I have the factory armrest. Y'know, the flimsy one that only can hold coins, that gets in the way? yeah. that one.

I've decided I want to remove it, but I cannot figure out how.
Please let me know with a source or a technique to take it off, I would appreciate it.

Daniel

 

Here is a blow up of the armrest, should be enough to get you started.

http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...89&hg=51&fg=35

 

WHen I installed my aftermarket heated seats, I remember having full access to the armrest mount after removing the seats.

Here is a pic I took when I took out the passenger seat:



I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure you need to remove the seats to get to the mounts, unless you can utilize the same side mounts.
If so, you want to follow the steps such as disconnecting the battery to avoid the airbags going off or needing a sensor reset from the dealer.

Here's the how to on the heated seat install I did that may help when removing the seats, etc:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...8-mcs-r56.html

 

id strap some TNT to it ... i hate it and hate that mini makes you get it in order to have navi ... only thing i really disagree with and the price of JCW sport suspension

 

Oh the one I LOVE because it hold my ipod or my phone as well. and mine has a home installed USB port for my computer in there so I can hook up anything that needs a USB port. Everyone has thier own opinion of it so don't knock it to hard.

Just note that the parts are different for cup holder and to make it look right after removal you will need to purchase the correct rear cup holder parts.

 

Don't need to remove the seats!

All you need to do is remove the rear cupholder (screw in the middle and sides), then lift the entire center console. The screws are in the front cupholders. You have to be careful pulling the ebrake button trim off.

Once you get the entire center console lifted you will have access to the bracket that the armrest attaches too. You will want to remove the entire bracket assembly to convert back to a non-armrest setup. There are two parts you will need to order, a new bracket and cupholder. About $20.

Then you can sell the parts you pulled for about $150!

There is a very detailed thread about retrofitting the armrest and the different parts required for the alternate setup, that I can't seem to find. I had posted pictures in it as well.

Here is another good thread

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...emoved-it.html