So the car's interior wasn't bugging me much until I had spilled my soda after going to an IN n OUT drive through. So I decided to update the interior a bit. After removing the center console that came with the car. The PO had done a very novice job of puting the gauges and stereo together. I removed the old alpine tape stereo which was semi-permanently screwed under the dash.

Here is what it previously looked like, which was not very appealing to me. And also a very bad use of space.

after removal, here is what was behind the console, EEK! What did I get myself into...

I labeled each wire so I could wire a harness later on.

Here is the back of the console..EEK again! haha.

So with some inspiration from other 02' members, I decided to get a little creative and do my own center console.

Drafting my own template. I've decided to remove the outside temp gauge that the PO put, which I don't see a real use for.

After a trip to the crafts store for some vinyl and foam for the recessed looked and adding an e36 euro clock, here is my finished result. I wanted an updated OEM look. Being that the e36 clock has amber lighting, I have converted all the gauges and my gauges on the dashboard to amberlight lighting, it feels more like a BMW now. Haha!

before and after panel console

I also built a harness for the gauges and clock so that it would be easy remove if you need to.

Here are the 2 harnesses I built for the radio, center console and , of course, the hazard light switch. Much easier plug and play.

After doing the center console, I looked at the interior and noticed that the carpet was in much worse condition, especially after putting the new center console so I decided to replace the carpet with the etsy carpet.

I finished putting the black carpet which was not too bad, but it did take a whole day with the trimming and letting the carpet sit with the glue. It looks, feels and smells much better inside the car!

I also ended up rebuilding the rear shelf tray which was made of the same material as the center console (grey faded suede) so I put black vinyl instead and put new 6x9 JBL speakers in place of the outdated, non working 6x9 speakers the PO had installed. its much cleaner now and the stereo is awesome. Unfortunately I don't have pictures at the moment so I'll add these current pictures of the car. I've been driving the car a lot and enjoying it. It rides very well for the suspension setup, very streetable. Handles and brakes well!

I had tuned the car based on pulling the plugs, I had initially thought I couldn't get the car to run right but found out that I needed to replace the bushing behind the gas pedal, after replacing the bushing, it made a world of a difference and the car runs and accelerates pretty well!

Here are pictures from last weekend at mulholland highway. Enjoy!