3 Series center console in a 1er!

[reisf]

Would anyone know if a 3 series centre console would fit in a 1 series? My first instinct is simply that it would be the wrong size, but i spend a whole lot of time looking at the 3 series interior last night and it seemed close...

Its just i need to replace my center console and cannot find one (used) that has the slot for the idrive controller

Or does anyone know how much a brand new one costs?

[ShocknAwe]

Interesting thought. Could always try to find a beat to shit one at a scrapyard and see if it matches up at the attachments and the carpet liner.

[reisf]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

Interesting thought. Could always try to find a beat to shit one at a scrapyard and see if it matches up at the attachments and the carpet liner.

Would love to try that but all we have in Australia are wreckers who won't even let you leave their building to see if a part will fit without paying for it...

Try to return something and they look at you like you've committed a crime...

[Martin VonMunich]

Could the 3d scanned interiors help on this. Pendragn has posted some links to 1'er scans and there's a great scan of a new 3-series.

[andrey_gta]

Originally Posted by reisf

Would anyone know if a 3 series centre console would fit in a 1 series?

Go Z4 console. Someone already used a Z4 steering wheel. So I think following z4 path will be better asthetically.

VW world loves to use AudiTT consoles in everything

[reisf]

Originally Posted by andrey_gta

Go Z4 console. Someone already used a Z4 steering wheel. So I think following z4 path will be better asthetically.

VW world loves to use AudiTT consoles in everything

Hey thats a cool idea, would never have thought of a Z4!

Can you confirm that its the right size/fit?. Really like the look of the Z4 center console

[6MT_Addict]

Originally Posted by reisf

Would anyone know if a 3 series centre console would fit in a 1 series? My first instinct is simply that it would be the wrong size, but i spend a whole lot of time looking at the 3 series interior last night and it seemed close...

Its just i need to replace my center console and cannot find one (used) that has the slot for the idrive controller

Or does anyone know how much a brand new one costs?

I think it's too wide.

I would certainly look for one from a wrecked car though. I looked at an E92 335i with a huge cigar burn in the dash. A new dash was like 1200 for just the top portion. Not sure on cost for the consol but used will be way more cost effective for something that may not fit without a lot of modification

[andrey_gta]

Originally Posted by reisf

Hey thats a cool idea, would never have thought of a Z4!

Can you confirm that its the right size/fit?. Really like the look of the Z4 center console

It will be narrower than e90 for sure.
The rest is tape measure and lookign up how TT consoles are cut up

[reisf]

GUYS!! IT FITS!! And looks pretty darn good.

[ShocknAwe]

This was the 3er center console?

[Knob]

Does it fit without modifications?

[p4ddY]

Hey, was thinking about this for a while! Looks good.
Do you have a few more pictures? Especially the linking parts to the dashboard?

[mahlerbeatdown]

I'm guessing this still has the non functioning rear AC vents? Would consider something like this, but a non functioning part would drive me nuts.

[e92ben]

Woah! Need more info and pics! No more weak armrest!

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by e92ben

Woah! Need more info and pics! No more weak armrest!

No kidding, the sliding arm rest is probably the best thing about the 3er.

[reisf]

Love the sliding arm rest and the whole feel of the center console. The trim around the gear stick and controller just feels like quality. The $6FL in the arm rest is the same connectors too (mine was complete with aux/usb/snap in adapter)

Of course the rear vents don't work :P but it lines up perfectly at the back with the old mounting screws.
The front doesn't line up perfectly (thus the extremely biased photos) but I'll see what I can do with the old one to get it looking good

[reisf]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

This was the 3er center console?

This is an e90 console. The e92 has a front and rear center console so I'm not too sure if it would fit

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by reisf

This is an e90 console. The e92 has a front and rear center console so I'm not too sure if it would fit

excellent, thanks for being specific.

Did the boots fit as a straight swap as well, or are those shaped differently?

[reisf]

No both boots were different. I'll be adding some more photos in the next few minutes. I think this center console was from an lci e90 (you can tell by the split armrest) so the trim for the shifter was different (a bit smaller) but the hand brake boot is a completely different shape.

[reisf]

This is how the back sits

[reisf]

Side by-side comparison - they are almost the same length.

[reisf]

Now some notes on how the console fits.

- Yes as stated above it is slightly wider than the 1er's console. However, it is literally less than half a cm wider on each side and unless you stick your hand under it, it is very hard to tell.

- The back of the console lines up perfectly, the front however you will need to wedge under the dashboard with some force. Screw holes even match up with the old points that are about half way along (near the hand brake), you will just need some longer screws.

- The hand brake and gear stick line up perfectly. You will however need new boots from any 3 series should fit. I got both of them for $25 each (AUD) the aluminium trim for $50 and the full console + armrest for $150 so $250AUD total. In my opinion, definitely worth it.

- On this console, the cigarette lighter plugs didn't match (front and under the arm rest). However it is super simple to fix - just cut the wires, solder, heat shrink them and you're good to go.

- As i mentioned above, the part where the console meets the dashboard doesn't line up. I'm planning on sort of cutting the front bit off the old console and letting it meet up with the new console somehow. Haven't planned it yet but i'm just thinking out loud here.

- You will however have to remove the aircon duct from under the console, you just tug on it and it comes out (picture below)

With all the above aside, i love it.

- Install time: about 2 hours.