dash swap - knee bolster upper attachment holes

[jdt10768]

I just swapped an older dash into a 1991 318is, and when I got to the point of reinstalling the bolster under the steering column, the swapped dash did not have the same (3) screw attachment points as the original dash - just 3 oval shaped holes with nothing for the screws to attach to. After comparing to the original dash, I noticed that the original did have 3 removable screw in points which I grabbed and attempted to install on the swapped dash. There is no place (metal plate) to install those screw-in points on the swapped dash. Has anyone run into this before? If so, what did you do?

[nrubenstein]

I just swapped an older dash into a 1991 318is, and when I got to the point of reinstalling the bolster under the steering column, the swapped dash did not have the same (3) screw attachment points as the original dash - just 3 oval shaped holes with nothing for the screws to attach to. After comparing to the original dash, I noticed that the original did have 3 removable screw in points which I grabbed and attempted to install on the swapped dash. There is no place (metal plate) to install those screw-in points on the swapped dash. Has anyone run into this before? If so, what did you do?

You need the older model parts for this.

[jdt10768]

I'll look in the parts bag that came with the dash. Any image or part number for what I need here please?

[nrubenstein]

I'll look in the parts bag that came with the dash. Any image or part number for what I need here please?

No, you need the under dash panel from a non-airbag car. IIRC, you need the center console as well.

[audiquattrot]

yeah instead of that nice vinyl covered lower panel (from the airbag cars), you have to get the cardboard-like lower panel that's held in my half-turn screws instead of actual screws. Also I believe you have to do away w/ that metal support that the lower panel (on the airbag car) sat behind.

[jdt10768]

gotta be a way to make this work. I may have to get creative

[AwakenNoMore]

I sure hope there is a way to make the airbag knee bolster and center console work with it otherwise I picked up a clean non airbag dash for nothing.

[nrubenstein]

I sure hope there is a way to make the airbag knee bolster and center console work with it otherwise I picked up a clean non airbag dash for nothing.

The non-airbag under dash panel gives you a lot more clearance, fwiw.

[AwakenNoMore]

I figured. What about the center console though, any way to make it fit correctly?

[nrubenstein]

I figured. What about the center console though, any way to make it fit correctly?

There will be a substantial gap at the side.

[jdt10768]

my center console seems to fit fine with the non-airbag dash.

I am just scheming on placing/gluing a metal strip onto the back underside of the dash where those 3 screws attach & drilling out some oval shaped holes, then using the original screw-in clip thingies. Might have to find longer screws, but that's not an issue

[Code808]

my center console seems to fit fine with the non-airbag dash.

I am just scheming on placing/gluing a metal strip onto the back underside of the dash where those 3 screws attach & drilling out some oval shaped holes, then using the original screw-in clip thingies. Might have to find longer screws, but that's not an issue

Have a similar issue. How did you come through your situation? According to REALOEM, there should be no difference in the fastener for the lower left dash panel. However, the fastener (piece 12) while it will work in the dash slots, does not work with the lower dash panel. The fastener does not fit into the round holes.

Any suggestions or pictures that anyone has of the new dash verses old dash attachment area would be appreciated.