skippy99

My '08 E61 center console storage bin is the poorest use of space I've ever seen. You open the lid and there the small compartment there with its own cover that, from what I can tell, has inserts for different long-defunct cell phones. You can then swing that out of the way to get into another relatively small compartment underneath. The whole space is pretty useless. And I am literally opening a door that reveals another door. Lame.

For my E39 wagon, I was able to replace the sliding phone tray with a euro-spec arm rest and traditional storage compartment underneath. It worked really well. Is there anything like that for the E60/61? If not, I'm going to have to dismantle the console and remove the phone compartment.

Any solutions or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!


Thanks,

Skippy

rice_rocket88

Haven't seen a different solution yet... I just ripped out the antique phone holder so I can put more stuff in there. If you're not worried about replacing it.. I'd suggest slowly taking it apart, then ripping/snapping the final piece out. In order to do it elegantly, you need to take the whole center piece out.. which to me is a waste of time

skippy99

Hello Rice_Rocket,

After I posted I did find a lot of info on pulling the inner compartment out. I'll start with that and let everyone know if I find a different solution.

Thanks!

BostonJon

getting that inner compartment out without breaking anything is no small task. the entire center console has to be removed, inverted, and then disassembled.

ucsbwsr

Skippy,

I have looked into this and here is what I have found. First of all I ripped that stupid phone tray out of my console the first week I had the car, it is a terrible design.

All (that I have seen) E6X in the US have the split armrest where the driver side portion can slide forward and the passenger side opens to access storage. I also upgraded the console of my previous E39 M5 with the storage tray and hinged armrest and wanted something similar on my E61 to maximize storage space.

On RealOEM I found that they have a 1 piece armrest and it looks like it is fitted to many EU cars. There is no different/larger storage cubby to swap in so the added storage with the 1 piece lid comes from deleting the sliding mechanism on the driver side, this increases console storage by about 25%, not much but anything helps.

The problem is the 1 piece armrest is expensive new, they run about $400; they can be found used in other world markets but it it hard to find one in LHD.

On RealOEM punch the last 7 of your VIN in and then go to "vehicle trim" and "center armrest/storage trays."

Evan

stel_i79

cant figure out what is the change ?
what are the parts numbers
plz and thx u
steli

ucsbwsr

51166985217 2 piece sliding lid
51166985208 1 piece lid