E90Post
 


Studio RSR
 
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > DIY Guides > DIY: Split Armrest Install



Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      06-14-2010, 05:11 AM   #199
Catfish454
Private First Class
Catfish454's Avatar
United_States
11
Rep
149
Posts

Drives: 2014 550i x-Drive M-Sport
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Fairfax Station, VA

iTrader: (0)

Ahhh...that explains it! So when I swap the armrest out and reinstall the factory one when I trade it in I'll have that to look forward to. The one thing that might help quite a bit is to release the pressure on the spring before removing the rod. Slip a slotted screwdriver between the two tabs that hold it in place and twist to release it. I noticed in the photos that the spring was still under tension which probably made removal a bit more difficult.
Appreciate 0
      06-18-2010, 06:49 AM   #200
elfhearse
CW5
elfhearse's Avatar
United_States
9
Rep
164
Posts

Drives: 14 x28iS/10 e91M/00 Z3MC
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SE PA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2014 BMW x28i  [0.00]
2010 328iT  [0.00]
*Definitely release the spring tension before you try to tap out the two shafts.
Push the center straight portion of the spring forward to release it from the two black plastic tabs...it will pop up and relax tension on the bars.

*Another note: the plastic "friction" gear should be removed before you lift out the old armrest. Reach behind the gear with your left finger and hold the back, reach on the other, gear side (passenger side) and press on the small tab that is holding the gear on the armrest frame...push in and the gear should fall back (towards driver side) and you can pull it out with your left hand towards rear of car.
The plastic gear should be the last step in the re-installation process. Reach in and re-install, reverse procedure from above description.
__________________
CURRENT:
10 328iT ZMP-6spd, 00 Z3 MCoupe, 76 2002 stg.2 5 speed
PAST: 96 318ti Cali, 03 325Ci, 00 Z3 M Roadster, 99 Z3 2.8 Coupe, 14 X128i M-Sport14 Z4 28i Sport 6-spd
Appreciate 0
      06-18-2010, 06:52 PM   #201
sleepyx637
Captain
19
Rep
952
Posts

Drives: '09 E92 335i
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: LA

iTrader: (0)

This might be helpful:

[u2b]<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hSHkBrhixD8&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hSHkBrhixD8&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>[/u2b]
Appreciate 0
      07-08-2010, 08:08 PM   #202
akack79
Brigadier General
142
Rep
3,161
Posts

Drives: '18 F80 M3 ZCP
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: T E X A S

iTrader: (18)

The video DIY in below thread helped tremendously:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...highlight=euro
Attached Images
 
__________________
2018 F80 M3 6MT ZCP
Appreciate 0
      07-09-2010, 08:57 AM   #203
chuckee98
First Lieutenant
20
Rep
383
Posts

Drives: = )
Join Date: May 2010
Location: lawn gyland

iTrader: (3)

Just finished this modification / replacement and had a couple of comments that will help others planning to do so. The video DIY from ECS helped tremendously, and replacing the damper / friction gear AFTER placing the armrest in place was SIGNIFICANTLY easier. In addition, here's what I did:

Getting the pins out was not as easy as it was shown because every time I pushed on the pin end, the opposite end would flex. I used a large pair of channel lock pliers to push the pins out - one side on the pin end, the other on the opposite side of the hinge bracket. This made it easy, then I grabbed the end of the pins with the needle nose pliers as shown, and pulled them out. Using the channel locks to tighten the pins was just as easy.

Also of importance - I ended up using BOTH damper / friction gears, one on each side. This made a big difference in my case of how slowly / smoothly the armrest rose up when released. I ended up adding the second gear after I buttoned everything up, as I was not thrilled on how the armrest would pop up quickly when released. To do this, I just put some tape on a flat head screwdriver, sticky side out, and stuck the gear to it. I then carefully positioned the screwdriver tip and gear over the spring / pin assembly, and pushed the gear into place. No drama.
Appreciate 0
      07-28-2010, 02:07 AM   #204
Zombie23
Registered
Zombie23's Avatar
United_States
0
Rep
4
Posts

Drives: BMW 2007 328i
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (0)

you saved my arm's life!!
thnxs
Appreciate 0
      08-07-2010, 12:24 AM   #205
Thumperx
Major
United_States
88
Rep
1,404
Posts

Drives: 335I coupe
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SE Michigan

iTrader: (77)

sleepyx637 , I bought my split arm rest before the video was posted. The video save significant amount time. Much thanks!

Anthony
__________________
Name: Blanca | 07 E92 | AW-Blk | ZSP | Alcon BBK | M3 Bits | VM RR Links | Koni | UUC Sways | V5 | Dinan CAI | ETS IC | Fge DV | ER CP | Cyba | Raden. Exh | Mod Step | Trunk Drawer | Perf LED Wheel | Illum Dr Sills | IS Shifter | Parrot | Philps D1S | 6000k fog | MTECH RR | CSL Trunk | Aero | Roof Spoiler | PSS on BBS RS-GT 19s
Appreciate 0
      10-27-2010, 02:00 PM   #206
WilkesE90
Enlisted Member
United_States
7
Rep
36
Posts

Drives: 2007 BMW E90 335i 6-Speed
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Ohio

iTrader: (0)

Those damn metal rods won't come out for me! Had to take a break, it was getting hot in the garage trying to force those stupid things out of their groove!
__________________
2007 BMW E90 335i, Manual | 2004 BMW E46 330Ci, Manual (Retired) | 2002 BMW E39 530i, Automatic (Retired)
---
BMW Car Club of America Member 431251. Join your local chapter!
Appreciate 0
      10-27-2010, 04:48 PM   #207
sleepyx637
Captain
19
Rep
952
Posts

Drives: '09 E92 335i
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: LA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Thumperx View Post
sleepyx637 , I bought my split arm rest before the video was posted. The video save significant amount time. Much thanks!

Anthony
Happy to help!

Quote:
Originally Posted by WilkesE90 View Post
Those damn metal rods won't come out for me! Had to take a break, it was getting hot in the garage trying to force those stupid things out of their groove!
Spray some lube (jig-a-loo, wd-40, etc) near the hole (preferably with a straw to try and get some into the hole). After I did that, it only took about a minute to get it out (took me about 30min on the first one, the second one took about 1 minute with the lube).
Appreciate 0
      10-27-2010, 10:00 PM   #208
WilkesE90
Enlisted Member
United_States
7
Rep
36
Posts

Drives: 2007 BMW E90 335i 6-Speed
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Ohio

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by sleepyx637 View Post
Happy to help!



Spray some lube (jig-a-loo, wd-40, etc) near the hole (preferably with a straw to try and get some into the hole). After I did that, it only took about a minute to get it out (took me about 30min on the first one, the second one took about 1 minute with the lube).
I used some PB Blaster and it worked like a charm, thanks man!
__________________
2007 BMW E90 335i, Manual | 2004 BMW E46 330Ci, Manual (Retired) | 2002 BMW E39 530i, Automatic (Retired)
---
BMW Car Club of America Member 431251. Join your local chapter!
Appreciate 0
      12-03-2010, 01:57 PM   #209
Bimmerforlife
Major
384
Rep
1,261
Posts

Drives: E90 335i
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: FL

iTrader: (0)

Does anyone know if this split armrest install will fit on a 2011 sedan?

Did they change something in 2011, the video of this being installed looks like a coupe model and was wondering if it will work on a sedan.

Anyone with a 2011 sedan install this and know if the installation would be same for 2006-2011 sedan?

Last edited by Bimmerforlife; 12-03-2010 at 02:04 PM..
Appreciate 0
      12-03-2010, 10:33 PM   #210
wrickem
Big Beaver Smile
wrickem's Avatar
2101
Rep
3,790
Posts

Drives: What he wants to
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: lambertville nj

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bimmerforlife View Post
Does anyone know if this split armrest install will fit on a 2011 sedan?

Did they change something in 2011, the video of this being installed looks like a coupe model and was wondering if it will work on a sedan.

Anyone with a 2011 sedan install this and know if the installation would be same for 2006-2011 sedan?
I know that you specifically said "sedan", but the one from my '07 coupe fit my '11 perfectly and without a single change in installation, even though the inside is different (no cool/heat). I would think that they didn't change the sedan's either but am not 100% positive

I guess that didn't help you though.
__________________
______________________________________________
Current- '21 430 , '19 911, 07 M6 ,'17 Jeep Wrangler, "23 Bronco OBXluxsquatch
Appreciate 0
      12-18-2010, 10:57 PM   #211
Bimmerforlife
Major
384
Rep
1,261
Posts

Drives: E90 335i
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: FL

iTrader: (0)

So I ordered the split armrest from Tischer, and when my car finally came in, my CA had it installed for me no charge at delivery, I really like how it looks and it works great with iDrive.

Appreciate 0
      01-10-2011, 04:06 PM   #212
Amlethae
Private First Class
13
Rep
169
Posts

Drives: 2011 335ix M-Sport
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Clifton, NJ

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2011 335xi  [0.00]
I'm having a bastard of a time getting the stock pins out... the plastic on the sides that they the grooved sides go into just bends out, the pins aren't really budging. Any tips? It's on a 2011 E90 btw.
Appreciate 0
      01-10-2011, 04:20 PM   #213
chuckee98
First Lieutenant
20
Rep
383
Posts

Drives: = )
Join Date: May 2010
Location: lawn gyland

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Amlethae View Post
I'm having a bastard of a time getting the stock pins out... the plastic on the sides that they the grooved sides go into just bends out, the pins aren't really budging. Any tips? It's on a 2011 E90 btw.
Try this:

Quote:
Originally Posted by chuckee98 View Post

Getting the pins out was not as easy as it was shown because every time I pushed on the pin end, the opposite end would flex. I used a large pair of channel lock pliers to push the pins out - one side on the pin end, the other on the opposite side of the hinge bracket. This made it easy, then I grabbed the end of the pins with the needle nose pliers as shown, and pulled them out. Using the channel locks to tighten the pins was just as easy.
Appreciate 0
      01-10-2011, 06:01 PM   #214
sleepyx637
Captain
19
Rep
952
Posts

Drives: '09 E92 335i
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: LA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Amlethae View Post
I'm having a bastard of a time getting the stock pins out... the plastic on the sides that they the grooved sides go into just bends out, the pins aren't really budging. Any tips? It's on a 2011 E90 btw.
did you spray it with lube, as mentioned about 5 posts up?
Appreciate 0
      02-10-2011, 11:22 AM   #215
bimmerque
Private First Class
bimmerque's Avatar
United_States
9
Rep
123
Posts

Drives: 2006 330i
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: St Louis

iTrader: (0)

Nice Bro! Clean...
__________________
Appreciate 0
      02-19-2011, 10:12 PM   #216
woodpecka
Major
woodpecka's Avatar
Canada
68
Rep
1,026
Posts

Drives: E91
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Montreal

iTrader: (2)

Nice DIY.

Removing the e90 trim and pin wasn't easy. I have use a screwdriver to release the clips.

There is the instruction from the BMW TIS
Attached Images
File Type: pdf RA Removing and installing _ replacing centre armrest.pdf (60.0 KB, 342 views)
Appreciate 0
      05-11-2011, 10:50 PM   #217
rote
Enlisted Member
rote's Avatar
0
Rep
45
Posts

Drives: E90 325i
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: CA

iTrader: (0)

Successful install. Thanks everyone, especially SedanClan and im0y (post #68). Thanks to you, knew how to install the spring.
Appreciate 0
      12-13-2011, 12:10 PM   #218
theblotted
New Member
United_States
0
Rep
28
Posts

Drives: 335i cp
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Lost Angels

iTrader: (0)

i ordered a split armrest from ECS Tuning.. but since my '07 e92 is gray, it didn't come with the gear, pins and spring. i tried calling ECS to sell me just the gear and spring, but they don't sell it separately (in fact, they transferred me 3 times and then just hung up on me even though i was asking politely? very rude )...

anybody here know where i can buy the gear/spring separate? or wanna sell me yours?
Appreciate 0
      12-13-2011, 12:52 PM   #219
wrickem
Big Beaver Smile
wrickem's Avatar
2101
Rep
3,790
Posts

Drives: What he wants to
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: lambertville nj

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by theblotted View Post
i ordered a split armrest from ECS Tuning.. but since my '07 e92 is gray, it didn't come with the gear, pins and spring. i tried calling ECS to sell me just the gear and spring, but they don't sell it separately (in fact, they transferred me 3 times and then just hung up on me even though i was asking politely? very rude )...

anybody here know where i can buy the gear/spring separate? or wanna sell me yours?
I had an '07 without the spring too. When I ordered my split armrest from the dealer it included the spring and the gear. You absolutely need them for the added weight of the armrest. I usually like ECS, but it looks like this time they dropped the ball with you.
__________________
______________________________________________
Current- '21 430 , '19 911, 07 M6 ,'17 Jeep Wrangler, "23 Bronco OBXluxsquatch
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2011, 07:12 PM   #220
theblotted
New Member
United_States
0
Rep
28
Posts

Drives: 335i cp
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Lost Angels

iTrader: (0)

called ECS again, and they finally got the spring. so i ordered it. but the spring is like $5.xx, but the shipping is $10.xx...?? whatev, better to have it than a split armrest that slams down.

but they still don't sell the gear separately tho. gonna try it without (like txusa03); but if anybody's got an extra... lmk thx.
Appreciate 0
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:53 PM.




e90post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST