A Better Armrest

Yeineken · 08-31-2015, 04:26 PM

The 135i has been my DD for the past two years and I think the armrest is getting on my last nerves. I rode around for a few days with it up to see if I could live without it before removing it. Turns out I use it more than I think... but its so damn hard and uncomfortable.

So I'm curious if anyone knows any vendors we can convince to make a better armrest? Otherwise I might strip it out, send to a local upholstery, add a lot of padding and wrap it like the following image. Thoughts?

bmw1racer · 08-31-2015, 05:02 PM

I just drive with it flipped up... Out of the way and un-annoying.

tock172 · 08-31-2015, 05:09 PM

I'd like to delete mine. I can't stand the arm rest in my 135i, and I didn't like the one in my E36 or S4 either. The only one that seemed to work for me was in my E46, but I don't miss it.

850tgul · 08-31-2015, 05:27 PM

Actually reached out to Coby Wheel a week or so ago about doing just what Yeinekin suggested. Basically re-wrapping the top lid in alcantara. It just pops right off btw. My motivation was purely for aesthetics but no reason you couldn't add some padding in there for added comfort.
Have yet to hear back from Coby Wheel.

Yeineken · 08-31-2015, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 850tgul

Actually reached out to Coby Wheel a week or so ago about doing just what Yeinekin suggested. Basically re-wrapping the top lid in alcantara. It just pops right off btw. My motivation was purely for aesthetics but no reason you couldn't add some padding in there for added comfort.
Have yet to hear back from Coby Wheel.

I may end up going this route. I would think a local upholstery wouldn't charge more that a couple hundred for this.

Esteban · 08-31-2015, 07:18 PM

I'm always praising the 1er, saying I love everything about it. Well, I don't love the bloody armrest. It's cheap, hard, and uncomfortable. And for me, it's in the wrong place to rest my arm while driving. The only thing I use it for is to lean on when getting in to adjust myself in my seat.

When I first got the car the armrest used to squeak whenever I leaned on it. I sprayed WD-40 on the hinges and everywhere I thought sound came from. It's been quiet ever since.

I know you've read this recent thread about swapping our center console for a 3 series one. That looks interesting.
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...hlight=armrest

OP, I like your idea. If you decide to do it, let us know how it goes.

Yeineken · 08-31-2015, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EvenEsteban

I'm always praising the 1er, saying I love everything about it. Well, I don't love the bloody armrest. It's cheap, hard, and uncomfortable. And for me, it's in the wrong place to rest my arm while driving. The only thing I use it for is to lean on when getting in to adjust myself in my seat.

When I first got the car the armrest used to squeak whenever I leaned on it. I sprayed WD-40 on the hinges and everywhere I thought sound came from. It's been quiet ever since.

I know you've read this recent thread about swapping our center console for a 3 series one. That looks interesting.
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...hlight=armrest

OP, I like your idea. If you decide to do it, let us know how it goes.

I saw that. I don't like how it doesn't line up or fit correctly under the dash. I'm reaching out to my upholstery guy tomorrow to see what he thinks about adding more padding and wrapping it in alcantara.

Esteban · 08-31-2015, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yeineken

I saw that. I don't like how it doesn't line up or fit correctly under the dash. I'm reaching out to my upholstery guy tomorrow to see what he thinks about adding more padding and wrapping it in alcantara.

Yeah, I didn't like the fact that it didn't fit perfectly as well. That's why I said "looks interesting." Your way sounds better. Good Luck.

IEDEI · 08-31-2015, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yeineken

The 135i has been my DD for the past two years and I think the armrest is getting on my last nerves. I rode around for a few days with it up to see if I could live without it before removing it. Turns out I use it more than I think... but its so damn hard and uncomfortable.

So I'm curious if anyone knows any vendors we can convince to make a better armrest? Otherwise I might strip it out, send to a local upholstery, add a lot of padding and wrap it like the following image. Thoughts?

I am loving that photo. would love to do that...would match my interior perfect. Keep us updated!!

hau_nguyen91 · 08-31-2015, 07:52 PM

I cant stand the pathetic cup holder under the arm rest.

IEDEI · 08-31-2015, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hau_nguyen91

I cant stand the pathetic cup holder under the arm rest.

oh I like that holder....I put my phone in it!

hau_nguyen91 · 08-31-2015, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IEDEI

oh I like that holder....I put my phone in it!

Doesn't fit my 6 plus

ShocknAwe · 08-31-2015, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hau_nguyen91

Doesn't fit my 6 plus

thats what she said.

IEDEI · 08-31-2015, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

Quote:

Originally Posted by hau_nguyen91

Doesn't fit my 6 plus

thats what she said.

she fits the 5C easily with room to spare!!!

totti84 · 08-31-2015, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IEDEI

she fits the 5C easily with room to spare!!!

iPhone 6 fits too

houtan · 09-01-2015, 04:00 AM

For those of you that wouldn't mind getting rid of the armrest, why don't you get the oem armrest delete? Pic from ilikebmxbikes build thread.

Solo_M_Tech · 09-01-2015, 05:30 AM

Where did you get the OEM arm rest delete? The Local BMW center doesn't have the part number listed.

inFamousKicks · 09-01-2015, 08:02 AM

I've never had a single problem with my armrest. Honestly can't go a day without it lol

Joaco135 · 09-01-2015, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inFamousKicks

I've never had a single problem with my armrest. Honestly can't go a day without it lol

Same here, the only part I want to remove is the pouch at the bottom since it is a little to close to the emergency brake boot but can't figure it out how to remove it.

Yeineken · 09-02-2015, 04:33 PM

Got back up with my Upholstery guy and quoted me for:

"Remove old material, add denser foam for comfort, graphite alcantara, burnt orange stitching, $200.00"

So I am going to take it off the car this week when I get back home and send it over his way.

135TX · 09-02-2015, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yeineken

Got back up with my Upholstery guy and quoted me for:

"Remove old material, add denser foam for comfort, graphite alcantara, burnt orange stitching, $200.00"

So I am going to take it off the car this week when I get back home and send it over his way.

looking forward to seeing the finished product!

Esteban · 09-02-2015, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 135TX

looking forward to seeing the finished product!

Ditto.

08-31-2015, 04:26 PM	#1
Yeineken Colonel 1337 Rep 2,095 Posts Drives: '11 135i M Sport Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Delmarva Peninsula iTrader: (3) Garage List '11 135i [8.20] '16 Ford Hatchback [0.00] '15 X5 [10.00]	A Better Armrest The 135i has been my DD for the past two years and I think the armrest is getting on my last nerves. I rode around for a few days with it up to see if I could live without it before removing it. Turns out I use it more than I think... but its so damn hard and uncomfortable. So I'm curious if anyone knows any vendors we can convince to make a better armrest? Otherwise I might strip it out, send to a local upholstery, add a lot of padding and wrap it like the following image. Thoughts? __________________ Pyrat Clone
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08-31-2015, 05:02 PM	#2
bmw1racer bimmerphile, technogeek 1000 Rep 3,785 Posts Drives: 2012 E82 6MT Sport Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW 128i Coupe [0.00]	I just drive with it flipped up... Out of the way and un-annoying. __________________
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08-31-2015, 05:09 PM	#3
tock172 Beachtown Bill Collector 582 Rep 1,062 Posts Drives: 2012 135i Join Date: May 2011 Location: San Diego iTrader: (1) Garage List 2012 BMW 135i [0.00] 1999 Lexus LS400 [0.00] 1985 BMW 325e [0.00]	I'd like to delete mine. I can't stand the arm rest in my 135i, and I didn't like the one in my E36 or S4 either. The only one that seemed to work for me was in my E46, but I don't miss it. __________________ 2012 BMW 135i Space Grey Metallic M-Sport DCT Dinan S2
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08-31-2015, 05:27 PM	#4
850tgul Captain 281 Rep 998 Posts Drives: 718 GT4, F87 M2, F30 330xi, X3 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (15)	Actually reached out to Coby Wheel a week or so ago about doing just what Yeinekin suggested. Basically re-wrapping the top lid in alcantara. It just pops right off btw. My motivation was purely for aesthetics but no reason you couldn't add some padding in there for added comfort. Have yet to hear back from Coby Wheel. __________________ Current: 718 GT4 6MT, F87 M2 6MT, F30 330xi, F25 xdrive35i Gone: E82 128i M-Sport, 997.2 911, B8.5 S5, 987.2 Cayman, W211 E550, E92 M3, B8.5 S4, 981 Cayman, E82 128i, E46 M3, Z4MC, Mk5 GTI VR6, MZ3R, C5 Z06, B5 S4, Volvo T-5R, Volvo 740Ti
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08-31-2015, 07:18 PM	#6
Esteban Major General 44463 Rep 7,227 Posts Drives: a slow car fast Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	I'm always praising the 1er, saying I love everything about it. Well, I don't love the bloody armrest. It's cheap, hard, and uncomfortable. And for me, it's in the wrong place to rest my arm while driving. The only thing I use it for is to lean on when getting in to adjust myself in my seat. When I first got the car the armrest used to squeak whenever I leaned on it. I sprayed WD-40 on the hinges and everywhere I thought sound came from. It's been quiet ever since. I know you've read this recent thread about swapping our center console for a 3 series one. That looks interesting. http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...hlight=armrest OP, I like your idea. If you decide to do it, let us know how it goes. __________________
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08-31-2015, 07:52 PM	#10
hau_nguyen91 Lieutenant 196 Rep 575 Posts Drives: YMB 17 M3 Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Memphis, TN iTrader: (0)	I cant stand the pathetic cup holder under the arm rest.
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09-01-2015, 04:00 AM	#16
houtan Colonel 707 Rep 2,449 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: socal iTrader: (17) Garage List 2011 135i [9.80]	For those of you that wouldn't mind getting rid of the armrest, why don't you get the oem armrest delete? Pic from ilikebmxbikes build thread. Attached Images __________________ 2011 LMB 135i DCT Pure Turbos Stage 3 (PS3) dyno results for N55 Pure Turbos N55 Stage 2 (PS2) results, reviews, install tips and docs, pictures, etc
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09-01-2015, 05:30 AM	#17
Solo_M_Tech Brigadier General 1688 Rep 3,140 Posts Drives: 2014 M5 6MT Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Massachusetts iTrader: (7) Garage List 2014 BMW M5 [0.00]	Where did you get the OEM arm rest delete? The Local BMW center doesn't have the part number listed. __________________ 2014 M5 6MT
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09-01-2015, 08:02 AM	#18
inFamousKicks Member. 201 Rep 827 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Brooklyn, NY iTrader: (1)	I've never had a single problem with my armrest. Honestly can't go a day without it lol __________________ '11 N55 135i 6MT \|\| ///M-Sport\|\| Alpine White/Coral Red\|\| KW V1
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09-02-2015, 04:33 PM	#20
Yeineken Colonel 1337 Rep 2,095 Posts Drives: '11 135i M Sport Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Delmarva Peninsula iTrader: (3) Garage List '11 135i [8.20] '16 Ford Hatchback [0.00] '15 X5 [10.00]	Got back up with my Upholstery guy and quoted me for: "Remove old material, add denser foam for comfort, graphite alcantara, burnt orange stitching, $200.00" So I am going to take it off the car this week when I get back home and send it over his way. __________________ Pyrat Clone
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