Removing 06 downtubes? Whats the secret..

[scatpack]

Has anyone solved this dilemma? The 06' downtubes are a bit different from the 05' and below. Anyone figure out an easy way to remove yet? They come off easy enough at the top, but can't be lifted out of the bottom (ashtray area)

Anyone figure out whats holding them in?

[mikeythemini]

They bellow out at the bottom so wont lift out, you will have to remove the console & drop them out.
If just removing the radio - no need to remove them

[scatpack]

Interesting.. can you replace 06 downtubes with 05's?

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by scatpack

Interesting.. can you replace 06 downtubes with 05's?

The downtube change was probably made with the center console change in July 2004.

[Rakey]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC

The downtube change was probably made with the center console change in July 2004.

it was later than that Ron, as mine is a Jan 05 and has the older style downtubes which can be pulled out without taking the centre consol out.

I think Mikey was the first report this change and on what build he first spotted it so might be able to give us an idea of date

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by Rakey

it was later than that Ron, as mine is a Jan 05 and has the older style downtubes which can be pulled out without taking the centre consol out.

I tried looking at RealOEM but couldn't find any parts dated after 07/2004 ...

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...75&hg=51&fg=35

[Rakey]

here is the thread that Mike reported the change in, so gives us a date to work back from when it came onto production

http://www.mini2.com/forum/first-generation-interior-ice/95171-radio-pillars-design-change-june-05-mini.html

[Rakey]

No. Description Supplement Qty From Up To Part Number Price Notes
01 COVER, PIPE RIGHT DECOR SILVER 1 09/2002 07/2004 51451508200
01 COVER, PIPE RIGHT DECOR SILVER 1 09/2002 07/2004 51456973074 +core
01 COVER, PIPE LEFT DECOR SILVER 1 09/2002 07/2004 51451508201
01 COVER, PIPE LEFT DECOR SILVER 1 09/2002 07/2004 51456973073 +core


07 COVER, PIPE RIGHT DECOR SILVER 1 07/2004 51451508200
07 COVER, PIPE LEFT DECOR SILVER 1 07/2004 51451508201

the second part No's are from a June 05 MCS, same numbers but start date from when the other ends and with no end date of their own, but still doesn't answer the query

[Baker]

Personally I have always preferred the center console lift method anyway I love the new style downtubes, wouldn't mind replacing mine with them!

[jamiebae]

My October 05 build One 7 has the new style downtubes, I've removed the HU 2 or 3 times and not had to take the downtubes out