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DISCUSSION => Interior => Topic started by: 3seriesNut on March 18, 2009, 01:40:16 PM

Title: center console armrest?
Post by: 3seriesNut on March 18, 2009, 01:40:16 PM
was a center armrest a option in 91 318's?  if so where could one procure one?
Title: center console armrest?
Post by: strad on March 18, 2009, 05:10:45 PM
Yes.  I have no idea how you get one -- they are very rare.  I know some people have gotten them at the junkyard (very lucky people lol) Other people search classifieds here and on bf.c.  Maybe r3vlimited as well.  Maybe ebay.
Title: center console armrest?
Post by: 3seriesNut on March 18, 2009, 05:26:08 PM
i had a a feeling they are hard to come by.. i guess ill just keep my eyes open.
Title: center console armrest?
Post by: mjnov on April 18, 2009, 02:16:25 AM
i have an e36 and i had a friend with the same car. he bought one from ebay.... i have been searching for about a year now for one and cant find one anywhere. only new leather covers for them
Title: center console armrest?
Post by: JP 91iS on April 18, 2009, 10:02:33 PM
I've seen a few lately in the For Sale section at r3vlimited.  Watch the threads there and you'll see one before too long.

edit:These Husco armrests:
(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/MeesterPieter1/Kennisbank/Folders/armsteunklein.jpg) (http://e30forum.nl/info/Folders/armsteun.pdf)
Title: center console armrest?
Post by: JP 91iS on April 19, 2009, 12:06:44 PM
One for sale on ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130301048980) right now, no reserve.
Title: center console armrest?
Post by: carlos318is on April 21, 2009, 03:36:40 PM
In the uk I have never seen a E30 with the arm rest they are so rare now
Title: center console armrest?
Post by: 3seriesNut on April 21, 2009, 06:41:39 PM
i bid that one upto $100.00. i was looking at my center console today when i was on hold with the bank and i think i can fab one up for way less than $100. and ill have my interior guy cover it when he does my seats next winter.
Title: center console armrest?
Post by: JP 91iS on April 21, 2009, 08:32:27 PM
$100 would be a great deal on one of these in this condition.  Stupid as it sounds, I've seen them go with torn covers for ~$200. Some people want them bad I guess... Luckily I got mine for free! Its loose, but it holds cups.
Title: center console armrest?
Post by: ///m42 sport on April 21, 2009, 11:48:25 PM
I don't know, I think they're way overrated and artificially inflated in price.  I see people buy them cheap on the forums and turn around and resell of twice the price.  Kids on the forums keep saying they're NLA which might be true, I see used ones for sale frequently.

I don't like them b/c they're flimsy, get in the way of shifting, and require drilling into the console.
Title: center console armrest?
Post by: White325is on April 22, 2009, 01:31:45 AM
Quote from: ///m42 sport;70549
I see people buy them cheap on the forums and turn around and resell of twice the price..


Now who would do some shit like that. :rolleyes:

BTW OP I got one FS. :o
Title: E30 husco tractop OE armrest
Post by: roundel318 on May 02, 2009, 12:04:15 PM
Indeed they are still available, I purchased one new last fall.
The price is a premium, the people on eBay, etc source them through a dealer back east, they are still able to get them from Germany.
Last check was over 100 still available.
Title: center console armrest?
Post by: Jtuner on May 02, 2009, 07:37:48 PM
Quote from: JP 91iS;70364
I've seen a few lately in the For Sale section at r3vlimited.  Watch the threads there and you'll see one before too long.

edit:These Husco armrests:
(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/MeesterPieter1/Kennisbank/Folders/armsteunklein.jpg) (http://e30forum.nl/info/Folders/armsteun.pdf)


Ok just had a WTF moment,, looking at this picture it seems as if the cupholders face toward the rear seat??? My cup holder comes out just over the Ebrake (design flaw yes, but I figure I deal with it for having a sweet armrest and cupholders :D) Did the idiot that had my car before me install it wrong?
Title: center console armrest?
Post by: superj on May 02, 2009, 08:48:02 PM
if he did,  then everyone i have ever seen in person was put on backward also.
Title: center console armrest?
Post by: roundel318 on May 03, 2009, 01:11:03 PM
It is made to go both ways.
The "proper" way is to the rear however.
I feel it really isnt strong enough to support two drinks, but one is fine as its only slid out halfway then.
The design could be better with the cupholder, as it could use some structural stability and reduce flex. It would hold weight better.
I use mine sliding forward and just with one cup (generally the morning coffee).
There was also one sold by Bavarian Autosport (NLA) that included a BMW Coffee Cup.
Husco is long gone, but I think they found the last pallet in Germany :)
Title: center console armrest?
Post by: roundel318 on May 03, 2009, 01:12:06 PM
If I get a chance, I will scan in the factory installation instructions.
I still have my box and all the extra parts.

In fact, here are two factory images showing BOTH ways!
http://images.google.com/images?sourceid=navclient&rlz=1T4GGIH_enUS209US209&q=E30%20armrest&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi
Title: center console armrest?
Post by: 1991 E30 M42 on May 03, 2009, 02:01:08 PM
I have one that needs to be reupholstered, pm me if your interested
Title: center console armrest?
Post by: gearheadE30 on May 04, 2009, 09:08:11 PM
Vines Automotive still had them awhile ago, but they may be out too. And the rear-facing holder is a good idea; gets the drink out of the way. I got mine for $35, BTW, and I have an extra mount bracket :)