| Cup Holder Modification |
| If you own an E36, your probably aware of the diminutive size of the cupholders. In case you didn't know, all the items in the center console are able to be put in any order you would like, cup holders together, ashtray in the middle or on the end, whatever you want. Just pop the pieces out and put them back however you want them. Anyway, I drink coffee(decaf!) on my way to work, in one of those insulated double-wall stainless steel mugs. Well, there is no way, no how that any of the off-the-shelf coffee mugs will fit in those little holders. Not even pop cans or regular cups you might get will fit! So, I did a little modification. Easy and replaceable if you want. |
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| First, remove the holder from the console. Carefully cut off the melted tab holding the spring loaded part of the holder to the bottom. Once removed the flexible piece will come out, but all 4 pads must be compressed at the same time to pop the piece out. Once the flexible piece is removed, the bottom must be cut out of the holder using a hack saw. Sand the edges smooth. Next, the console needs to be modified. The base of the console is too narrow for almost anything to fit into, so it has to be widened. I did this with the use of a heat gun. I first covered the area surrounding the base with wet paper towel. In retrospect, I'd also fold up a wet piece and place it on the bottom, as it does not need to be melted. CAREFULLY heat the walls and a little bit of the floor until the plastic is soft, then insert the mug. Repeat till the walls conform to the shape of the mug. Let it cool and put everything back together. |
| It fits really well, and blends right in. Select a mug with the smallest base you can find, as wider ones will not fit regardless of modification. I would suggest cutting off the bottom of the holder first then going to stored with holder in hand to test fit before you buy a mug. Jason |