Stargazer's MPV @ istargazer.ca
2002 Mazda MPV ES

Additions and Modifications

Summary:

I thought the folding side tray was a nifty feature copied from the Honda Odyssey, but in reality, I didn't find it very useful other than for storing a bit of loose change--the table just wasn't helpful for holding anything. Perhaps, in the Odyssey, you could have gone to the rear by folding down the table, but since the MPV is narrower, it's just not practical. Although other people have removed the tray and simply purchased a generic console from a store, I decided to go OEM.  Because it's OEM, it's bolted to the floor and you are required to make permanent cuts in the carpet and felt padding.

The center console doesn't interfere with the emergency brake or the remaining side table bolts, can hold a very large drink in the front opening, and has a deeper covered area for storing additional items. It's also shorter than the table so there is more front floor space and it feels a bit roomier between the seats.

Procedure:

A cutting template and a 4-page installation booklet are included. There are 4 steps to installing the console and what follows below is how I removed the side tray and additional pictures and notes I took during my install of the console.

Floor mat cutting Bracket installation

Console installation Mat installation

 

Remove Folding Side Table	There's a plastic cover that needs to be removed to get access to the bolts.  The cover is quite tight, but it's only held in by two snap in pins. You need a 17mm socket wrench to remove the two bolts holding the table to the seat. What remains are two bolts. There is no easy way to remove them because they are welded to the black bracket.
Floor Mat Cutting	It's very easy to cut the carpet. The felt lining is just a bit more annoying if your knife isn't sharp. I held the template by hand and although it ripped in the process of cutting, it was simple to make the cuts.  The openings ended up being about 0.5 cm too much to the left, but it was still workable. I only nicked myself once: luckily no blood so I was able to continue without messing up the interior .
Bracket Installation	The first picture is of the front bracket A (bracket A) installed. The bolts screw into existing holes. I didn't use a torque wrench, but since I was used to tightening the wheel bolts on the Passat to 87 ft. lbs., I figure I was close enough. The second picture is a close-up of the left side of the rear bracket (bracket B). The existing bolts are used to secure it with the parking cable bracket.
Console Installation	The console attaches to the brackets with three screws and all the cuts in the carpet are hidden except for the one in the rear left corner (which you can see in the first picture). Because the console is set so far back, it interferes with the second row OEM floor mat. I suppose I could cut the mat, but it doesn't bother me.
Mat Installation	The black plastic mat simply sits at the bottom of the first storage area.

Notes:

• The hardware for the folding side table feels quite heavy and weighs about 6.5 pounds. While I did not weigh the center console, because it is mostly plastic, it feels significantly lighter.