Storage Compartment VS Ashtray

[Gator135]

Sorry if this has already been covered, but I searched and couldn't find a definitive answer.

The storage compartment in the front of the console on my 2011 135i has been replaced with an ashtray and lighter in my 2013 135is.

Is this a no-cost option that nobody told me about? I really preferred the storage compartment which was great for a cell phone and other things.

Can it be easily switched for the storage compartment? Any help is appreciated.

[gregthegr8]

All 2013s come with the ashtray again. Some people like it because now you have an cigarette lighter adapter to plug in and charge cell phones and stuff, others hate it cause you lose the storage.

So, I assume you'd have to disconnect the cigarette lighter power supply and do something with it to then swap it out. I was hoping for the tray as well to put my cell phone, so if you find out any useful info, please share. Never heard of anyone swapping them though.

[Gator135]

Looks like it's not a simple swap. Ashtray should be optional. Caught me by surprise on this one. Have to keep the phone loose on the passenger seat which is not a good plan.

[gregthegr8]

Originally Posted by Gator135

Have to keep the phone loose on the passenger seat which is not a good plan.

Unless it's on vibrate and a woman gets in!

But ya, I haven't come up with anything better and just throw it on the passenger seat as I have my garage door opener in my one cupholder. If the clip on cupholder were solid, I'd clip it on and throw it in there, but don't think it is (never took mine out of the wrapping it came in).

[New21er]

Swap out your arm rest for the euro one with no divider. Plenty of room for stuff.

[Chandon]

I just use the ashtray to store loose change, while I can still use the phone charger.
Win-win in my opinion.

[Stohlen]

Originally Posted by Gator135

Looks like it's not a simple swap. Ashtray should be optional. Caught me by surprise on this one. Have to keep the phone loose on the passenger seat which is not a good plan.

Very easy swap, I believe there is a how too.

[kore]

You have the #6 group (smoker package) and have to replace it with the "utility box". So part numbers are the following:

04 Utility box, front - 51167136190
05 Rubber insert, oddments tray - 51167154854

If you want to do the change you can get both parts for $30 or so on your dealer. You'll need to disassemble the centre console to do the task, but it's not too complex.

Greetings!

[gregthegr8]

Or swap them between your two cars and hope nobody notices. =)

Thanks for the help Kore as I think a few of us might consider this at some point.

[onefast1]

Just swapped out my ashtray for the utility box... No need to buy the rubber insert the utility box will come with one.

[Randall41]

Check the DIY's involves console removal.

[1911A145]

Damn... I have an 08' with the smokers package. I never even KNEW that they also came with storage compartments! wooho! although, I use my radar detector through the cigarette socket, so I may have to think about re-routing that... lol.

I have been saying since I bought the car that i wish it didnt have the stupid ashtray. I dont smoke.

[Sixle]

Here's another idea which I was planning. Right now my car has a storage compartment up front...however, if I plan on running a radar detector I have to run my cable from the windshield to the connection under the armrest and the cable hovers above the shifter...especially annoying driving 6mt.

So what I plan to do to maintain storage and get an electric outlet up front is to purchase number 1 on the diagram and install it into the dash and swapping my car over to the smokers package. Everything seems fairly straightforward for installation and a few e87 guys have posted their video tutorials on youtube for installing the dash storage...however this only works if you dont have idrive.

[gregthegr8]

Ooh, the thought of taking a saw and cutting that hole in the dash scares me, although I have idrive so isn't an option for me. Completely logical solution though and weird in Europe they get that storage and we don't, considering how little storage there is to begin with.

[Randall41]

You could tap into the wiring at the interior rear view mirror, find the + wire and mount the detector just under the mirror. Brackets for this type of mounting are available. Nice and clean, no dangling wires.