Has anyone removed the center vent (the one above the speedo)? I want to hide a Hybrid Audio L3SE 3" driver there. I need a center channel for my JBL MS-8 DSP. The vent doesn't really do much anyway, and there will still be plenty of airflow to the left and right of the speaker.

I figured I'd ask here before I start pulling on it, breaking tabs

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...sh-videos.html

 

I've watched those several times. I didn't see him take the upper center vent out in either of the videos.

 

I thought he did, sorry. IIRC, there are a few torx screws right underneath it that you can see from the top. Take those out and the vent should pop out like any other part of the dash would.

 

There are two torx screws located at the far corners of the vent closest to you. (left and right sides towards the doors). Should be 2 very small removable panels on the two corners that can be popped off which exposes the 2 torx screws. They are approximately two inches down and on an awkward angle. I used a small mirror and flashlight to see them and got an idea of the angle. The entire vent can be popped off but not advised because you may damage the surrounding area that the grill is recessed into. Hope this helps.

 

Went down to Sears this evening and got a full set of Torx drivers. I got the screw covers and torx screws out, but I've been tugging at the vent for 1/2 hour and it won't budge. I'm going to order the plastic spudger kit from Outmotoring and go at it again.

I'm not even positive it can be removed - if you pull up the dash panel on RealOEM, it looks like the vent is part of the dash (and it would be $425.49 if I broke something trying to remove it)

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...34&hg=51&fg=30

 

This may be a hint of what's underneath:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...=64&fg=05&hl=1



You might get a better look if you take off your speedometer.

 

Good point, I might just take this opportunity to replace the ugly gray speedo and vent trim rings with chrome.