Why doesnt this fit?

[BrewCity11]

Varinn, you are not crazy. And everyone else proved you wrong cause realoem doesn't list the correct part number for the iX Auto Tranny Console.

Clearly a bit taller to accommodate the bigger tunnel.



The problem is, is that I can't find the correct part number anywhere????

[Varinn]

Weird, I need to take another look at my friends iX console, I swear when I asked about it he showed me why it wouldn't fit

[lambo]

Well, I can now confirm that it does, in fact, fit as I have just reassembled my whole interior with an ix center console.

[lambo]

Wish I was, I tried to buy one from a friend as we parted out an iX on the 23rd but he showed me the difference on it. The rear section a front section dont clip together the same way if using a non-iX rear section. I'd say there was difference in overall height with the iX unit being taller, I guess its because the trans tunnel itself is tall, but I can try and grab pictures soon, I'll be grabbing more parts soon

Skeptical of this. I think all e30 consoles are made from the same mold and trimmed to fit.

in for pics..

You were right to be skeptical... I just took the console out of my car (1990 325i w/ airbags) and compared it to the one that I got from my friend's car (1988 325ix w/out airbags) and here's how they compare:









I just noticed the rear bracket on the ix console seems to hang a bit lower...

[Simon S]

Oh, I also learned yesterday that the iX front console is different from the non iX, it's a different height to account for the different trans tunnels

Skeptical of this. I think all e30 consoles are made from the same mold and trimmed to fit.

Dug around on realOEM and kept seeing pn# 51161941830 regardless of year or model.

http://realoem.com/bmw/partxref.do?part=51161941830

Part 51161941830 (STORING PARTITION) was found on the following vehicles:
E30: Details on E30
E30 318i Convertible
E30 318i Coupe
E30 318i Sedan
E30 318is Coupe
E30 325e Coupe
E30 325e Sedan
E30 325i Sedan
E30 325i Coupe
E30 325i Convertible
E30 325ix Sedan
E30 325ix Coupe
E30 M3 Coupe

I'd say there was 1" difference in overall height with the iX unit being taller, I guess its because the trans tunnel itself is tall, but I can try and grab pictures soon..

in for pics..

[blackhawkimpact]

It would of fit. You just need to remove the bracket for non-airbag consoles. I have one a non-airbag console on my airbag car. Also had a airbag console on a non-airbag car.

[Varinn]

Wish I was, I tried to buy one from a friend as we parted out an iX on the 23rd but he showed me the difference on it. The rear section a front section dont clip together the same way if using a non-iX rear section. I'd say there was 1" difference in overall height with the iX unit being taller, I guess its because the trans tunnel itself is tall, but I can try and grab pictures soon, I'll be grabbing more parts soon

[lambo]

Oh, I also learned yesterday that the iX front console is different from the non iX, it's a different height to account for the different trans tunnels

FUCK. You're kidding me, right??? I spent all that time making the 4 door e36 switch pods fit for nothing...

[ScHpAnKy]

for what it's worth - I have a '91 airbag center console (as well as the rest of the interior) in my '88

[Varinn]

I've got a 1990 325i that was luckily a non-airbag model, I'm also doing the breaker relocation to the dash as well so I can put my heated seat switches where the 2 window breaker buttons go on a 4-door.

Oh, I also learned yesterday that the iX front console is different from the non iX, it's a different height to account for the different trans tunnels

[MR 325]

Not all of them, right? My 1990 model is an August '89 build, with no airbag.

I've heard some super early 1990 cars were non-airbag although I haven't personally seen one.

[mulletman]

No, 1990 cars have airbags. 1988-1989 had their own console too.

Not all of them, right? My 1990 model is an August '89 build, with no airbag.

[Simon S]

So, could I just put a non-airbag knee bolster in my car and not have to cut up the center console? Or does that involve completely taking out the airbag computer and crap? In other words, which method is a bigger pain in the ass?

Just make a quick template from your original console and trim the chunk out of the non-airbag console. The photos I posted show all the tools and steps needed. A monkey could do it.. and way easier than fiddle-fuckin around with the knee bolster mounting bracket/hardware.

[lambo]

So, could I just put a non-airbag knee bolster in my car and not have to cut up the center console? Or does that involve completely taking out the airbag computer and crap? In other words, which method is a bigger pain in the ass?

[Simon S]

not to mention, I need a three button cuz of breaker..

Fuck the window breaker button. Just tuck it under (mine is). Why that [useless] button is on the passenger side was always an additional mystery to me..



Edit:
Nutshell: All models and years of e30s use the same tooling/mold for the console. Selective trimming accommodated fit as needed.

Additional: there are indentations on the underside where buttons are located. You can see them in the background of the first photo I posted.

Like if you really wanted to mount the breaker in the console, just use an exacto knife to create the hole per location. Note that this wouldn't be factory form working from your "2 button", as "3 button" consoles have window switches at middle position/hole - and breaker button is at most-forward/passenger side. It appears that "2 button" consoles from factory have both of the forward-position holes punched out.

If I had to put three buttons in a virgin console, I'd put the window buttons in the most rearward "holes" - and put the breaker button in the forward-most drivers-side "hole".

So yeah, again, fuck the breaker button. The labeling on it has probably long faded out anyway. If I were you I'd be happy to celebrate having a 2 button and carry on.