DIY: Split Armrest Install

DIY: Split Armrest Install
Sedan_Clan
08-30-2006

Ok fellas, after installing the Blacklines on 8/29/06, and the ///M e-brake & ///M shift knob earlier today, I decided to take a crack at the armrest. I was successful, and I found that the task is really quite simple. I took pictures of the 20 minute process.

F.Y.I...there are...

Click here to read the entire tutorial

#110

By hkj on 01-05-2008, 04:45 PM

Everytime I see this thread I keep asking myself why BMWNA does not make this available here in the uS as an option, or standard equipment. The split armrest looks/works much better than the stock one, especially with the added spring that keeps the armrest from slamming close.

A must for any E9x IMHO..

-hkj

#111

By Skiddy_ys on 01-08-2008, 02:10 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmernupe07

For anyone curious, the part # for the saddle brown split armrest is 51 16 6 965 749. Got it from Crown BMW $253.24. They did not have it in stock and they had to order from Germany. Took about a week for me to get it in my hands once I placed the order.

Install took 5 min. If you decide to install the spring and gear, be careful with the gear. If fell into the little hole. I am trying to find a pair of right angle head needle nose pliers to get it out.

You did this on an E92 and it only took 5 mins? How did you do this dis-assemble wrt the rear center console? pics?

#112

By txusa03 on 01-08-2008, 08:32 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmernupe07

Ok, so I just installed the holder on the underside of the split armrest. Took 5-10 min. I had to uninstall the armrest to install the holder. Set the two armrest side-by-side to line up screws holes. Use a smaller bit than the screws. The Torx size to remove the holder is T15. Open the holder and lift the backing to reveal the screws. It is held in place by velcro at the bottom. It will fold up in the same manner that the open flap did. The backing is a little flexible.

I also was able to get the the little gear out of the area it fell in. Place a folded card of some sort to cover said hole. Use a flat-head screw driver to push tab in. Put the spring on the armrest. Then as you slide armrest in, push a little to the right and it will align w/ the gear by itself. Put the metal bars in and open armrest. Use needle nose pliers and some convincing to set the spring on the hooks.

Sorry for not having pic of spring, but someone has already posted pics of the spring install.

Hey nice work! Would you explain to us what is that little round plastic gear use for? Thanks.

#113

By Skiddy_ys on 01-10-2008, 05:57 PM

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So, after reading the very latest threads, I thought I'd see if/how E92/E93 owners can do this retrofit given the whole rear console is different than from the sedan. Turns out that it looks much easier than I thought.

You need a small screwdriver (i used the micro screwdrivers typically used for electronics) to pry off the small trim piece just behind the armrest. Once that is off you have full access to remove and replace with the split armrest as others have so well documented. Now I know how to do it, I can go order this for my E93.

Hope this helps other curious minds!

Attached Images

#114

By Amir87 on 01-11-2008, 01:46 AM

Thanks for the pics skiddy_ys

So is that all we E92/E92 owners need to take off to install? I sure do hope so because the PITA install is the only thing holding me back on buying this, oh ya ...so is finding one in coral red

#115

By bimmernupe on 01-11-2008, 01:51 AM

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Tischer for armrest

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amir87

Thanks for the pics skiddy_ys

So is that all we E92/E92 owners need to take off to install? I sure do hope so because the PITA install is the only thing holding me back on buying this, oh ya ...so is finding one in coral red

Call Tischer. Give them the interior color and car model. They had to order mine from Germany. I have Saddle Brown.
Yes that is the only piece you have to move to install the unit. Another member ask me to post pics of my install with the spring and gear. I will do so tomorrow.

#116

By Skiddy_ys on 01-11-2008, 01:55 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmernupe07

Amir87:
Also, check here:-
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...26&hg=51&fg=35

Looks like Coral Red is available!

Last edited by Skiddy_ys; 01-11-2008 at 02:11 AM.

#117

By bimmernupe on 01-11-2008, 01:56 AM

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Pic post 2morrow

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skiddy_ys

Also, check here:-
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...26&hg=51&fg=35

Looks like Coral Red is available!

Hey Skiddy I'll post those pics of the spring and gear 2morrow

#118

By Skiddy_ys on 01-11-2008, 02:10 AM

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OK, cool. Thanks!

#119

By txusa03 on 01-11-2008, 08:52 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmernupe07

Cool, I really appreciate your help on showing us the gear 2morrow.

#120

By bimmernupe on 01-11-2008, 05:38 PM

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Pics of gear and spring

Skiddy and txusa03,

Here are the pics. The 1st pic is how and where you seat the spring. Before trying to seat the spring make sure you have re-installed both metal rods. The 2nd and third pic is of the the plastic cog, sprocket, gear (whatever you want to call it for lack of a better term). Install the the platic cog before installing the new armrest. Place a folded card or paper of some kind to prevent it from falling into the the little hole there. If if does fall in you will need right-angle needle nose pliers or it is a beast to get out.
As you slide the new armrest in, kind of push to the right to get it past the cog. It will line up by itself with the teeth on the armrest.
The spring will require a little convincing to seat.

Attached Images

#121

By txusa03 on 01-11-2008, 06:09 PM

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Thank you, I was not sure where to fit the gear/sprocket. Now it is much clearer.

Also as a tip, to install and seat the spring, I find that if you open the armrest all the way up, that will aleaviate the spring a bit and allow you to push and lock the spring into the slot.

Great support guys!

#122

By Skiddy_ys on 01-11-2008, 06:14 PM

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Thanks Bimmernupe07. This will come in handy when mine arrives. I got it ordered today from Germany so I should have it within a couple of weeks. Again, much appreciated.

#123

By bimmernupe on 01-11-2008, 06:20 PM

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No problem

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skiddy_ys

Thanks Bimmernupe07. This will come in handy when mine arrives. I got it ordered today from Germany so I should have it within a couple of weeks. Again, much appreciated.

If feels good to supply info to fellow members, as I have benefited greatly from information from other members

#124

By bimmernupe on 01-11-2008, 06:22 PM

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Good luck

Quote:

Originally Posted by txusa03

It was a beast trying it both ways.

#125

By txusa03 on 01-12-2008, 02:11 PM

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I only have one of these gear/sprocket. If anyone has an extra one and don't need it let me know and I will give it a new home...

Attached Images

#126

By Skiddy_ys on 01-12-2008, 03:08 PM

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Do you need 2? ...one for each side?

#127

By bimmernupe on 01-12-2008, 04:37 PM

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Only one

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skiddy_ys

Do you need 2? ...one for each side?

I only received one. The armrest will come with one plastic gear, a spring, and two new rods (which I did not use)

#128

By Skiddy_ys on 01-13-2008, 12:33 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmernupe07

I only received one. The armrest will come with one plastic gear, a spring, and two new rods (which I did not use)

OK, thanks. I guess TXUSA03's post confused me a little when he said he ONLY had 1.
Looking forward to doing this and Rear Fog light mod soon.

#129

By txusa03 on 01-13-2008, 10:28 AM

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Yeah, i am confuse too. why we only get 1 when there is a left and right slot?

did not mean to cause a stink about this...

#130

By bimmernupe on 01-13-2008, 11:13 AM

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Dunno

Quote:

Originally Posted by txusa03

Yeah, i am confuse too. why we only get 1 when there is a left and right slot?

did not mean to cause a stink about this...

In my best Bill Cosby as his kids voice, "I dunno"

But seriously, the armrest works flawlessly with just the one.

#131

By linus on 01-13-2008, 11:35 AM

I received only 1 as well. It works well with only 1. No problems. This thread has been great. Install should have taken me 15 minutes, but took me an hour because the gear fell out when I was installing the armrest and slipped into a tight little spot just behind where it should sit. Took me at least a half an hour to remove it with tweasers.

So here's a tip so this doesn't happen to anyone else. Once the gear is inserted properly and you're attempting to place the armrest in, HOLD the gear in place firmly with your finger. Trust me, you'll avoid a lot of aggravation.

This is one amazing mod. The cars really should come with this option in North America. The split armrest looks great, it functions well for my elbow and the spring and gear avoid the armrest slamming down.

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