DIY Guide: BMW 3 & 4 Series (G20/G22/G26) Center Console Ambient Light Installation
Hey fellow Bimmer fans! If you feel like your BMW 3 or 4 Series (G20/G22/G23/G26) interior is missing that extra "wow" factor at night, this project is for you.
Today, I’m walking you through a complete retrofit of the Gear Saddle Ambient Light and an Illuminated Fast-Charging Dock. This upgrade completely transforms the center stack, giving it that high-end, modern aesthetic we all love.
Before we start, make sure you have your kit ready. My kit included:
Replacement Saddle Light Trim (I chose Carbon Fiber style, but Piano Black is also available).
3 Series Specific Fast-Charging Dock.
Wiring Extension & Adapter Cables.
If you don't have these kits, please find them here at this link.
Phase 1: Removing the Factory Trim (Steps 1–4)
Opening Up: I started by removing the gear rocker assembly. Then, I carefully tilted open the inner cover plate of the central control storage box (the armrest bin).
Popping the Frame: Next, I pried up the central control frame cover plate. Take your time here—you don't want to snap any clips!
Transferring the Buckles: Using a pair of pliers, I removed the 9 original metal buckles from the factory trim.
Setting the New Base: I then installed those same 9 buckles onto my new saddle light trim. This ensures the new piece fits as securely as the OEM one.
Phase 2: Accessing the Control Panel (Steps 5–7)
Unscrewing the Controls: I located the screws holding the central control keyboard/button cover (check the circled positions in the photos) and unscrewed them.
Unplugging: I carefully disconnected the wiring harness behind the button cover and removed the two Torx screws tucked inside.
The Final Piece: I tilted the small buckle and removed the original small cover plate to clear the way for the new charger.
Phase 3: Cable Routing & The Charging Dock (Steps 8–12)
Fishing the Wires: This part requires some patience. I used a rubber strip tool to pull the wiring extension through the console over to the passenger-side footwell position.
Securing the Harness: I used the provided adhesive strips to keep the adapter cable snugly in place so it doesn’t rattle later.
The Upgrade: I grabbed the new Fast Charging Dock and connected it to the adapter cable.
Alignment: I carefully arranged the wiring to avoid pinching, then aligned the button cover back into its original hole positions.
Phase 4: Installing the New Saddle Light (Steps 13–14)
Securing the Panel: I tightened the screws back onto the central control keyboard panel.
The "Light Up" Moment: I took the new gear saddle ambient light cover, paired its wiring harness with the extension cable I routed earlier, and snapped it into place.
Phase 5: Final Assembly (Steps 15–17)
Putting it Back Together: I reinstalled the inner cover plate of the storage box.
Footwell Connection: I routed the final tail of the cable from the passenger side down to the footwell light area to tap into the power source.
Sealing the Deal: Finally, I reinstalled the lower guard panel. There are two locks—make sure to tighten one on the left and one on the right to keep everything solid.
Compatibility List: Will this fit your BMW?
Before you start your DIY project, double-check your chassis code. This ambient light and charging dock upgrade is designed specifically for the G2X platform. It is compatible with the following models:
BMW 3 Series (2019–Present)
G20 Sedan: 320i, 330i, 330e, M340i
G21 Touring: 320d, 330i, M340i
G28 LWB: Long wheelbase models
BMW 4 Series (2020–Present)
G22 Coupé: 420i, 430i, M440i
G23 Convertible: 430i, M440i
G26 Gran Coupé: 420i, 430i, M440i
G26 i4: eDrive35, eDrive40, M50 (Note: Interior trims may vary slightly for 2023+ LCI models with the curved display)
If your gear shifter and center console look like the ones in my photos, you are good to go!
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