Help Please: Changer Centrer Armrest

[Aleppo]

Hello and happy new year to all.

When I received my car, the center armrest had a mobile cradle on the left side, but no cup holders on the right side. I ordered the armrest cup holders from the dealer assuming they would fit right into the right half of the armrest. When the item arrived, it turns out that the cup holders are not installed into the right half of the armrest, but they are actually [B]moulded[B] into it. The fact that you receive a new armrest section means I need to take out the old first. Judging by the new armrest divider, it seems to be an easy DIY job, the only thing puzzling me now is getting out the old armrest divider. When I try to pull it out, it seems to want to snap out of place, but the left side, where the mobile cradle is- seems to be screwed through the armrest divider into whatever is underneath. Now, my question is: does anyone know how to get the base of the mobile cradle out? I need to dissect this thing in order to be able to reinstall the mobile cradle into the new armrest divider. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance for your support, and my apologies if the above seems confusing.

Best Regards,

[Aleppo]

In reference to the attached image, I need to the base cradle. (item 9) But in my car, i can't figure how to remove what's covering it. (see other 'bmfans' image attached)

[teagueAMX]

You have No 7 now right?

If so, have you removed the rubber mat (No 10) to reveal the screws? If I'm reading the diagram correctly there should be two No. 13 screws holding No. 10 in place.

[Aleppo]

funny enough, i got the car with number 8, not with number 7, but my (number 8) came without cup holders, just a mobile charger on the left side and empty space on the right side. so that's what i need to install now. the issue is how to remove 9 in order to access those screws that you're talking about.....

[teagueAMX]

Did you remove the rubber mat for No. 9?

Could be wrong but I think it uses little plastic retainers that allows it to snap in/out w/o screws. Might have to use a small amount of force or a screwdriver.

[Aleppo]

the thing is that i can't see the rubber mat yet because i don't how to remove this part:

[strmlh]

Hi,
it is not that simple to get that out. There is aThread on the german Z-forum http://www.zroadster.com/forum/bmw_z...entfernen.html

As far as I can remember you either have to take a lot apart, since the part you don't know how to get out is cliped in and can only be released from below or you have to drill a hole in this part, to get to the screws. But there is a circuit board below!! But have a look at the pictures in the German Thread, maybe Google translation can help as well.

Regards Martin

[InTheNightKitchen]

Take it to the stealer!

[davidmbell]

I don't know without looking at my car, but don't you just press the eject button?

[ChuckB]

I just spent the last 30 minutes plucking and prodding on mine, and don't see any way to get it loose from the top, I would ask at the dealer before I dig deeper but I suspect the entire console will need to pulled.

[HerrK]

Originally Posted by strmlh

Hi,
it is not that simple to get that out. There is aThread on the german Z-forum http://www.zroadster.com/forum/bmw_z...entfernen.html

Regards Martin

Quite an interesting thread. Seems as though you need some special pliers to aid removal of the charger adapter. Funny how some of these posters are just as mystified at the ocasional incompetence of the BMW mechs/techs. I guess sometimes its similar complaints no matter where you live.

[Aleppo]

so true! i'm wondering what this "90 degree angle tool" just might be.... but still helpful, thanks for the link strmlh!

[strmlh]

Hi I think (if I remember correctly) the "90 degree angle tool" means some tool, e.g. strong wire, which is bent by 90 degrees to hook into the clips and get the part loose.

Martin