firewater6

Simple mod for those that want an alternate cupholder in the E60.
I bought a couple of cupholders from Ultimate Cupholders Link

Since they're not made for the e60 trim, they don't exactly stay in place (I tried and it kept coming loose). So I decided to spend a half hour mucking with it and made it fit better with the trim on the e60.

I just flattened out the top end (handle). I removed the trim close to the center console (around where the driver's right thigh would be). Then using brute force and a pair of pliers, I bent the top handle around the trim piece.
Then I snapped the trim piece back in the car, and it forms a pretty stable cupholder.

Please don't hate, I know it's a simple mod, and it's the first one I've posted. For those that don't like the idea of a large cup of coffee coming off the flimsy standard cupholder as you make a sharp turn (gotta enjoy the ultimate driving machine), this provides a stable option. It stays rock solid now, and I like where it is - easy access.

firewater6

How it fits on the trim

firewater6

How it looks on the car. It stays put now.
Hope this helps somebody considering this!

tonyb635

I think its a pretty good original idea. Although, I do take a coffee every morning, I've never had a problem with it falling out of the holder. I use a metal container with a lid and has a good fit in the holder. But I have ran into to some drinks that will not fit in the holder, like vitamin water. It used to but a couple years ago they did a bottle change and now it doesn't fit. The only concern I would have and I'm sure you already checked it, is the actual securing of the trim back to the car. If I recall, it doesn't secure very well to the tunnel with the two sliding slips. But then, the forces are probably more downward. But I like it!

firewater6

Thanks Tony. Yeah, there are actually 4 sliding slips that are relatively deep. In fact, I think the pressure of this bulging a bit causes a tighter friction fit (if you follow).
You can open up the cupholder rings and they larger bottles sit on the floor, or you can tighten the rings and they stay place in the cupholder.

tonyb635

Ok, I have an 08 but for some reason I was thinking there are only two clips, one in the front and rear that slide rearward to hold this trim on. I remember it being the sliding clips for sure when I had this part off. Anyway, nice job.

WannaBeamer

I like!!
Great job man!