How To Remove The Wireless Charging Tray 849900 – Bmw
Removing the BMW wireless charging tray (part number 849900) can seem daunting, but it’s a straightforward DIY task with the right guidance. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step breakdown for safely detaching the tray, whether you’re upgrading your vehicle’s tech, troubleshooting a faulty unit, or accessing underlying components in your center console.
Are you looking to enhance your BMW’s interior, tackle a pesky charging issue, or simply need to get under the hood of your console for other modifications? Many BMW owners find themselves needing to remove the factory-installed wireless charging tray, often identified by the part number 849900. This process, while requiring a careful hand, is entirely achievable for the diligent DIY mechanic or car enthusiast.
If you’re looking to upgrade your BMW’s interior, troubleshoot a connectivity issue, or simply need to access components beneath your center console, knowing how to remove the wireless charging tray 849900 – bmw is an essential skill. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you complete the job safely and effectively.
Our goal at EngineNeeds is to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to tackle these projects yourself. We’ll cover everything from the necessary tools to the critical safety precautions, making this seemingly complex task simple and stress-free.
Why You Might Need to Remove Your BMW Wireless Charging Tray
There are several practical reasons why a BMW owner or DIY mechanic might choose to remove the wireless charging tray. Understanding these motivations can help you determine if this project is right for your needs.
Upgrading Your Charging Capabilities
The factory wireless charging tray, while convenient, might not always meet the demands of newer, power-hungry smartphones. You might want to install an aftermarket unit that offers faster charging speeds or better compatibility with larger phone models.
This is a common upgrade path for enthusiasts who want to keep their vehicle’s technology current. A new tray can provide a more robust charging experience for daily drives or long road trips.
Troubleshooting Electrical or Connectivity Issues
If your wireless charger is acting up – perhaps it’s intermittently charging, not charging at all, or causing other electrical gremlins – removal is often the first step in diagnosis. Accessing the wiring harness beneath the tray allows for thorough inspection.
You can check for loose connections, damaged wires, or even test the tray’s power supply directly. Sometimes, a simple reseating of a connector can resolve the problem entirely.
Accessing Underlying Console Components
The wireless charging tray typically sits atop other crucial components within the center console. Removing it might be necessary to reach climate control modules, shifter mechanisms, infotainment wiring, or even cup holder lighting.
For more extensive interior modifications or repairs, this removal step is often a prerequisite. It clears the path for deeper access without causing damage to surrounding trim pieces.
Essential Tools and Safety Preparations
Before you begin the process of removing your BMW’s wireless charging tray, gather all the necessary tools and prioritize safety. Having everything ready will streamline the job and prevent potential frustration.
Tools You’ll Need
- Plastic Trim Removal Tools: These are crucial for prying plastic panels without scratching or marring your interior. A good kit with various shapes and sizes is highly recommended.
- Torx Screwdriver Set: BMW interiors frequently use Torx fasteners. A T20 Torx bit is commonly needed, but having a set ensures you’re prepared for any size.
- Small Flathead Screwdriver: Useful for gently prying stubborn clips or connectors.
- Microfiber Cloth: To protect delicate surfaces and keep your workspace clean.
- Container for Screws/Parts: A small magnetic tray or bowl helps keep track of fasteners and prevents them from rolling away.
Prioritizing Safety: Disconnecting the Battery
Working with vehicle electronics always carries a risk. To prevent accidental short circuits, electrical damage, or even airbag deployment (though unlikely with this specific task), always disconnect your car’s battery.
- Locate the Battery: In most BMW models, the battery is in the trunk, often under the floor panel or on the right side.
- Disconnect the Negative Terminal: Using a 10mm or 13mm wrench, loosen the nut on the negative (-) terminal.
- Remove the Cable: Carefully lift the negative cable away from the battery post and secure it so it cannot accidentally reconnect. You might want to wrap it in a shop rag for extra safety.
- Wait: Give the car about 10-15 minutes for any residual power in the system to drain. This ensures all modules are fully powered down.
Remember, safety isn’t just about the car; it’s about you. Wear appropriate eye protection if you’re concerned about small plastic pieces flying, though this job is generally low risk.
Step-by-Step Guide: how to remove the wireless charging tray 849900 – bmw Safely
This is where the rubber meets the road. Follow these instructions carefully to successfully remove your BMW’s wireless charging tray. Patience and a gentle touch are your best allies here.
1. Prepare the Work Area
Before you start prying, ensure you have enough space to work. Move the front seats back as far as they can go to give yourself ample room in the center console area. Clear any clutter from the console itself, including cups, coins, or personal items.
Lay down a microfiber cloth or soft towel over any sensitive surfaces near your work area. This provides an extra layer of protection against accidental scratches or dropped tools.
2. Removing the Center Console Trim Panel
The wireless charging tray is typically integrated into or located beneath a larger trim panel in the center console. This panel usually surrounds the shifter and iDrive controller.
- Locate Trim Edges: Identify the seams of the trim panel you need to remove. These panels are often held by clips, sometimes with hidden screws.
- Start Prying Gently: Using your plastic trim removal tool, carefully insert it into a seam, preferably starting from the rear or a less visible edge. Gently pry upwards or outwards to release the first few clips.
- Work Around the Panel: Continue working your way around the perimeter of the trim panel, releasing clips one by one. Listen for the distinct “pop” of the clips disengaging.
- Disconnect Connectors: As the panel lifts, be mindful of any electrical connectors attached to it (e.g., for the iDrive controller, shifter, parking brake button, or the charging tray itself). Carefully depress the release tabs on each connector and pull them apart. Take photos if you’re unsure of reassembly.
- Set Aside the Panel: Once all clips are released and connectors unplugged, carefully remove the entire trim panel and set it aside in a safe place.
Pro Tip: Some BMW models require removal of the shifter knob or boot before the main console trim can be fully lifted. Consult your specific vehicle’s service manual or an online forum for model-specific nuances.
3. Accessing the Wireless Charging Tray
With the main console trim panel removed, the wireless charging tray (849900) should now be visible. It may be directly exposed or secured within a sub-assembly.
Look for any visible Torx screws securing the tray itself. These are typically located on the sides or bottom edges of the tray housing. Use your Torx screwdriver to remove them, keeping track of where each screw came from.
4. Disconnecting the Tray and Removing It
Once any securing screws are removed, the tray should be ready to be lifted out. However, it will still be connected by its electrical harness.
- Locate the Electrical Connector: Find the main electrical connector supplying power and data to the wireless charging tray. It’s usually a single, multi-pin connector.
- Release the Connector: Carefully depress the locking tab on the connector and gently pull it straight off the tray. Avoid yanking on the wires.
- Inspect for Additional Fasteners: In some cases, the tray might have additional clips or tabs holding it in place even after screws and the main connector are removed. Gently check for resistance as you lift it. Use your plastic trim tool if needed to release any final clips.
- Remove the Tray: With all fasteners and connectors disengaged, you can now carefully lift the wireless charging tray 849900 – bmw out of its housing.
Take a moment to inspect the area where the tray was installed. This is a good opportunity to clean out any accumulated dust or debris that might have settled underneath.
Troubleshooting Common Issues During Removal
Even with careful planning, you might encounter a few snags. Here’s how to address common challenges during the removal process.
Stuck Clips or Trim Pieces
Plastic clips can become brittle over time, especially in older vehicles. If a trim piece feels exceptionally stubborn, don’t force it with excessive pressure. Instead, try applying gentle, consistent pressure while wiggling the trim tool.
Sometimes, a quick burst of warm air from a hairdryer (on a low setting, held at a distance) can slightly soften the plastic, making clips easier to release. Be very careful not to overheat or melt any plastic.
Damaged Wires or Connectors
If you accidentally pull too hard and damage a wire or connector, stop immediately. Do not attempt to power on the vehicle. Depending on the severity, you might need to:
- Repair the Wire: If it’s a clean break, you might be able to solder and heat-shrink the wire.
- Replace the Connector: If the plastic housing of the connector is broken, you might need to source a replacement connector body and transfer the pins, or replace the entire sub-harness.
- Seek Professional Help: For complex wiring damage, especially those involving communication lines, it’s best to consult a qualified BMW specialist.
Taking photos before and during disconnection is a great way to avoid misplacing or damaging connectors upon reassembly.
Reinstallation Tips and Final Checks
Whether you’re reinstalling the original tray, a new one, or simply putting everything back together after accessing other components, the reinstallation process is largely the reverse of removal.
Reverse the Steps Carefully
Begin by positioning the wireless charging tray back into its housing. Reconnect its electrical connector, ensuring it clicks firmly into place. Then, reinsert any Torx screws you removed, tightening them just enough to be snug – avoid overtightening, which can strip plastic threads.
Next, carefully position the main center console trim panel. Reconnect all electrical connectors you unplugged earlier, making sure each one is fully seated. Align the trim panel’s clips with their corresponding slots and gently press down around the perimeter until all clips snap back into place.
Reconnect the Battery and Test
Once everything is physically reassembled, go back to the trunk and reconnect the negative battery terminal. Tighten the nut firmly, but again, do not overtighten.
Start your BMW and perform a quick check of all affected systems:
- Test the wireless charging tray with your phone.
- Check the iDrive controller and infotainment system.
- Verify the functionality of the shifter, parking brake, and any other buttons on the console.
- Ensure interior lights and dashboard indicators are working correctly.
If you encounter any issues, such as a non-functional charging tray or error messages, double-check all connections. A loose connector is the most common culprit for post-installation problems.
Pro Tips for BMW Interior Work
As experienced technicians, we’ve learned a few tricks that can make any interior job smoother and more professional.
Use a Magnetic Tray for Fasteners
A small magnetic parts tray is invaluable. It keeps all your screws, bolts, and small clips organized and prevents them from rolling off into the abyss of your car’s interior. This saves time and frustration during reassembly.
Document with Photos or Video
Before you start, and at key stages during disassembly, take clear photos or a short video with your phone. These visual references are incredibly helpful when it comes to remembering which connector goes where, how wires were routed, or the orientation of specific parts.
Clean as You Go
With interior panels removed, you have access to areas that are normally hard to reach. Use this opportunity to vacuum out crumbs, dust, and debris. A quick wipe down with an interior cleaner can leave your console looking fresh.
Consider Upgrades While You’re There
Since you’ve already gone through the effort of disassembling the console, consider if there are other minor upgrades or maintenance tasks you can perform. This might include:
- Replacing worn buttons or trim pieces.
- Installing additional USB ports.
- Upgrading interior lighting.
- Running wires for a dash cam or other accessories.
This approach saves you from having to repeat the disassembly process later, making your time more efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions About how to remove the wireless charging tray 849900 – bmw
Is it hard to remove the BMW wireless charging tray (849900)?
No, it’s not particularly hard, but it requires patience and the right tools. The main challenge is carefully prying off plastic trim pieces without causing damage. Following a step-by-step guide and using plastic trim removal tools makes it a manageable DIY task.
What tools are absolutely necessary for this removal?
You’ll definitely need a set of plastic trim removal tools and a Torx screwdriver set (often T20). A small flathead screwdriver and a container for screws are also highly recommended for a smooth process.
Do I really need to disconnect the battery?
Yes, absolutely. Disconnecting the negative battery terminal is a critical safety step when working with any automotive electronics. It prevents accidental short circuits, potential damage to electrical components, and ensures your safety.
What if I break a clip during removal?
Minor clip breakage is common, especially on older vehicles. Often, a single broken clip won’t compromise the reassembly of a larger panel, as many clips are used. If a crucial clip breaks, you might be able to source replacements online or from a BMW parts dealer. For critical structural clips, you should replace them.
Can I upgrade my wireless charging tray to a faster one after removal?
Yes, this is a common reason for removing the factory tray. Many aftermarket wireless charging solutions offer higher wattage and faster charging speeds, or better fitment for larger phones. Ensure any replacement tray is compatible with your BMW model and integrates properly with the existing wiring or requires a simple adapter.
Final Thoughts: Empowering Your DIY Journey
Successfully tackling a project like knowing how to remove the wireless charging tray 849900 – bmw is incredibly rewarding. It not only saves you money on labor costs but also deepens your understanding of your vehicle’s intricate design. At EngineNeeds, we believe in empowering every car owner, weekend DIYer, and off-road enthusiast with the knowledge to maintain, troubleshoot, and upgrade their vehicles with confidence.
Remember, always prioritize safety, use the correct tools, and don’t rush the process. If you encounter a situation beyond your comfort level, don’t hesitate to consult a professional technician. Your BMW is a complex machine, and careful work ensures its longevity and your enjoyment.
Keep your hands dirty, your mind sharp, and your ride running smoothly. Stay safe and happy wrenching!
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