Idea for a E32 / E34 Cup Holder

[Bimmerman4ever]

I was disappointed with the choices of cup holders available
and tired of wedging drinks in between the seat/center console
or holding it between my legs

so I took a cup holder I had left over from a E34 I once owned



took it apart and fabricated a piece to wedge in the center console pocket
(the top piece are just glued on the base)


edged the sides with a table grinder (don't take too much off, you want it to wedge tightly)




I also had a travel mug laying around to use


and it fits perfectly


of course you can position it where you like,
keep in mind if you want it in the center don't grind off as much plastic so it will fit tighter

[cdnalpina]

Nicely done!

[Bimmerman4ever]

Nicely done!

Thanks

I figured E32 & E34 owners would appreciate this simple mod

[ndz]

Nice work. Didn't you like the e34 dual cupholder? That should have also worked as-is in the e32.

[cdnalpina]

Totally! I use the cup holder that you have in the first pic as it is basically the only cost effective solution. Did you make the new holder all from the original holder or did you need extra material?

[Bimmerman4ever]

Nice work. Didn't you like the e34 dual cupholder? That should have also worked as-is in the e32.

Didn't like how it looked there
it scratches the top surface of console
and it flips over if you take a turn too quick

Totally! I use the cup holder that you have in the first pic as it is basically the only cost effective solution. Did you make the new holder all from the original holder or did you need extra material?

Used nothing but the original holder for material

I think my design blends in better with my interior
and doesn't interfere with leg room when adjusting seat

this was the E34 I had before


Having the cup wedge in the center gave me the idea




the way I have it now, I can fit other size cups
(well within reason of course, no 64 ouncers)

[shogun]

I have the one from Herb since several years (seller name herb460 on Ebay)
I know it is not the super best looking, but very practicable. Herb owns an E32 and E34 and had his own ideas realized, produces them as a hobby in his own shop.
It holds even larger bottles, and the tray is good for my wife, because before she always put the keys and phone on the wood console=scratches. No glueing or bolt necessary. In case the console is leather, then it fits very tight. Just push it into the console.

[E32FAN]

I use the 82 11 1 468 721 cup holder as shown in photo 1.

With a #8 x 3/4" self-tapping screw through the vertical tab to secure it in place. It's solid, and easy to remove when necessary.

[Bimmerman4ever]

I use the 82 11 1 468 721 cup holder as shown in photo 1.

With a #8 x 3/4" self-tapping screw through the vertical tab to secure it in place. It's solid, and easy to remove when necessary.

I really didn't want to screw in anything, if I wanted to remove in the future
or if there is a future owner

neither liked the big gap of burl near the shift console
so I took a insert rubber piece from a GM car from the junk yard
and trimmed it to fit



It's held in pretty well since it's wedged somewhat
and I cleaned the bottom with alcohol so it wont slide
(no adhesives or velcro are necessary)

I can set my cell phone there with no worries of scratching or it sliding around

[ndz]

As shogun mentioned, I can attest that Herbs cupholder is VERY tight in leather consoles. I wanted to use it part time on road trips but found it way too tight to be put in and out frequently. It was a quality product but didn't fit my needs.

[shogun]

just grind off a bit on the outer side, then it will fit also with leather perfect, emery paper will do.

[Bimmerman4ever]

As shogun mentioned, I can attest that Herbs cupholder is VERY tight in leather consoles. I wanted to use it part time on road trips but found it way too tight to be put in and out frequently. It was a quality product but didn't fit my needs.

Understandable. I'm primary the only person in the car so a simple, single cup holder solution seemed like the best option.

If there is a passenger they're not preoccupied with the task of driving so I feel their hand is the best cup holder accessory that's always available.

I decided to trim the fat off the rubber insert piece I had to lay my cell phone on. I held it in place with silicone because it will be easier to remove at a later date.

[1cut808]

More info on this install please.... Mines RHD so I need to fab up something like that!!

[renemesis]

I used to just squeeze drinks into that slot on my E34, no cup holders required. I don't think anything ever spilled, either.

[E32FAN]

I understand the reluctance to drill a hole for a screw to secure the cupholder, because it might put off the next owner.

However, appreciate that your car is now VERY OLD, and the next owner is probably going to be a scrap yard.

So, I'm thinking, it's probably OK to do it "your way" from now on . . .

[Bimmerman4ever]

I had two pieces I screwed to each other then wedged it in

no longer have the car
have a BMW motorcycle now

no cup holders, but it does have a stereo

[Dash01]

My son has an E28 with a wire bottle holder from a bicycle that hangs of passenger side of the center console next to the shift lever. Anodized paint looks good, right size, works well, holds cup or bottle securely, inexpensive.

[Bimmerman4ever]

i just purchased the one of the first pic hehe.. will see how it works

That's what I made it from

[shogun]

Ultimate Cup Holder also hold 40oz insulated Hydro Flasks and also fits E32 http://www.ultimatecupholders.com/
seller claims:
A practical cup holder designed for the real world by an owner who actually drives the cars and uses the holders
The ONLY cupholder that doesn't take any useable space or restrict any typical functions of your car.
Out of the way and inconspicuous (more so in actual use than shown).
Easy, slip-in installation and removal.
Requires absolutely no modification or alteration to your vehicle.

[Bimmerman4ever]

Ultimate Cup Holder also hold 40oz insulated Hydro Flasks and also fits E32 http://www.ultimatecupholders.com/
seller claims:
A practical cup holder designed for the real world by an owner who actually drives the cars and uses the holders
The ONLY cupholder that doesn't take any useable space or restrict any typical functions of your car.
Out of the way and inconspicuous (more so in actual use than shown).
Easy, slip-in installation and removal.
Requires absolutely no modification or alteration to your vehicle.

I ended up getting an E38 then later an E39. I found the E39 cup holder that sells on Amazon works well in the E38 as well. Unfortunately the E32 is set up differently

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[hodgess]

Sadly, the BMW cupholder accessory 82111468721 seems to be NLA.