[raven169]

This is great! cheap way to add convenient storage spot for my sunglasses! Thanks for the write up!

[jmm027]

yeah brilliant thanks heaps

[chitownkev]

I did this mod yesterday, and while a bit frustrating it first, I got it done pretty easily. Probably reiterating what others have said, but here's my experience on my 2007 335i AT with iDrive:

1) Automatic shift knob comes off with a strong pull straight up. Don't jerk it, just keep pulling harder until it comes off.

2) Pull up carefully on the leather boot around the shifter and the whole boot/plastic cover unit around the shifter will come off. There are two wires that are connected to this unit. I wasn't able to get them out without feeling like I was going to break something, so I left this part connected.

3) Pulling the console trim unit off wasn't easy when trying from the driver's side. I got on the passenger side, got some leverage by putting my feet up against the front firewall, and lifted up at the rear end of the shifter-boot area. I'm right handed and pulling up with my right hand allowed me to get this piece out pretty easily.

4) Since I didn't undo the wires connected to the shift-lever boot piece, I had to fish that whole unit through the hole in the console trim in order to get the console trim out of the car. You also need to disconnect the iDrive cable before getting the console trim out of the car.

5) Be very careful when trying to snap off the trim lid of your existing ashtray unit. I was careless with mine and chipped off a little piece of the wood trim right away...luckily it's at the very rear of the piece and you can't even see it once everything is installed back in place.

6) Putting everything back together is a piece of cake!

[diazpf]

Good DIY, just finished Installing an XM Xpress EX with it, thanks!!!

[frankthetoad]

I too chipped the trim on top of the ashtray. Where can I buy a replacement that won't cost me millions?

Once I finally got it off, I realized it was held on by what looks like aluminum rivets. It did not fit the sunglasses tray. Was I supposed to remove a hard plastic portion with it also?

Can't seem to find that particular part number on RealOEM.

[Dulowy]

Great DIY and instructions, adding to my list of diys to do

[JustROLLIN]

Whats the difference between the part that the OP referenced and just the "insert" part 51-16-7-118-065? One is much less than the other, but I am not sure if just the insert will work.

[nickflow]

hello i found this site with the part number provided here (http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-89...0-e92-e93.aspx) but i cant tell if it includes the lid can anyone help please

[fmonteiro444]

Originally Posted by nickflow

hello i found this site with the part number provided here (http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-89...0-e92-e93.aspx) but i cant tell if it includes the lid can anyone help please

None of them include the trim

[nickflow]

Originally Posted by fmonteiro444

None of them include the trim

great thank you for the response. I guess ill look for the part number for the Lid (trim) for the wood look that i have

[fmonteiro444]

Originally Posted by nickflow

great thank you for the response. I guess ill look for the part number for the Lid (trim) for the wood look that i have

I already tried that route. They don't sell it separate from the center console trim and it's expensive. Your best shot, if your piece is ruined, is to check ebay or by it off a forum member.

[mmurray]

Just replaced my ashtray with the sunglasses holder... great DIY - thanks!

[nealsil]

Excellent DIY!!! Thank you. Question: I already have the "open" sunglass holder but want to add the lid in brushed aluminum. Does anyone know where to source that from and also can it be retrofitted or would i need to buy the entire ashtray assembly?

Thanks in advance all.

[kisho]

Originally Posted by nealsil

Excellent DIY!!! Thank you. Question: I already have the "open" sunglass holder but want to add the lid in brushed aluminum. Does anyone know where to source that from and also can it be retrofitted or would i need to buy the entire ashtray assembly?

Thanks in advance all.

You need to buy the entire assembly. I have one fore sale, check my sale thread.

[nealsil]

pm'd

[nealsil]

Hello, I have the eyeglass tray (stock, no smokers package) in my E92. Would anyone know if there is a wiring harness or something under there to grab 5volts from? I want to add a usb port in or near the tray...

Thanks in advance!

[FFAD]

I bought an OEM and installed replacing the driver over the door handler...

E believe formallu it is a bmw X1 part.

[ssshake]

Originally Posted by FrankoQ

Here is the new and enhanced sunglass tray.
No more excuses that you can't find your sunglasses in the dark.


Attachment 41589

Attachment 41590

Is that stock or a mod? I'm considering swapping out my smokers package for this.

[paloalotpeter]

I just did this DIY. Thanks for all the pointers and hints; it went very smoothly. Just one note to add - it looks like BMW have changed the way the trim attaches to the cover. I had to use Super Glue to attach the two.

[90c4]

Does anyone who did this remember how much space is available under the sunglasses holder? My car came with one (the smoker delete package, I guess) and I'd like to put a Qi induction charger underneath the tray so that I can charge my phone just by throwing it in there... but I wasn't sure how much space is available under it. Looks like the chargers are about as thick as a cell phone.

[90c4]

Originally Posted by 90c4

Does anyone who did this remember how much space is available under the sunglasses holder? My car came with one (the smoker delete package, I guess) and I'd like to put a Qi induction charger underneath the tray so that I can charge my phone just by throwing it in there... but I wasn't sure how much space is available under it. Looks like the chargers are about as thick as a cell phone.

For anyone wondering, I don't think there was enough room underneath the sunglasses case for even a thin charger but I didn't even try - I just opened the charger and taped the inductive coil to the bottom of the ashtray and now when I throw my phone in there it charges no problem. Given that I already had the sunglasses tray there it was literally just a 10 minute job and probably the most useful thing I've done to my car. Maybe I'll make a video and start a thread on it as others would probably be interested and miss it here.

[urvang]

I have a BMW 328i convertible with automatic transmission, iDrive (with navigation).
So, my center console trim looks different and idrive has more buttons than what I've seen in the pics in this thread.

Attached is a pic of my car's center console.

Has anyone done the replacement for such a trim/car? I'm basically concerned about removing the center console trim -- do I need to do anything different/additional?