e36 Arm Rest in a e30???

[cobraken]

This is not a bad idea. I have the original E30 center arm rest and it’s somewhat annoying with the rattling cup holder that only holds one cup comfortably.

[almostM]

I would like to see more pics of E36 armrests installed. Would cutting a U around the bottom be possible to make it fit around the transmission hump better?

[HiTheNameIsBJ]

Are cupholders really that rare? I have them in my 87 is. It doesn't really rattle around, the arm rest is self does slide a bit, but its just 4 bolts holding it on.

[arashjahn]

E46 Armrest into E30 trouble shooting

Hey guys,

What would you say was your biggest struggle with the install? I'm having a tough time creatively lining the front of the assembly flush with the shifter console. Also, that triangular gap leaves a lot to be desired on the beginning of the sides of the armrest assembly.

Thanks,
///Arash

I agree, here's mine!

[cobraken]

If someone could invest the time into making this work and look right, I would totally be interested in paying for this VS the OEM cupholder/armrest I have now. I see why folks end up selling them over time. The idea of the OEM one is great but actually having it is not.

That pic looks pretty good.

[RAYREY]

take step by step pics once you have done it..that would be a cool mod...good luck!

[margas]

Here's mine that I did a while back. The full e30 center is still there and I trimmed down the e36 armrest and attached it in the rear ashtray section.

[cobraken]

Not bad, that looks nice other than that wire needing to be tucked. What is that wire for? Again your interior looks hawt!

[margas]

Thanks! the wire is just for a subwoofer volume knob, nothing special like a boost controller or anything, lol.

[ssphaneuf]

pretty awesome stuff guys! i have an 87 325 and i've been fixing it up for the last 9 months because i'm on such a tight budget. i was wondering how easy the swap is? I.E does it take alot of modification? or is it pretty much plug and play. if it's not too much fabrication i'd be happy to visit my local junk yard.

[AndrewBird]

This thread is 2 years old...

[OldDrunkenSailor]

and most-all of your questions have been answered before. It's not an easy one by any means.

[StreetMafia21]

armrest fits the e30 well just not the color but props

[LEANE30]

Has anyone tested the plastic type used by BMW to make these armrest? Are they a type of abs plastic, what solvent will dissolve the plastic? Anyone thought about this approach before as an alternate to fiberglass customization?

[BlkD12agon]

Damn looks like I have a new project for next weekend.