How to remove cowling over gauge cluster?

[x1GTA]

I would like to remove the cowling over the gauge cluster to coat it with matte rubber coating. I don't like the "cheap looking/feeling" black plastic there right now. I drove another x1 that had a fabric/soft touch stitched cover - which I think was an option. I'd love to get that as a replacement if I could!

Thanks!

[kringer2]

I would like to know this too. I agree it looks cheap.

[kapetajr]

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=51_6713

1m part should fit. Its covered in alacantra.
Part #: 51458051253
Marked number 3

Removal should be exactly like on a 1 series

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=837441

[x1GTA]

Sweet! looks straight forward! Thanks!

[x1GTA]

With a bit more info I found this install guide:
https://www.drive2.ru/l/7607088/

[der_kommissar]

Also, the 2015 x1 in sport line and in xLine came with nicer cowlings that you can also find on realoem. I'd take a look at those- I think the sport line one looks pretty good. I'm getting up the nerve to do this one myself.

[tominavl]

Originally Posted by der_kommissar

Also, the 2015 x1 in sport line and in xLine came with nicer cowlings that you can also find on realoem. I'd take a look at those- I think the sport line one looks pretty good. I'm getting up the nerve to do this one myself.

I just installed the Sport Line version into my '14 X1. It was easy to install and it matches the red stitching on my leather seats. The original was hard plastic. The new one is soft touch. Much better! P/N 51459323662

[der_kommissar]

Originally Posted by tominavl

I just installed the Sport Line version into my '14 X1. It was easy to install and it matches the red stitching on my leather seats. The original was hard plastic. The new one is soft touch. Much better! P/N 51459323662

Very cool! Can you post a picture?

Also, where did you buy the cowling? I've tried entering the part numbers in getbmwparts.com and they can't find them.

[tominavl]

Originally Posted by der_kommissar

Very cool! Can you post a picture?

Also, where did you buy the cowling? I've tried entering the part numbers in getbmwparts.com and they can't find them.

I got it at: www.oemvehicleparts.com. Here is a pic. Installation was easy, less than 5 minutes. A nice upgrade!

http://e84.xbimmers.com/forums/attac...1&d=1499114722

[der_kommissar]

Thanks! Looks great. So, it's not alcantra, right? Just soft touch? And did you have any problem removing the instrument cluster?

[tominavl]

Originally Posted by der_kommissar

Thanks! Looks great. So, it's not alcantra, right? Just soft touch? And did you have any problem removing the instrument cluster?

It's the exact soft-touch material as the upper dash board. A perfect match! And with just a slight tug with a soft tool, the cluster popped right out, exposing the screws to remove and replace the cowling.