HVAC/radio panel removal/replacement?

[jsmoller]

Hello All...

I have a problem here with my 1996 316i... As we all know, the factory/dealer supplied radios within the cars have a security feature and normally need a "special" tool to remove them. Well, some idiot (not me) decided to attempt to pull the radio out of the panel and cracked the panel.

I ordered a new panel from BMW (AU$71.00 - OUCH!!!), removed the radio properly, removed the clock and defroster/aircon switches, disconnected and separated the HVAC controls from the panel and was able to remove the old panel.

I got the new panel and reconnected everything with the exception of the radio and its bracket as there are two screws at the top of the panel that need to be inserted into the dash first.

My problem is, try as I may, I cannot get the two bottom clips of the panel to snap themselves back into the pod. Has anyone had the experience of removing and replacing the panel? Is there some magic trick needed to finesse them in?

I'd appreciate any and all comments and suggestions.

Thanks in advance!

Regards,

Jan - with no tunes and a hanging front panel.