DIY - Sunglass holder (replaces ashtray)

gratemech69er · 01-08-2006, 04:41 PM

I just finished installing a sunglass holder. I have manual, woodgrain, no idrive. Many thanks to jwarcd for the instructions and pictures. If I did it again it would take less than 20 minutes, but these are some of the things I needed to figure out - hopefully this will help others.

1) The shift boot comes up easily by pulling up on the fabric part, and squeezing the frame in slightly towards the gear shift. The four clips that hold it clip towards the sides.

2) The center console cover came up easier than I thought it would, but the easiest way to lift it is to open the center lid, straddle the center, and pull with both hands straight up on the rear part of the opening.

3) The torx screws are T-10, not T-20. (Torx screws have a 6 sided star opening). I found the right one in the multiple bit attachments I have to one of my screwdrivers.

4) I had trouble getting the wood trim off the ashtray cover. I finally had to increase the force with the screwdriver to pry it up, which then broke a couple of the plastic connectors on the ashtray. Fortunately the trim was OK, which was all I cared about.

5) I had trouble getting the center console cover to "just snap back in place" It is a very tight fit, and it took a few tries to get it positioned properly at the front so that the trim would fit against the center storage compartment.

In the end I am glad I did it myself, because I don't trust the dealer to do it without scratching or marking the trim. I asked them what they would charge, and they said 1 to 1.5 hours labor because they haven't done it before. Cost for the part in Canada was $45 Canadian.

hkj · 01-09-2006, 12:40 PM

I'm about to undertake this task myself. Got my sunglasses holder last week and just haven't got a chance to do it yet.

Anyone has done this on cars with step? How easy/difficult is it to remove the shift boot with the step?

DeSotoSteve · 01-09-2006, 05:28 PM

I put one in my wife's steptronic last week. To remove the shiftboot, I simply pulled up firmly on the back edge and it just popped out. Once it was free from the console, I was able to pull up on the woodgrain trim to remove it. It took a little more effort to pull it up--plus, I was being extra careful to not break it. It eventually came free. I was then able to turn the shiftboot and slip it through the opening in the trim so I could completely remove the trim from the car. I took it in the house, turned it face down on a piece of carpet, and installed the tray. Reverse the process to reinstall.

Other than the electrical connectors, it should be virtually the same as the manual transmission. Piece of cake. The whole process took me about 30 minutes. Good luck!

Steve

hkj · 01-10-2006, 02:10 AM

Hey guys, thanks for the help. Put mine in tonight, following the steps you guys described, and it worked perfectly. But yeah the center trim is a bit PITA to remove (and put back in), but everything else was easy.

thanks again,
-hkj

HRC · 01-10-2006, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hkj

Hey guys, thanks for the help. Put mine in tonight, following the steps you guys described, and it worked perfectly. But yeah the center trim is a bit PITA to remove (and put back in), but everything else was easy.

thanks again,
-hkj

Cool!! I'm glad I did this, but I do miss the light around the cig. lighter at night when I open the tray.

Danny

poldim · 01-13-2006, 10:27 AM

I wish they made the tray lit just like the ashtray on the original unit. Come to think of it, if I get some time I'll move it over from the ash tray...

Lost Rider · 02-15-2006, 03:26 PM

Thanks for the DIY.
With your help, I just did this mod in 3 minutes.

poldim · 02-15-2006, 04:21 PM

Hahahah, nice sig pic Chi....

GoBonesGo · 02-28-2006, 08:21 PM

I'll add another thanks to jwarcd for this DIY. I just did this and it's a simple but useful mod.

poldim · 03-01-2006, 05:51 PM

The only thing I hate is I constantly forget I'm wearing them and bring them into the house, rending it useless. Then I forget them in the house in the morning...

krugerjq · 03-20-2006, 02:01 PM

Do you loose the amber light that was inside the old ashtray?

poldim · 03-20-2006, 10:36 PM

yea, I've actually pondered removing it from the ashtray and moving it to the sunglass holder. I dont like the darkness at all, and I dont see myself ever using the cig lighter...

dejav0o · 03-23-2006, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poldim

yea, I've actually pondered removing it from the ashtray and moving it to the sunglass holder. I dont like the darkness at all, and I dont see myself ever using the cig lighter...

Sounds like another project someone should undertake... let me know how that goes... I was thinking the same thing, but I'm too scared to do that kinda DIY stuff without knowing what it looks like....

poldim · 03-25-2006, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dejav0o

Sounds like another project someone should undertake... let me know how that goes... I was thinking the same thing, but I'm too scared to do that kinda DIY stuff without knowing what it looks like....

It'll be a while before I can get around to playing with it....Ill make a thread when I get to playing around with it...

Jackdaw · 03-27-2006, 02:34 AM

I'd like to fit a remote display for my Neo Car Jukebox but the display is slightly too high to fit because of the slope at the front of the sunglass holder.
I am thinking of cutting off the sloping part.
Can anyone tell me how much space there is between the front of the tray and the steptronic gearbox. Could I have about 1/2 inch of a remote display under the trim beteen the edge of the sunglass holder and the steptronic?
Many thanks.

poldim · 03-27-2006, 10:49 AM

You can deffinetly cut out the forward sloping part (front of car) in the manual for sure. There are a few inches on all sides. I cant say how it is for auto, but I immagine its not too big.

saini023 · 03-31-2006, 02:38 PM

i have automatic does anyone know how to take out the knob. there is a silver part i figure would come out maybe some screw under. but it seems like the silver part is stuck on pretty good, didnt want to remove it and not be able to stick it back on. thanks for the help in advance

HRC · 03-31-2006, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saini023

i have automatic does anyone know how to take out the knob. there is a silver part i figure would come out maybe some screw under. but it seems like the silver part is stuck on pretty good, didnt want to remove it and not be able to stick it back on. thanks for the help in advance

I think the auto is the same, just pull up and the knob pops off. Not 100% sure though...

Danny

fibercus · 04-03-2006, 02:27 AM

Excelent DIY Mod! Going to do it soon!, non-smoker and use the compartment voltage for phone charge.

FastAttackNick · 04-27-2006, 08:11 PM

I just did it and it went fine - great instructions. The only snag was a little piece of the trim cracked off the center console during removal. I was able to superglue it back on and it's all the way on the tip on the passenger side - no one will know but me. Unfortunately, I'm one of those who as soon as I notice a blemish will stare at it forever...

luckystrike · 04-28-2006, 02:14 AM

guys my car will be arriving this week i ordered a non-smokers package with sunglass holder instead of ashtray., but when i ask my dealer he says my car has a smokers package., can i insist on him to change that what are the actions i can do if he doesnt want to change it., i think i have the right to change it because my order is specifically a non smokers package.

poldim · 04-28-2006, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luckystrike

guys my car will be arriving this week i ordered a non-smokers package with sunglass holder instead of ashtray., but when i ask my dealer he says my car has a smokers package., can i insist on him to change that what are the actions i can do if he doesnt want to change it., i think i have the right to change it because my order is specifically a non smokers package.

Unless the base build of the car is with the smokers package then the dealership has to do it at their cost. If the factory builds them with the smokers package, then the dealership might try to charge you for the time to retrofit. I would still argue that they should do it at their own cost.

01-08-2006, 04:41 PM	#45
gratemech69er Enlisted Member 1 Rep 37 Posts Drives: 2006 325xi Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Oakville Ontario iTrader: (0)	I just finished installing a sunglass holder. I have manual, woodgrain, no idrive. Many thanks to jwarcd for the instructions and pictures. If I did it again it would take less than 20 minutes, but these are some of the things I needed to figure out - hopefully this will help others. 1) The shift boot comes up easily by pulling up on the fabric part, and squeezing the frame in slightly towards the gear shift. The four clips that hold it clip towards the sides. 2) The center console cover came up easier than I thought it would, but the easiest way to lift it is to open the center lid, straddle the center, and pull with both hands straight up on the rear part of the opening. 3) The torx screws are T-10, not T-20. (Torx screws have a 6 sided star opening). I found the right one in the multiple bit attachments I have to one of my screwdrivers. 4) I had trouble getting the wood trim off the ashtray cover. I finally had to increase the force with the screwdriver to pry it up, which then broke a couple of the plastic connectors on the ashtray. Fortunately the trim was OK, which was all I cared about. 5) I had trouble getting the center console cover to "just snap back in place" It is a very tight fit, and it took a few tries to get it positioned properly at the front so that the trim would fit against the center storage compartment. In the end I am glad I did it myself, because I don't trust the dealer to do it without scratching or marking the trim. I asked them what they would charge, and they said 1 to 1.5 hours labor because they haven't done it before. Cost for the part in Canada was $45 Canadian.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-09-2006, 12:40 PM	#46
hkj Major 60 Rep 1,205 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I'm about to undertake this task myself. Got my sunglasses holder last week and just haven't got a chance to do it yet. Anyone has done this on cars with step? How easy/difficult is it to remove the shift boot with the step?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-09-2006, 05:28 PM	#47
DeSotoSteve New Member 1 Rep 6 Posts Drives: 2006 325i, White Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Memphis, TN iTrader: (0)	I put one in my wife's steptronic last week. To remove the shiftboot, I simply pulled up firmly on the back edge and it just popped out. Once it was free from the console, I was able to pull up on the woodgrain trim to remove it. It took a little more effort to pull it up--plus, I was being extra careful to not break it. It eventually came free. I was then able to turn the shiftboot and slip it through the opening in the trim so I could completely remove the trim from the car. I took it in the house, turned it face down on a piece of carpet, and installed the tray. Reverse the process to reinstall. Other than the electrical connectors, it should be virtually the same as the manual transmission. Piece of cake. The whole process took me about 30 minutes. Good luck! Steve
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-10-2006, 02:10 AM	#48
hkj Major 60 Rep 1,205 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Hey guys, thanks for the help. Put mine in tonight, following the steps you guys described, and it worked perfectly. But yeah the center trim is a bit PITA to remove (and put back in), but everything else was easy. thanks again, -hkj
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-13-2006, 10:27 AM	#50
poldim Vroom Vrrooooom 300 Rep 3,146 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i Sedan [0.00] 2003 GSX-R 600 [0.00]	I wish they made the tray lit just like the ashtray on the original unit. Come to think of it, if I get some time I'll move it over from the ash tray... __________________ -Dmitriy 06' BMW 330i & 03' Suzuki GSX-R600 SG \| Beige Dakota \| Poplar \|\| iDrive w/MP3 \| PP \| SP \| CWP \| PDC \| Comfort \| Shades \|\| 40% Tint \| Black Line Tail Lights \| Hardwired V1
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-15-2006, 03:26 PM	#51
Lost Rider Captain 87 Rep 805 Posts Drives: R NineT, X1 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Ventura County, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW R NineT [0.00] 2015 X1 xdrive [9.00]	Thanks for the DIY. With your help, I just did this mod in 3 minutes. __________________ GET LOST! www.lostrider.com
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-15-2006, 04:21 PM	#52
poldim Vroom Vrrooooom 300 Rep 3,146 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i Sedan [0.00] 2003 GSX-R 600 [0.00]	Hahahah, nice sig pic Chi.... __________________ -Dmitriy 06' BMW 330i & 03' Suzuki GSX-R600 SG \| Beige Dakota \| Poplar \|\| iDrive w/MP3 \| PP \| SP \| CWP \| PDC \| Comfort \| Shades \|\| 40% Tint \| Black Line Tail Lights \| Hardwired V1
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-28-2006, 08:21 PM	#53
GoBonesGo What do you do when you see a spaceman? 10 Rep 236 Posts Drives: SG/Terra E90 335i Step Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: La Quinta, CA iTrader: (0)	I'll add another thanks to jwarcd for this DIY. I just did this and it's a simple but useful mod.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-01-2006, 05:51 PM	#54
poldim Vroom Vrrooooom 300 Rep 3,146 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i Sedan [0.00] 2003 GSX-R 600 [0.00]	The only thing I hate is I constantly forget I'm wearing them and bring them into the house, rending it useless. Then I forget them in the house in the morning... __________________ -Dmitriy 06' BMW 330i & 03' Suzuki GSX-R600 SG \| Beige Dakota \| Poplar \|\| iDrive w/MP3 \| PP \| SP \| CWP \| PDC \| Comfort \| Shades \|\| 40% Tint \| Black Line Tail Lights \| Hardwired V1
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-20-2006, 02:01 PM	#55
krugerjq Private First Class 8 Rep 126 Posts Drives: X3 2d M Sport, F800GS Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: South Africa iTrader: (0)	Do you loose the amber light that was inside the old ashtray?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-20-2006, 10:36 PM	#56
poldim Vroom Vrrooooom 300 Rep 3,146 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i Sedan [0.00] 2003 GSX-R 600 [0.00]	yea, I've actually pondered removing it from the ashtray and moving it to the sunglass holder. I dont like the darkness at all, and I dont see myself ever using the cig lighter... __________________ -Dmitriy 06' BMW 330i & 03' Suzuki GSX-R600 SG \| Beige Dakota \| Poplar \|\| iDrive w/MP3 \| PP \| SP \| CWP \| PDC \| Comfort \| Shades \|\| 40% Tint \| Black Line Tail Lights \| Hardwired V1
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-27-2006, 02:34 AM	#59
Jackdaw Enlisted Member 4 Rep 38 Posts Drives: 330 SE (E90) Auto Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I'd like to fit a remote display for my Neo Car Jukebox but the display is slightly too high to fit because of the slope at the front of the sunglass holder. I am thinking of cutting off the sloping part. Can anyone tell me how much space there is between the front of the tray and the steptronic gearbox. Could I have about 1/2 inch of a remote display under the trim beteen the edge of the sunglass holder and the steptronic? Many thanks.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-27-2006, 10:49 AM	#60
poldim Vroom Vrrooooom 300 Rep 3,146 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i Sedan [0.00] 2003 GSX-R 600 [0.00]	You can deffinetly cut out the forward sloping part (front of car) in the manual for sure. There are a few inches on all sides. I cant say how it is for auto, but I immagine its not too big. __________________ -Dmitriy 06' BMW 330i & 03' Suzuki GSX-R600 SG \| Beige Dakota \| Poplar \|\| iDrive w/MP3 \| PP \| SP \| CWP \| PDC \| Comfort \| Shades \|\| 40% Tint \| Black Line Tail Lights \| Hardwired V1
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-31-2006, 02:38 PM	#61
saini023 Second Lieutenant 15 Rep 292 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	i have automatic does anyone know how to take out the knob. there is a silver part i figure would come out maybe some screw under. but it seems like the silver part is stuck on pretty good, didnt want to remove it and not be able to stick it back on. thanks for the help in advance __________________ 330i Jet Black on Black, ZSP, ZPP, Steptronic, Clear Bra, Comfort Acess, Sirius, OEM Alarm Mods:20% Tint F/R, Xenon Interior Lights, Xenenis Tru-match Fog Lights, , V1 (hardwire), Black and White Roundels, Blackline Tailights, White Angel Eyes (PMB), (2) 12'' Kicker L7,TvandNav2go, Playstation 2, ACS Roof Spoiler, 5 Series iDrive Leather Knob, Brex kit
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-03-2006, 02:27 AM	#63
fibercus Captain 35 Rep 830 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: US iTrader: (4)	Excelent DIY Mod! Going to do it soon!, non-smoker and use the compartment voltage for phone charge.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-27-2006, 08:11 PM	#64
FastAttackNick My other ride gets 2000 nm to the neutron... 2 Rep 54 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Sport Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia iTrader: (0)	I just did it and it went fine - great instructions. The only snag was a little piece of the trim cracked off the center console during removal. I was able to superglue it back on and it's all the way on the tip on the passenger side - no one will know but me. Unfortunately, I'm one of those who as soon as I notice a blemish will stare at it forever... __________________ __________________ 330i / Premium, Sport, and Cold Weather Packages
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-28-2006, 02:14 AM	#65
luckystrike First Lieutenant 18 Rep 349 Posts Drives: X3 F25 MSport Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: austria iTrader: (0)	non smokers guys my car will be arriving this week i ordered a non-smokers package with sunglass holder instead of ashtray., but when i ask my dealer he says my car has a smokers package., can i insist on him to change that what are the actions i can do if he doesnt want to change it., i think i have the right to change it because my order is specifically a non smokers package.
	Appreciate 0 Quote