OEM Armrest Install

Objective:

To fit a genuine BMW leather armrest. The car came with the simple centre console which includes a tray and the rear ashtray. In order to fit the armrest, you will need the armrest-specific console, which is longer. The extra length is to accommodate the armrest's base.

I found on eBay the original armrest at a cost of £12.00 and a genuine console at a cost of £14.00. The only problem was that the console was gray, in contrast to my black interior. More work!!!

I took the grey console and soaked it in paint thinner. This made the rubber-like paint to peel VERY easy. Then I sandpapered it with 200 Grit and then 1000 grit sandpaper to give a smooth surface.

After sandpapering, I sprayed a couple of layers of primer paint and checked for any anomalies. Repeated sanding with 2000 Grit sandpaper and spraying primer until I had a perfect surface.

After letting the console dry for a day, I sprayed it with vinyl paint. Vinyl paint has a matching colour with the rest of the car's black interior; not too shiny and not too matt.

In order to give a more "BMW Look" to the console, I sprayed it with acrylic lacquer using my air compressor from a distance of 40cm. This allowed small paint particles to evenly stick on the surface, creating a rough-like finishing. Once the lacquer dries it becomes very durable and hard to scratch.

Now the hard part: Installation!

To remove the centre console from the E46 BMW

1. Removed rear ashtray and ashtray holder

2. Removed the 2 plastic screws revealed below the ashtray holder

3. Removed the ashtray assembly and removed another 2 metal screws found underneath. Take care to disconnect the ashtray bulb from the wiring before pulling apart everything.

4. Moving towards the dash, removed the handbrake gaiter by unclipping it from the top

5. Removed the gear lever gaiter and then removed the 2 screws found underneath

6. Pop the gear lever trim and the centre console is free to be removed!

7. I had to play a bit in order to remove it; it helps by putting the 1st (or2nd) gear so that the gear lever is not in the way. Also it helps when the handbrake is as up as possible and the hazard, lock buttons are disconnected.

The armrest-less BMWs come with a metal bracket that secures the rear part of the console (place where the 2 rear screws hold). You need to remove the bracket because the armrest base will be used from now on.

1. Release the handbrake (so that the cable is not stretched) and remove the bolt that holds it. Also remove the other bolt which holds the metal bracket. On the passenger's side you will see a third hole which is covered with rubber tape. That is the place for the 3rd bold which the armrest uses. Remove the rubber cover carefully.

2. When purchasing the armrest, don't forget to take the accompanying bolts/washers with it. The standard bolts are shorter than the armrest bolts.

3. Place the armrest on top of the 3 holes, insert the 3 long bolts and bolt them but don't tight them. They are 13mm bolts and a ratchet with a cross joint is very handy. The covered hole is a bit difficult to reach.

4. You will notice that the armrest base can move 4-5mm forward and back. In order for the centre console to fit perfectly, I had to move the armrest as back as it could go. After ensuring proper fitment, I tightened all 3 bolts.

5. Inserted the centre console carefully not to scratch it.

6. Screwed the 2 front and 2 rear screws, re-installed gear trim, handbrake gaiter, gear gaiter and checked for proper installation.

7. Installed the armrest cover and after that, the rear ashtray.

Total time: 1 Hour

Couldn't be happier with the result. My interior now looks more complete and I can rest my arm when cruising the highway. I also gained some extra "hidden" storage space because you can open the armrest and place valuable stuff in.