arm rest question

[Veleno]

So I've been looking for an arm rest for my '95 m3 (with vaders) and I get offers for different styles of arm rest. Was there one style of arm rest for the '95 m3 or were there different styles to choose from? I just want to make sure I get one that's going to work in my car, so if anyone can post pictures of what fits and works I'd appreciate it. Thanks for the help!

[bmwstephen]

So I've been looking for an arm rest for my '95 m3 (with vaders) and I get offers for different styles of arm rest. Was there one style of arm rest for the '95 m3 or were there different styles to choose from? I just want to make sure I get one that's going to work in my car, so if anyone can post pictures of what fits and works I'd appreciate it. Thanks for the help!

There was only one style but different variation of upholstery (vinyl, Montana leather, and nappa leather). You'll want Nappa leather if you want to match the vader interior since vader seats are nappa leather.

You'll also have to obtain the replacement console above the transmission tunnel underneath to retrofit as it is a longer version. Probably a lot easier to just go through a junkyard and pull one if you don't care about material

[Veleno]

Thanks for the info.

Were there different variations of the console as well (single/double cup holders, coin/no coin holder, etc)?

[bmwstephen]

the underlying tray (console) was the same between coupe or sedan (but different convertible due to the design of the floor board).

Cupholders/coinholders sat ontop of that tray as an accessory. Although there are differences between those cupholders/coinholders between the years, they are designed to fit on top of any tray


Thanks for the info.

Were there different variations of the console as well (single/double cup holders, coin/no coin holder, etc)?

[Veleno]

These are some that I've come across, but I think #1 and #2 are the same. They all claim to fit/work in the '95 m3.

[MParallel]

Like Stephen says, forget about the separate tray on top. The part where this fits on top on, is the same lenght for any type of console. It's only the rear ashtray that gets moved backward to make place for the armrest mount/hinge.

So just for info's sake, you also need the mount that sits under the console trim, which bolts on to the chassis underneath. It's not part of the center console itself:

694731

[RRSperry]

And you are going to have to put a hole in the carpet for one of the bolts that secures the console to the body.. And IIRC you might have to trim some of the carpet away for the mount to sit on the car. It's all hidden by the console so it's not visible.

Pretty much every armrest I saw needed to be recovered/repaired. I had mine done in Alcantara, (and new foam), to match the shifter, ebrake and headliner (A, B, C pillars and sunroof cassette.. )

If I ever replace the rear window/ package shelf, with the non brake light version I'll have the rear shelf done too.

[notMpowered]

The ergonomics of the armrests in these cars are pretty terrible for the shifter placement. Check a car out that has one if you can. Uninstalling mine was one of the best things I have done to the car.
Yes I know you can flip them up, but you probably can't show me one that doesn't flop back down on the track under hard braking.

[Braymond141]

The ergonomics of the armrests in these cars are pretty terrible for the shifter placement. Check a car out that has one if you can. Uninstalling mine was one of the best things I have done to the car.
Yes I know you can flip them up, but you probably can't show me one that doesn't flop back down on the track under hard braking.

This. Though you can rotate the rubber buffers in the armrest to add the original tightness back in that keeps it from flopping back down. The armrest is not needed though.

http://photo.msportparts.com/E36/EY81515/l_IMG_1794.JPG

[RBNetEngr]

I did the same thing…removed the cup holder from my ‘95, and just have the ash tray in the console slot. It’s a cleaner look, and that cup holder was pretty worthless (and ugly) anyway.


-rb

[MParallel]

It's really up to one's figure/size/lenght. I find the armrest very comfortable and for me it's a must have. If I flip it up to feel how it is without, not liking it.

Rotating the buffer only works so-so in my experience. If you want it to rotate 'hard' you can play with the 2 plastic conincal pieces the armrest rotates on.

Ideally they should have made some sort of ratcheting system. And a cubby tray in it like the E46 armrest.

[importbanana]

If I flip it up to feel how it is without, not liking it.
same


The armrest is not needed though.http://photo.msportparts.com/E36/EY81515/l_IMG_1794.JPG
I like mine

[Braymond141]

It's really up to one's figure/size/lenght. I find the armrest very comfortable and for me it's a must have. If I flip it up to feel how it is without, not liking it.

Rotating the buffer only works so-so in my experience. If you want it to rotate 'hard' you can play with the 2 plastic conincal pieces the armrest rotates on.

Ideally they should have made some sort of ratcheting system. And a cubby tray in it like the E46 armrest.

The conical pieces only go in one way. They are keyed. There isn’t much you can do with them that wouldn’t adversely affect the armrest function and/or their removal (eg building up press fit).

Now that I say that; forcing them in wrong in addition to rotating the rubber buffer to a fresh uncrushed side would make the armrest pivot very firm (but plastic on plastic crunchy).

[MParallel]

That's the idea. I found out when years ago and just being a first time E36 owner, I have no clue they were keyed and put them in the wrong way. Which 'froze' the armrest in place.

At least that is what I recall. It's been 15 years and I never tried forcing them back in 'unkeyed' as want the armrest in place.

[notMpowered]

Yeah but you don’t shift gears.:stickoutt

[MParallel]

Yeah but you don’t shift gears.:stickoutt

:rofl
Haha, but actually I do. I’m never in manual mode (although using my paddle shifters).

[Veleno]

Great info guys, thank you very much. There is not another e36 m3 around here for me to "test" out the arm rest but I do know a parts car is so I'll swing by to see if there's one in it for me to try out.

[brianc]

Great info guys, thank you very much. likewise! I like my leather armrest.. just the way it looks more nice leather... except when I'm driving. lol. I fight that thing swinging it up and down. This is good info I have mine off right now and will experiment when putting back on.