Reversable armrest + USB

[M6ermike]

This is exactly how mine is secured too. But it still twists slightly when loaded on the driver's side. And it's the driver-side which bears the most frequent loads. Again, this is due to the geometry of the two off-axis tandem mounting screws, sandwiching the plastic console. Take a close look at my armrest installation:



Loading the armrest directly over the console (passenger side, front to back) isn't much of a concern. But loading it over the unsupported driver's elbow portion creates off axis (left) twisting moments. This area - where the underside lock is located - will probably be used as a hand/elbow placement point when entering or exiting the car (this is how I use it). Creaking, squishing plastic sounds are the result.

You no doubt noticed how stout the E46 mounting arm was before you cut it for your mod. You may have also noticed its third mounting screw location: off axis, to counter those loads.



This would only brace on-axis loads. As discussed above, the concern is with off-axis loads, since the armrest's vertical mount does not span the full width of the armrest.

I mention this not to be merely critical, but instead to offer constructive feedback based on my experience, and to address a potential weakness in gixxxer's bracket design due to its greater moment loading.

Frankie....I love your setup. What is the plastic box with the cup holder from? It looks like it just replaces the existing ashtray/cubby box - yes?

Thanks. Mike

[Ahmed303]

Mike,

Look here for the procedure writeup. I was thinking of doing it but was not sure if I wanted to trim the center wood.

[M6ermike]

Faisal....Thanks for the procedure link. I need to study that carefully before making a decision -- but an armrest is sure nice on long trips! Mike

[radlaw]

Use the e46 cover trim part No. 51 16 8 218 307 (black), and remove the parts that don’t look like they belong in an e31. Use your best plastic welding skills and refit these parts you have cut off in to a different configuration until you have an e31 cover trim. Drill mounting holes and insert metal crush proof spacers.

What is that cable running through the hinges seen in picture 4?

I got these hinge end caps made by a well known member here..... I'll let him speak up if he'd like to produce more.

Did he make more hinge end caps? How can I contact him to get some?

[Ahmed303]

Cool. This may be a good option.

[OttoB]

Count me in as well please! Way out of my skill set (nee - none!)...

[e31gixxxer]

Originally Posted by e31gixxxer
Use the e46 cover trim part No. 51 16 8 218 307 (black), and remove the parts that don’t look like they belong in an e31. Use your best plastic welding skills and refit these parts you have cut off in to a different configuration until you have an e31 cover trim. Drill mounting holes and insert metal crush proof spacers.

What is that cable running through the hinges seen in picture 4?

That is for the USB sockets in the bit tray.

[koenig d]

What is that cable running through the hinges seen in picture 4?

Did he make more hinge end caps? How can I contact him to get some?

I made them for him. PM if you need to.

[e31gixxxer]

Here is a little update on this thread, evolution is inevitable.

Firstly, the setup above worked fine for me with no issues.
I did rework it a few years ago when I went for my double DIN setup and HVAC relocation. I think I documented it somewhere, but for the record I will put a couple of pics here before moving on to the MK3, which is essentially a MK2 with extra functionality. This won't be for everyone as the MK2 does require some one way mods. The structural integrity is as good as the MK1.

MK1 bracket with modified mounting position.
10062014442.jpg

MK2 assembly ready to install.
20180819_131607.jpg

Mounting point for MK2.
10062014445.jpg

MK2 installed.
16062014479.jpg

16062014487.jpg

At this stage we remember only 5 pictures per post. Lets see if we can double post.

[e31gixxxer]

17062014513.jpg

Yes we can.

[Timm]

That's the best double-din conversion I've seen - and the armrest is a winner too!

[e31gixxxer]

So on to the MK3, a MK2 with an extra USB for charging and a line in.
20180825_114829.jpg

20180825_121350.jpg

Nothing ground breaking about a line in, but this allows me to connect an Astell Kern high resolution player directly to my external amps.
The files are not compressed, lossy MP3s, MQS files in some cases. There is over 300GB stored on this AK70MKII.

They are played with the AK DAC which is superior to the HU DAC.

HU controls volume and track control is via the AK. The HU has track control functionality for Apple devices, but I am not an iperson.

Navigation on the HU also runs with the line in AK operating.

This works for me as this is my long journey road trip default option set to random. If I want to chop and change every 5 mins, switch to USB. The armrest lid does shut with the AK in it BTW.

The sound quality is defiantly better on the AK via line in, when playing the same track simultaneously on the AK and USB and switching between inputs.
20180927_130120.jpg

20180927_130213.jpg

- - - Updated - - -

Cheers Timm, you beat me to the punch line.

[e31gixxxer]

Double DIN install from a while back, Kenwood DNX4210DAB, not a bad unit, but doesn't play FLAC etc. as most don't.

16062014493.jpg

[Great8]

Hello e31gixxer. By any chance could you repost the first set of pictures from page 1. I am currently in the process of doing the armrest mod. I already have the E46 armrest and will be doing a double din in the near future thank you in advance

[e31gixxxer]

Hi Great8
From what I can see the pics are still here in this thread.
Gix

[Great8]

Thanks for the response gixx, but on my end I’m unable to see any of the pictures on page 1

[e31gixxxer]

The attachments are there and are visible once logged on. These are on the forum not on a host site like photobandit that removed over 10 years worth a while back?

[Great8]

Ok thanks, Once I selected full site I was able to see the pictures.