[kenlor]

Does anyone have part numbers for the various colors? I'm very interested in making this my first mod!

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06 330xi
Saph/Terra, iDrive, Nav, Prem, Sport, CW

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by kenlor

Does anyone have part numbers for the various colors? I'm very interested in making this my first mod!

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06 330xi
Saph/Terra, iDrive, Nav, Prem, Sport, CW

All of the main colors are listed here:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...26&hg=51&fg=35

[im0y]

Hi Sedan_Clan,

Thank you for your great DIY. Without it, I wouldn't have been able to do this upgrade

By the way, I also wanted to add another great feature for getting the split armrest (other than better looks and a sliding armrest). I noticed that when I received my armrest (thanks to JD from Crown), the package came with a spring and a small gear:


After the install, the armrest now (when opened) slowly lifts itself up. Also when closing, it doesn't slam down/free fall on its own and you now have to push it down (since the springs are gently pushing it up).

I love this feature because I always leave my armrest up (because they feel uncomfortably high on my elbow when shifting gears) and every now and then, a passenger would accidentally tap/close it and it would annoyingly slam shut by itself. Now it will no longer happen

You might be able to get the spring/gear on their without getting the split armrest. I'm wondering why our OEM armrest didn't came with this spring in the first place?

By the way, it took me a while to figure out how to install the armrest springs since it didn't come with instructions. Hope this helps someone. The photos are taken after everything was installed, so I'll be using them just for reference.

Before putting the armrest back in place, pop the gear into the hole located on both sides, near where the inside of the armrest hinges would be. I think it's easier to put/pop the gears in first before putting the armrest back. You'll just have to wiggle the hinges back in so the gear won't pop back out:


Hook and clip the spring to the armrest hinge and put the metal rod back in place (do this for both sides):



Lift the armrest up and push the middle part of the spring to lock it in place. I used a flathead (minus sign) screw driver:



And viola! Now my armrest is happier

Happy armrest face courtesy of calvinos Rear Power Outlet DIY for US cars
http://e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29773

[txusa03]

Originally Posted by im0y

By the way, I also wanted to add another great feature for getting the split armrest (other than better looks and a sliding armrest). I noticed that when I received my armrest (thanks to JD from Crown), the package came with a spring and a small gear:

Great addition with the spring. Yes, I hate how the armrest just slammed down. Unfortunately, I do not see any of your photo. It would def help if i could see the photo, wonder why they are not showing up. I will look into this spring on realoem or just wait till the split armrest comes down in price and buy the split armrest and get the spring as well. Excellent work yall...

[Sedan_Clan]

Yes, I noticed the spring and gears as well, but I chose not to install those as the original armrest didn't have them. I never really have an issue w/ the armrest slamming down. Great addition to the thread though. Fix the pics so that we can see them.

[txusa03]

yeah, pls fix pics, cuz i am a picsaholic...

[txusa03]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Yes, I noticed the spring and gears as well, but I chose not to install those as the original armrest didn't have them. I never really have an issue w/ the armrest slamming down. Great addition to the thread though. Fix the pics so that we can see them.

Sedan_Clan, where is this place called the wilderness? If you ever decide to toss the spring/clamps, just remember me, I take donation-no shame admitting it

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by txusa03

Sedan_Clan, where is this place called the wilderness? If you ever decide to toss the spring/clamps, just remember me, I take donation-no shame admitting it

Hmmm, I think it's located somewhere in my chosen hemisphere on the planet Earth (...which I've noticed is where you reside as well).

....also known as Southern California!

[im0y]

Oh sorry about the missing photos (my links were all broken ) I just fixed them and I think they're okay now

[SnEeKy4LiFe]

do u lose any space from the inside of the armrest? can some one take the pic of if open
thanks

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by SnEeKy4LiFe

do u lose any space from the inside of the armrest? can some one take the pic of if open
thanks

It's been mentioned previously that the dimensions of the center console do not change.

[hkj]

im0y: excellent info on the springs!

I've always hated how our armrest just slams down as is. Now I'm definitely doing this mod.

thanks for the info and pics Sedan_Clan & im0y.

-hkj

[ZuerstBMW]

I didnt install the springs either. Just installed mine today as well, only 15 minutes thanks to Sedan_Clan install tips, thanks again!!!!

[txusa03]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Hmmm, I think it's located somewhere in my chosen hemisphere on the planet Earth (...which I've noticed is where you reside as well).

....also known as Southern California!

Oh so we on the same planet...

Great work everyone. I was thinking of buying just the spring if I can find the parts in realoem. But on second thought, that would be a waste of hard earn $ if decided to get the split armrest later then i would have extra spring. I guess i can sell the extra spring later. But I am gonna wait until I buy the whole split armrest.

[hkj]

Finally ordered my split armrest and installed it this week. I absolutely love it! Thanks guys for the clear instructions.

The additional spring and gear setup is perfect. As others mentioned now the armrest automatically comes up when you open it and does not slam back to place when you close it due to the spring mechanism.

BTW I ordered the armrest through Brian from Bobby Rahal BMW. This is the same guy who helped several of us out with the iPod kit ordering. Good discount, no tax, and free shipping. I've had good experience ordering parts through him and would recommend him to anyone. If you're shopping around, give him a ring: Brian in parts @ Bobby Rahal BMW - 724.941.7000 x212


-hkj

[BayernMuenchen]

Anyone know if this fits on an E92?

[Montego30]

Originally Posted by BayernMuenchen

Anyone know if this fits on an E92?

Same Q here...

[GregL]

I wonder how much this costs from BMW Canada. I'm tempted to swap it just for the extra padding.

[darrenm]

Originally Posted by GregL

I wonder how much this costs from BMW Canada. I'm tempted to swap it just for the extra padding.

The split armrest lists for $380 CAN. That is plus sales tax and in leather. Any BMW dealer in Canada should be able to order it for you.

The 'ette version is quite a bit less - maybe $280 ??

D

[GregL]

Originally Posted by darrenm

The split armrest lists for $380 CAN. That is plus sales tax and in leather. Any BMW dealer in Canada should be able to order it for you.

The 'ette version is quite a bit less - maybe $280 ??

D

Wah, thanks for the info darren. I have to go the leather route though as I have lemon & black trim so 'ette is not an option. At that price I'll probably have a relative buy it for me in the US and ship it over

[rlc]

Thanks for DIY. I installed mine with no problems. I included the spring so the armrest opens slowly and stays up - nice. I got it at Crown for $245 shipped. There was about a two week wait while JD got it from Germany. Here's a few shots....

[Cabasse]

Hi
I'm new living in France and will take delivery of my new E93 330i next week
I'd like to install a split armest in it do you know how to do it regarding it's not the same central console in the rear ?
thks for your help