[txusa03]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Leather "DAKOTA"/Schwarz center armrest (split)
51-16-7-147-219

It was around $225.00 w/ the BMW CCA discount.

I hate you...first split armrest installed that I know off. Trust me, more e90 will follow in your footstep. I've been wanting this item from the beginning. Money and know how were my issues. Now I only have to deal with the money part. What kind of clip is holding the rear vent? You said it can break if you are not careful, is it plastic clip? Any photo of clip and its general location? Thanks.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by txusa03

I hate you...first split armrest installed that I know off. Trust me, more e90 will follow in your footstep. I've been wanting this item from the beginning. Money and know how were my issues. Now I only have to deal with the money part. What kind of clip is holding the rear vent? You said it can break if you are not careful, is it plastic clip? Any photo of clip and its general location? Thanks.

Yes, I do believe I was the first one to do it......at least on this forum. I've started threads in the past trying to gain some insight on the install, but nobody had performed it, so I was on my own. The clips holding the rear climate controls in place are molded onto the unit itself. If you look at the first picture, you will see the clips along the top of the climate control. There are about 4 or 5 of those located along the sides of the climate control as well (..with the bottom clips on both sides being a pain in the ass, and easily prone to breakage; I broke one, that's why I advised to be careful when removing it).

[txusa03]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Yes, I do believe I was the first one to do it......at least on this forum. I've started threads in the past trying to gain some insight on the install, but nobody had performed it, so I was on my own. The clips holding the rear climate controls in place are molded onto the unit itself. If you look at the first picture, you will see the clips along the top of the climate control. There are about 4 or 5 of those located along the sides of the climate control as well (..with the bottom clips on both sides being a pain in the ass, and easily prone to breakage; I broke one, that's why I advised to be careful when removing it).

I also posted questions on how to install very early in the e90's life. I think it is functional and cool to have and it is rare to see one in the US. so congrat. I noticed you have black leather which is same as mine. How do you like the e90 compare to your previous M3

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by txusa03

How do you like the e90 compare to your previous M3

They don't compare. Two different beasts that beckon me to drive two different ways.

The M3 is visceral, connected, and orgasmic (..in a sense). It beckons you to mash the pedal and attack any curve you see. It promotes a different type of behavior while driving. I loved it!

The E90 is more subdued and relaxed, yet, with a sense of connection as well. It provides a different kind of comfort, and the interior is more involving in my humble opinion. I prefer to cruise briskly in the E90 whereas the E46 M3 (..both of them, but my '05 even more) made me want to whip the tail out. No lie!

Trying to compare the two would only serve to depress me because both vehicles have very different strengths in terms of performance (..as well as offering vastly different dynamics where driving is concerned), but on the flipside, law enforcement is my career of choice, so I'm glad that I got it out of my system before I take the oath. I am comfortable with my purchase, after all, I've always loved the E90 since it's inception.

At the ripe age of 27, I've owned a 330ci, a few ///M3's, and now the 330i (...not to mention the G35 coupe, etc. etc. that I owned in between). Everything has come full circle for me. I started out a bit sporty, then purchased a few "real" performance cars, and now I'm cruising. It was the natural progression I guess.

[txusa03]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

The M3 is visceral, connected, and orgasmic (..in a sense). It beckons you to mash the pedal and attack any curve you see. It promotes a different type of behavior while driving. I loved it!

holy cow, I wonder if it will have the same affect on me if I sit in an M3 and crank up the engine

[sruzgar]

Although they are great pictures there really is not any of the arm rest open!

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by sruzgar

Although they are great pictures there really is not any of the arm rest open!

I can take one if necessary, but I figured it would be useless considering nothing has change beneath the armrest. The underside of the split armrest looks the same as the stock armrest. The compartment retains the stock volume capacity.

[txusa03]

Well, he only replaced the top part of the armrest. So whatever under the armrest (compartment) is the same. Hope that help. No need for photo since only the top outside part is different which is depicted in his photo.

[calvino]

if you have leatherette is $146

[txusa03]

Originally Posted by calvino

if you have leatherette is $146

I thought about that tho i have real leather...a few ppl told me just go with the real leather to match my leather package. But being the armrest, I thought it does not matter. No harm done since I am still debating.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by txusa03

I thought about that tho i have real leather...a few ppl told me just go with the real leather to match my leather package. But being the armrest, I thought it does not matter. No harm done since I am still debating.

The leatherette and the leather look very similar. Go w/ the leatherette version to save cash.

[Greeney]

To bad I have Terra here, ette isnt an option.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Greeney

To bad I have Terra here, ette isnt an option.

Greeney, bro...just get it man. Get the armrest. You'll be highly satisfied!

Might I also add how nicely weighted the ///M shift knob is. There is a noticeable difference in feel and accuracy between that knob and the stock silver/black knob.

[sruzgar]

So each section does not lift independantly of one another? I really just wanted to see what it looked like slid forward? Sorry if im being a pest!

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by sruzgar

So each section does not lift independantly of one another? I really just wanted to see what it looked like slid forward? Sorry if im being a pest!

No, it's one full section; the same as the stock unit. I can take a picture this evening of it slid forward.

[BenMW]

I am going to be getting saddle brown interior and want to switch out the arm rest with a black one just like yours. Thanks for the DIY and pics.

[hkj]

Hey Sedan_Clan, great job on the write up!

I'm going to call my BMW dealer to order one of these. Please take some photos of the splitter in action (i.e. sliding forward).



Slightly off topic, how do you like those ///M driving gloves? Do you actually wear them when you drive?


cheers,
-hkj

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by BenMW

I am going to be getting saddle brown interior and want to switch out the arm rest with a black one just like yours. Thanks for the DIY and pics.

Anytime!

Originally Posted by hkj

Hey Sedan_Clan, great job on the write up!

I'm going to call my BMW dealer to order one of these. Please take some photos of the splitter in action (i.e. sliding forward).



Slightly off topic, how do you like those ///M driving gloves? Do you actually wear them when you drive?


cheers,
-hkj

I have worn ///M driving gloves since I owned the '02 330ci. It protects the wheel from the oils in human hands, etc. It is especially helpful when you have a vehicle w/ the alcantara steering wheel (..like my previous '05 ///M3). The gloves really do a great of preserving the wheel.

[HRC]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

...It is especially helpful when you have a vehicle w/ the alcantara steering wheel (..like my previous '05 ///M3). The gloves really do a great of preserving the wheel.

I used to have to wear driving gloves on my old cars with suede momo wheels. If I didn't they would get matted and shiny real fast!

Danny

[calvino]

is there any M shift knob for Auto transmition ?? I want one

[oneshare325]

I don't have storage nets on the back of my seats! What is up with that!

[calvino]

Originally Posted by oneshare325

I don't have storage nets on the back of my seats! What is up with that!

you don't ??? I do