The centre console/armrest in an E36 is annoying.

[Cheeseburger]

That is the only complaint I have about this car. But it is a design oversight - it sits too high, and it's impossible for your gear shifting arm to avoid it, and pulling the handbrake requires an unintuitive reach over... not very German.

Is there a lower profile armrest alternative for long-limbed people such as myself? I was thinking about pulling it off completely, but it due to its design it'd look silly without the lid.

Has anybody modded their centre console and armrest to suit? If you've done something about it i'd love to see a picture or two.

[Boxclever1753]

I know exactly what you mean but I'm just living with it as I like the full width rest as opposed to previous cars without rests entirely.

[morzada]

There is a no armrest version of the center console.

[sjpgoalie]

There is a no armrest version of the center console.

I'm willing to bet that 50+ % of e36 came with an armrest.

I just get annoyed at it when I brake hard and it falls into the resting position.

[eric325]

I flip it up in town and leave it down on the highway.

[Moron95M3]

I haz no armrest.

works for me

[pDubs]

I don't have an armrest either....

[Boxclever1753]

My 2 previous E36's didn't have one either so if the 50% did thing bet is still on then based on my experiences I win! And I much prefer having one so I'm taking the one off my old car and putting it on this one.

[blizzard424]

From what I can tell it is easy to find people willing to trade their no armrest console for an armrest one. I have considered this because the armrest is in my way 90% of the time, but I might miss it on the highway.

[sjpgoalie]

My 2 previous E36's didn't have one either so if the 50% did thing bet is still on then based on my experiences I win! And I much prefer having one so I'm taking the one off my old car and putting it on this one.

That's weird. I've had two e36s and both had them One had premium package, the other doesn't. Idk, I've just never seen many without them.

[acbx]

is the convertible one different from the coupe or sedan? because i find mine to be very comfortable and actually not very intrusive, and i rarely drive on the freeway.

[Boxclever1753]

is the convertible one different from the coupe or sedan? because i find mine to be very comfortable and actually not very intrusive, and i rarely drive on the freeway.

I don't think the actual rest is any different but the console tray is different, the last few inches or so of the convertible armrest specific console tray sweeps upwards at the back. This is worth remembering as people on eBay will tell you otherwise.

[Cheeseburger]

I got the problem of being an Aussie, so i'm guessing most available non-armrest consoles are LHD orientation, not RHD.

[buzzboy]

I just grab the rear OS handle. I'd kinda like an armrest but it'd just get in the way.

[Boxclever1753]

I got the problem of being an Aussie, so i'm guessing most available non-armrest consoles are LHD orientation, not RHD.

RHD in the uk, you tried UK eBay sellers? Lots on there.

[RobertFontaine]

Cupholders and arm rests were an after thought.
Both should be removed as quickly as possible.

[DYL]

Armrest gets in the way of the parking brake for me. Annoys me a bit at the beginning and end of each drive when I work the parking brake. BUT... as a new manual driver, I put my arm on the armrest when I am stopped at a stoplight and in neutral, so I don't suddenly think I'm driving an automatic and start revving and rolling in neutral like a fool. I'm a bit conflicted.

[UnderCoverGuy11]

In a US car the armrest is a life saver, i dont Know how anyone can think it gets in the way unless your forearms are the size of paint cans

[Luth]

Since mine is an auto, I have almost never used the parking brake since I got the car and I don't have to shift anyway. The armrest is such a huge upgrade in driving comfort in my opinion, but I see how it can be quite bothersome in a manual.

[Jakobie1086]

my 95 has the old style cup holders and no armrest. Perfect for me

[DYL]

I just want to emphasize that the armrest only gets in the way for the parking brake. It does not get in the way at all for shifting.

[flyfishvt]

I got the problem of being an Aussie, so i'm guessing most available non-armrest consoles are LHD orientation, not RHD.

That's only a problem if you're spending $1400 on a plane ticket so you can come to the US and buy one.

[JDStrickland]

???

I leave the armrest down at all times, and it is never in my way. The only reason to lift it is to look in the storage bin that is underneath. I'm 6'1" and 240 lb., and the armrest is never in the way for any driving task that needs to be done. I don't understand what the problem could possibly be...

[hoozdman]

Cheeseburger I'd be STOKED to swap out my 320 non centre console with yours.

Dubs from Eurocca

[Auto Parts Guy]

???

I leave the armrest down at all times, and it is never in my way. The only reason to lift it is to look in the storage bin that is underneath. I'm 6'1" and 240 lb., and the armrest is never in the way for any driving task that needs to be done. I don't understand what the problem could possibly be...

Agreed. My daily has one but my M3 doesn't. Annoying without the armrest. It stays down 100% of the time in my daily. The only time it gets in my way is when I need the larger cup holder under the armrest. Squished paper or Styrofoam cups make a mess when full.