bmw custom armrest (pics)

[300HURST]

(I can give more info to anyone that wants an armrest for under $40). Why aren't arm rest standard on all BMW's??? Germans have arms too, don't they? And why does a BMW armrest center console cost $200 for a crappy one and $400 for a good one?. Screw that, I bought just the arm rest, cut it to fit and used some wood and round plastic covers. (total $40) The best think is that I didn't modify anything but the plastic ashtray (the thing that pulls out for cigarette ashes). It just pulls out and back to goofy no armrest, plus its more study than the original because it sits securely on the console. (I sat on it, no problem) Anyhow, the hardest part is carving out the wood so it doesn't wobble around. Maybe you don't like it or you smoke but I won't date a woman who smokes. (its like kissing an ashtray). Last thing I need to do is clean it and I'm done!

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n196/northcoast300h/bmwarmrestrear.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n196/northcoast300h/bmwarmrestpass.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n196/northcoast300h/bmwarmrestdriver.jpg

[GardenBeast]

i want a centre console like that. not the arm rest, but the original. i have the ghey ti one. wonder if that'd fit mine....

[hbgray]

that looks really good, can you give some details on how you did it??

[GardenBeast]

wow. i keep lookin at it, and it's grown on me. haha. i need to get the console, and that.

[eLegg]

what did you make... :shifty

[bmxludwig]

Looks like my car stock :)

[bmcq]

Very nicely done...care to share how you did it?

[marineifra]

i dont get it. my car looks like that (only its tan...). was that an option or something?

[Johnny Redline]

nice thats gangster as hell dude.

[Xz Dark Star zX]

Niiiiice!! i so want one, lol, think u can make one more? i'll give u $75 black or tan either way, thats awesome

[bmxludwig]

This was an option on our cars people. Just find one and install it....

[cipher982]

Cool, I always figured it was standard.

I feel way awkward driving without my armrest down.

[300HURST]

An option? At $35,000, it should be standard. Anyhow, its easy but takes some time. 2 hours for me. I have air tools and a table saw but I work slow though. Since I make $20/hr, it would be cheaper for you to make your own and I'm guessing its easier than replacing the whole console, plus it pulls right out if you have any smokers (although the rear ashtray is still usable with armrest on). Now for the ugly pictures. The stuff that no one is able to see. 1) Cut the huge bracket from the rear of the armrest. 2) Cut a 2 by 4 piece of wood and fit it inside the ashtray. 3) cut a 1"X 3 3/4 X 5 1/2 piece of wood, or try to make it smaller so its unnoticeble. 4) cut a 1/4" groove from front to back. This is to clear the ashtray cover which sticks up a little and it also sandwiches the cover in the groove so the armrest doesn't move around. 5) go to home depot and buy 1/2" PVC ends. Cut ends to fit over armrest springs (which fit perfectly and you can glue instead of using a screw but I like screws better) 6)Glue and paint satin black where needed. Done. Although it doesn't sound like it, it is very secure. Hope this helps someone save some bucks!
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n196/northcoast300h/sidestray.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n196/northcoast300h/bottomtray.jpg

[hbgray]

Is this a BMW stock arm rest that you are using??

[NAHSAYN]

Anyone that does a DIY is "the man" for sure. I already have one, but I'm like'n this. Congrats.

[300HURST]

Whoops!, the plastic post broke off so I had to make a metal one and screw it into the wood. Once last thing I noticed - If your under 6'0" or have a manual tranny, its better to skip the wood platform and just machine the groove in the bottom of the armrest and screw the armrest into the woodblock in the ashtray. That will lower it by about 1 or 2, but you won't be able to use the rear ashtray..if that matters.

[G. P. Burdell]

Is this a BMW stock arm rest that you are using??
It looks like an E46 armrest.

For another way to do it, and if you already have an E36 armrest and console installed, click the "E46 Armrest" link in my signature.

An option? At $35,000, it should be standard.
Four-cylinder E36s like your 318is were considered "economy" BMWs.

Nice job on the armrest. Do you think it will stay put in the event of a crash?

[300HURST]

Its not going anywhere...well, maybe if I flip over (I pray to god this doesn't happen...again! {ford van - flipped 3 times around!}). I made it a tight fit. If you look under the ashtray, there are three holes. I'm thinking of making another metal rod that fits one of the other holes. I think its an e46 armrest. I don't think the e36 ones open up.