Cup holders and ashtray.

[MZWIE]

I've ssen pics of interiors with a bin instead of ashtray. I want that.

Also I want to replace the cup holders in the center area with a bin as well.

I know that for the E46 we were able to buy these since they are standard in Europe.

Any ideas?

[Jackdaws]

That was my only gripe about the car. I don't want an ashtray. I use it for change.

[vivid]

the ashtray has a removable "ash" part which you can take out to give you a lager storage area... I like having the power outlet there just in case I need to charge my phone or I need power for somthing else.

[walsh416]

So when you order, even in the US, the give you an ashtray instead of a bin??

[MZWIE]

Originally Posted by walsh416

So when you order, even in the US, the give you an ashtray instead of a bin??

Yep. I don't know now, but there was a time when BMW offered a non-smoker option.

[vivid]

having the cig lighter/power outlet is really nice for everyone/anyone...

[walsh416]

I agree that the power outlet thingy is great, but if you don't smoke, you're stuck with ashtrays in your car? Dumb idea BMW

[MZWIE]

Originally Posted by Vivid

having the cig lighter/power outlet is really nice for everyone/anyone...

There is already an extra 12v outlet under the arm rest. I don't need the other one.

My wife drives a Murano and there is a 12v outlet under the dash on the passenger side. Very handy.

[120dredrum]

yes the smoker option is strange.. its listed as an option yet you get it as standard, as if you're benefiting, but you dont get the option of not getting it, funny..
i smoke, but out of respect will never smoke in my beemer.. that doesnt count as a resolution btw cos i never stick to those

[vivid]

Originally Posted by e34m5

There is already an extra 12v outlet under the arm rest. I don't need the other one.

true but what about for a radar detector or portable nav... I don't smoke but would rather have an extra power outlet over a larger storage area.

[MZWIE]

Originally Posted by Vivid

true but what about for a radar detector or portable nav... I don't smoke but would rather have an extra power outlet over a larger storage area.

Ah. I have already hard wired those in. In addition, I have also wired from the fuse box an extra "quick disconnect" 12v supply for any other accesories.

So for me Just as soon have a neat cubby space there. I also noticed a lot of wasted space just below the A/C controls.

BMW should have put a small eye glass holder there a la E46.

I see a mod in my future....

[Dave]

i like having both.. one for the gps and one for the radar

[Dave]

Originally Posted by e34m5

Ah. I have already hard wired those in. In addition, I have also wired from the fuse box an extra "quick disconnect" 12v supply for any other accesories.

So for me Just as soon have a neat cubby space there. I also noticed a lot of wasted space just below the A/C controls.

BMW should have put a small eye glass holder there a la E46.

I see a mod in my future....

which gps did you hard wire?
and did you have to buy a hard wire kits?

can you pm me some diy if you dont mind?

thanks!
-d

[MZWIE]

Originally Posted by izzodesh

which gps did you hard wire?
and did you have to buy a hard wire kits?

can you pm me some diy if you dont mind?

thanks!
-d

The GPS is a Tom-Tom. As far as the hardwire for it this what I did (BTW I've done this on several cars now):

- Purchase a 12v cig lighter receptacle from Radio Shack or equivalent. These usually have an in-line fuse. Wire the leads directly into the fuse box. Use 1/8" crimp on spade lugs. These fit in directly into unused fuse locations. Make sure to pick one that is controlled via the ACC circuitry.

- Route the wires behind the glove box such that the receptacle hangs in a convenient location.

- Now I can plug in any extra 12v device I need.

- I did this on all our cars so we can easily move the device from one car to another. Heck I even did this in my golf cart as well.

- For things like the Radar detector I wire them directly into the fuse box using the same method. Some vendors have hard wire kits for this. In my case I bought the one from Escort.

- One of the reasons I like the receptacle version is because some devices have a built in transformer in their 12v adapter. Case in point is the SAT receivers from XM and SIRIUS. Also cell phone car chargers are that way.

If you need any more inof please don't hesitate to ask.

[WhiteOne]

There is an earlier thread about the parts you can get to delete the ashtray and add a "catch-all". They aren't expensive as I remember.

[Dave]

Originally Posted by e34m5

The GPS is a Tom-Tom. As far as the hardwire for it this what I did (BTW I've done this on several cars now):

- Purchase a 12v cig lighter receptacle from Radio Shack or equivalent. These usually have an in-line fuse. Wire the leads directly into the fuse box. Use 1/8" crimp on spade lugs. These fit in directly into unused fuse locations. Make sure to pick one that is controlled via the ACC circuitry.

- Route the wires behind the glove box such that the receptacle hangs in a convenient location.

- Now I can plug in any extra 12v device I need.

- I did this on all our cars so we can easily move the device from one car to another. Heck I even did this in my golf cart as well.

- For things like the Radar detector I wire them directly into the fuse box using the same method. Some vendors have hard wire kits for this. In my case I bought the one from Escort.

- One of the reasons I like the receptacle version is because some devices have a built in transformer in their 12v adapter. Case in point is the SAT receivers from XM and SIRIUS. Also cell phone car chargers are that way.

If you need any more inof please don't hesitate to ask.

thanks!
i will give this a shot over the weekend
hope it works for my mio 230

[adc]

Originally Posted by WhiteOne

There is an earlier thread about the parts you can get to delete the ashtray and add a "catch-all". They aren't expensive as I remember.

I looked on RealOEM at the hatchback parts (that's all they have right now). Here is what I've found:
- Utility box, front: 51167136190
- Rubber insert, oddments tray: 51167154854

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...40&hg=51&fg=35

These should be $20 or so from the dealer.

[AndyM]

The sunglass holder is not available at BMW dealers in the US. You have to go through Europe.

I am 2.5 hours into installing the sunglass holder, if I knew then, what I know now, I would live with the ashtray. This is not fun.

[thesmokingone]

Originally Posted by AndyM

The sunglass holder is not available at BMW dealers in the US. You have to go through Europe.

I am 2.5 hours into installing the sunglass holder, if I knew then, what I know now, I would live with the ashtray. This is not fun.

haha man your going through it for us though and I for one appreciate it

[AndyM]

Originally Posted by thesmokingone

haha man your going through it for us though and I for one appreciate it

No DIY on this one. I gave up on trying to document this one.

I got it in but am not happy with it. I will be ordering another sunglass holder next week and then redo it. I think the center console, glovebox and driver knee bolster has to come out to install it.

[Jackdaws]

Sunglasses fit perfectly inside the center arm rest--no need for holder.

[GT3]

Originally Posted by Jackdaws

Sunglasses fit perfectly inside the center arm rest--no need for holder.

Elton John's don't.

Since I never use the ashtray. It would have been nice if I could just get a storage bin there with a 12v socket.