**permalink**) 05-11-2003, 04:06 PM

I had my brother help me and viola! Now I just gotta get it to align perfect it doesnt wanna sit perfect above the passenger airbag but I dont have the dash bolts in yet so we'll see....

WannaBeeM3 · #10 (**permalink**) 05-11-2003, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BanginBeema
Yea I got the dash totally out and didnt break the windshield or anything. I can't get the new dash in place
Maybe its a 2 man job? It even seems a lil wide for my dash its so damn snug,but I know its out of a 97m3 coupe and I have a 95 325is!
So you definately were able to switch dashboards without removing the windshield? I guess I'm not gonna give up! Did you do the headliner? What do you gotta do to adhere it?

Well I swaped my interior from a 99 E36, everything fit perfect, the headliner needs no adheasive. to take it off you need to all the "oh $hit handles" and the visors, the striping around the sunroof door, etc, etc. and it comes off, just remember to not tear the backing of the head liner.

BanginBeema · #11 (**permalink**) 05-12-2003, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by WannaBeeM3
Well I swaped my interior from a 99 E36, everything fit perfect, the headliner needs no adheasive. to take it off you need to all the "oh $hit handles" and the visors, the striping around the sunroof door, etc, etc. and it comes off, just remember to not tear the backing of the head liner.

So when you put the BLACK headliner in you just put it up there and reinstall s/r cover,lining,handles, visors and the headliner stays in place with no need for any adhesive? I guess I'll do that myself then I thought you needed to secure it a lil guess not