Does form meet functionality here?
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: San Francisco Peninsula, CA
The armrest is a design piece. It strikes me as being "functional" only after it satisfies the visual design of the swooping center console. The armrest should and could be made to be height adjustable. As they are in VW Passats and many older Audis. The center console is almost worthless in terms of storage as well because it contains a huge telephone docking box.
Only the new X-5 seems to have a center console that adheres to the "form follows function" mantra. The consoles on the 5er and 6er abandoned that concept in favor of pure visual appeal.
Only the new X-5 seems to have a center console that adheres to the "form follows function" mantra. The consoles on the 5er and 6er abandoned that concept in favor of pure visual appeal.
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Pittsburgh, PA USA
My Ride: G30 M550i
Model Year: 2018
Originally Posted by katheikia' post='371798' date='Dec 28 2006, 11:33 AM
My arm rest is height adjustable. The more I slide it forward the higher it is. Arent they all like that?
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Dubai
My Ride: 530i 2006 alpine white decota beige interior, GPS, Active steer, Adaptive lamps,rear blinds electric,side blinds
I have no issues as far as the looks and style are concerned.Off course it adds to the interior and may be one of the most striking elements.But in the process,the functional part has been overlooked it seems.In fact something similar to the 7 series' armrest would be much better I think. It not only positions the
i drive just at the fingertip ,but also houses all those seat adjustment buttons at a comfortable location on the side profile.Plus those cup holders are coveniently located just below the armrest which makes your latte even more enjoyable and keeps your co-passenger's knee intact!!
i drive just at the fingertip ,but also houses all those seat adjustment buttons at a comfortable location on the side profile.Plus those cup holders are coveniently located just below the armrest which makes your latte even more enjoyable and keeps your co-passenger's knee intact!!
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: San Francisco Peninsula, CA
Jay-I heartily agree-the 7er has a fantastic center console-VERY functional. Great cupholders, tons of storage, very comfortable-cool double clamshell opening-conservative designwise-but very workable. My problem with the armrest in the 5er is that it is shaped to CONFORM to the swooping curvy lines of the designer. It is not designed to meet FUNCTIONAL drivers needs. So for me it fails because of this approach.
Just my $0.02
Vinman
Just my $0.02
Vinman
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Dubai
My Ride: 530i 2006 alpine white decota beige interior, GPS, Active steer, Adaptive lamps,rear blinds electric,side blinds
Originally Posted by Vinman' post='371911' date='Dec 28 2006, 06:34 PM
Jay-I heartily agree-the 7er has a fantastic center console-VERY functional. Great cupholders, tons of storage, very comfortable-cool double clamshell opening-conservative designwise-but very workable. My problem with the armrest in the 5er is that it is shaped to CONFORM to the swooping curvy lines of the designer. It is not designed to meet FUNCTIONAL drivers needs. So for me it fails because of this approach.
Just my $0.02
Vinman
Just my $0.02
Vinman
I agree with your point Vin. a convinving reply !
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Bitburg Germany
My Ride: 2007 530i
I like the width of the armrest. I never have my wife bumping into my arm. I drive controller seems to be positioned fine to me. If you want the armrest higher drop your seat down lower. The storage space is useless. Only big enough for cell phone charger and garage door opener.