Just finished installing some really nice carbon fiber interior trim parts from DB Carbon and wanted to share some install tips that should make the job much easier for fellow forum members. I got the carbon fiber trim piece for the PDK paddle sport wheel. The install is a REAL challenge, but the following tips will really help the install and even make it pretty simple. My thanks to Domer 911 and his initial thread and direct assistance in getting me through some challenges of the install!

The comparison of the stock and carbon pieces and the internal parts of the wheel:




Now to the main challenge, getting the trim off! First remove the airbag after disconnecting the battery. Plenty of sources on this, but simply use the access hole on the bottom of the wheel with a 3 mm hex driver and the airbag pops out. Several have recommended using interior trim tools to remove it. Ordinarily, I would NEVER recommend this, but I recommend using a screwdriver. I tried with a trim tool for over an hour and couldn't get it to budge. The screwdriver is actually perfect and there was no damage whatsoever - unlike the results people have had with trim tools. Insert a small flat screwdriver under the trim as I indicate below and push it until it secures under the trim. Then take a hammer and tap the screwdriver to loosen the trim. Once it is a bit loose, take a towel to hold the screwdriver and pull it towards you. It is cemented in, but this method allows you to use adequate force under control. Be careful as a screwdriver is dangerous, but the trim is VERY thick and solid. See below for the insert points:






Wow, I'm sure you will celebrate too when you get it off! Now just disconnect the little wires on the sides and be sure to disconnect the harness in the center by pushing down on the tab facing you. It comes out towards you. Now you have the trim removed. It is really easier to do this WITHOUT pulling the wheel. This way the wheel is secure while you apply force to the trim.

Now simply remove the insides from the trim. Why disconnect any of the wires? Just unscrew everything and move it to the new trim. Tip here - you need a T-8 Torx bit. I didn't have one. Very small. a 1.5 or 2 mm hex wrench will NOT do it. Be careful here, all the stuff is just plastic. Some pics of the wheel with insides so you know what it looks like as you pry. Note the white cement that holds it in.














Now the trick is to insert the airbag back into the wheel. You need to be sure the wire harness carefully seats back into the column or it will interfere with the action of the horn. See the wire below.




My final tip is be careful to note that the wire retaining clips must seat into the black plastic column in order to function properly. You can actually see in the pic above that the wires are not dropping down to the proper loose positions. One clip I show below. There is a matching one on the other side. If these are not clipped in, the airbag will not seat correctly. I used a needle nosed plier to pull the wire into the plastic seats.




The airbag then drops in and the result is fantastic:




How about changing a PDK lever? Amazingly simple! Grasp the lower collar of the shift lever and twist it counterclockwise. Only needs to go about an eighth of a turn. While in park, just push down on the top button and pull up. Not nearly as hard as a manual shifter. It comes up pretty easily. DB Carbon makes this great looking shift lever. Unfortunately, the lever is a very tight fit into the transmission console. On my particular car I needed to remove some material to get it to go in. Otherwise, this is a very simple install and very fantastic result.

 

Looks fantastic! did you paint your center pieces black too? I am tempted to do the CF as well.

 

Very Nice Goes well with the black interior.

 

Thanks. The console is factory painted basalt black, along with my seat backs! Too nice from the factory to mess with.

 

Wow that PDK level looks sick!! Nice job.

 

Great job, came out very nice!

 

Congrats on getting it off without losing any pins.

 

Thanks bro! Can't believe the screwdriver did the trick. Thanks again for all the help.

 

Ryem3,

Just out of curiosity you did re-glue the white rectangles on the trim piece back into place with more "white cement" correct? (Actually it's Delo 9895 2K Polyurethane)

The purpose for the cement is to ensure that the piece does not come flying out and into your face with an airbag deployment.

Nice job by the way. Can be a little tricky to do.

Walt



"Note the white cement that holds it in."

 

Walt-

I used the glue (thanks again), but for the life of me I can't imagine how that piece would fly off when/if the airbag deployed. Do you know exactly how that thing deploys, and how it might throw the trim off the wheel?

 

That looks awesome! Do you have any more pics of the center console? I've been thinking about either getting a full cf console or getting the Basalt painted one.

 

Hi Dormer,

I think as the airbag rapidly expands there is some worry that pressure around the ring may dislodge it. The reattachment procedure calls for the cement. May just be for extra insurance that it stays in place.

FYI- Once I pulled mine out it did not have the same retention as it had originally so possibly there can be minimal damage done to the small rectangle holes when it is pulled out.

Walt

 

Duly noted on the cement. I didn't cement it in, but it seated very securely. I couldn't pull it off without using a screwdriver again. I understand the logic though.

 

Thought I'd also throw in a couple more tips on a few more DB Carbon parts I installed. Pretty simple, but for the upholder trim, there is no need to remove the cupholders, just open the glovebox and gently pry them loose with a trim tool. They are effectively hinged on the top and snap in on the bottom. As below:




As for the little trim pieces by the instruments, pry them loose from the top. Pull out straight and they come right out.







The center console lid is very basic install removing the tiny torx screws and then pop new lid on. I really thought it nicely complemented my basalt console.

 

you might need a condom on that lid to prevent scratching