E30 Dash Swap problem

[tntempest]

I just swapped in a dash from an 88 E30 into my 1991 318IS,  well all went perfect till I went to put the lower trim piece over the Knee panel just below the wheel.  Apparently there was a change when they went to airbags I guess.  My old dash had a metal insert along the bottom that held three "nutserts"  that the three screws went into.  Well the new dash has the three holes but it is just made of foam,  anybody had any luck with this?

[Royalratch]

You don't use screws on the new one.

They use plastic trim clips which are large and do not damage the dash foam.

They should not be load bearing as the steering column trim should be held in at the base on a small clip that plugs the steering column and three tabs protruding from the firewall/footwell.

[longtallsally]

I just did something very similar.  Just like RR said, there are 3 plastic screw looking thingys that hold that piece in for the older dashes.  I got lucky and my scavenged dash had them.

They are a "slide in one way and lock in place by turning 45 degress" type setup very much like the clips that hold the battery cover or rear headlight covers on.