How to clean and lube cup holders?

jerchap · 05-11-2007, 04:14 AM

I realize I must have spilled a few drops of coffee over time but no spills. The cup holder starts to move out then stops until you give a little pull to help it out. I was considering cleaning it by spraying simple green in the spaces and after drying spay silicone with the straw tip on the can . Anyone have any luck lubing these poorly designed cup holders. TIA

Fartpimpson · 05-11-2007, 04:21 AM

Order a new one from dealer.

txusa03 · 05-11-2007, 07:35 AM

see if dealer will replace it for you for free of charge. Some dealer will do that just to get brownies points. Why not give it a try.

tintivilus · 05-11-2007, 11:08 AM

I had this same problem when I took delivery -- there was actually a defect in the cupholder trim that prevented the mechanism from operating freely. It was replaced under warranty.

If you actually just gummed it up, there's a writeup in the DIY section for removing the assembly. IIRC you just pop off the trim panel around the cupholders and each holder is attached to the dash with a couple screws.

droptop335 · 05-17-2007, 12:44 PM

Those cupholders should be outlawed...they're the worst designed things. BMW does most everything so well, and yet they give us these flimsy rattle makers...
Rant over...

TahoeOG · 05-22-2007, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by droptop335

Those cupholders should be outlawed...they're the worst designed things. BMW does most everything so well, and yet they give us these flimsy rattle makers...
Rant over...

I like them. I think they keep my drink within reach and don't take up space of more important things in the car. My opinion they are good idea.

But would def like to know how to better clean them. Mine is as good as new still, but when it does get dirty i would like to know how to clean it.

droptop335 · 05-22-2007, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billmister

I like them. I think they keep my drink within reach and don't take up space of more important things in the car. My opinion they are good idea.

I didn't say they weren't a good idea...just that they need to be designed better. Good location, yes. Don't take up much space, yes. Rattle and chatter a lot, YES!

fizzle · 05-24-2007, 10:51 AM

yea the passenger one just decided to crap out. i cleaned it a bit, buts it not as free moving as the driver's side. think its time to get a new one under warranty

TRICKE90 · 05-26-2007, 10:39 AM

Wow! I use mine all the time and have not had any problem, if I spill coffee then I clean it up although I haven't a spill on the inside. I like the design because it tucks away when not in use. I do think the execution could have been done better.

05-11-2007, 04:14 AM	#1
jerchap Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 2006 330xi Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Dartmouth MA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330xi [0.00]	How to clean and lube cup holders? I realize I must have spilled a few drops of coffee over time but no spills. The cup holder starts to move out then stops until you give a little pull to help it out. I was considering cleaning it by spraying simple green in the spaces and after drying spay silicone with the straw tip on the can . Anyone have any luck lubing these poorly designed cup holders. TIA
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05-11-2007, 04:21 AM	#2
Fartpimpson Colonel 292 Rep 2,414 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Alhambra, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E92 335i [0.00]	Order a new one from dealer.
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05-11-2007, 07:35 AM	#3
txusa03 Major General 548 Rep 6,563 Posts Drives: TS330iPPSP6MT Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Planet Earth iTrader: (3)	see if dealer will replace it for you for free of charge. Some dealer will do that just to get brownies points. Why not give it a try. __________________ under construction!
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05-11-2007, 11:08 AM	#4
tintivilus Lieutenant Colonel 26 Rep 1,826 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Lake County, IL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E92 335i [0.00] 2003 325i [0.00]	I had this same problem when I took delivery -- there was actually a defect in the cupholder trim that prevented the mechanism from operating freely. It was replaced under warranty. If you actually just gummed it up, there's a writeup in the DIY section for removing the assembly. IIRC you just pop off the trim panel around the cupholders and each holder is attached to the dash with a couple screws.
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05-17-2007, 12:44 PM	#5
droptop335 Captain 39 Rep 709 Posts Drives: '07 335i (E93) Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Back in SF Bay Area (Tri-Valley), WooHoo! iTrader: (1)	Those cupholders should be outlawed...they're the worst designed things. BMW does most everything so well, and yet they give us these flimsy rattle makers... Rant over... __________________ Alpine White/Coral Red/Gray Poplar Convertible Sport/Prem/Step/Comfort/Nav/Sirius MHD Stage 1 Flash, M-Factory Helical LSD By the way people: USE YOUR F&*#ING TURN SIGNALS! Pass the word.
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05-24-2007, 10:51 AM	#8
fizzle is it the 5oclock free crack giveaway? 234 Rep 17,453 Posts Drives: a motorized vee-hickle Join Date: May 2007 Location: North Jersey iTrader: (14)	yea the passenger one just decided to crap out. i cleaned it a bit, buts it not as free moving as the driver's side. think its time to get a new one under warranty
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05-26-2007, 10:39 AM	#9
TRICKE90 Private First Class 3 Rep 182 Posts Drives: 2008 335i coupe, montego blue, Join Date: May 2006 Location: carson city,nv iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 e92 335i coupe [0.00] 2008 335i coupe [0.00] 2006 325i [0.00] 2006 325i [0.00] 2006 325i [0.00] 2006 325i [0.00] 2006 325i [0.00] 2006 325i [0.00] 2006 325i [0.00]	Wow! I use mine all the time and have not had any problem, if I spill coffee then I clean it up although I haven't a spill on the inside. I like the design because it tucks away when not in use. I do think the execution could have been done better.
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