ok, So, recently, I have been adding OEM options to my '05 R53 since I have had it 6 years, and decided I needed a couple things I wanted when I bought it new.

I recently bought a auto-dimming with garagedoor opener rearview mirror, and now a center console arm rest.

Ok, so, the retrofir kit is $250 OUCH.

I started comparing part numbers from R56 minis against the R53... they are virtually identical except for part number 2, 15 and 16 in the R53 section...

has anyone successfully added a center console arm rest from and R56 to and R53 ?

I have already found and ordered an arm rest from a wrecked 2009 for $80 (shipped) and I will need part number 2, 15 and 16 from the R53 section... but still that puts me at $150 for the whole retrofit.

R56: http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...=51&fg=95&hl=1

R53: http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...51&fg=95&hl=23

 

so, no one has done the R56 armrest retofit into a R53 ?

well, if thats the case, I will make a write-up when I recieve it

 

Sounds like a fun project, take lots of pics and let us know how it goes.

 

I used my local junkyard and got a r53 specific center console and armrest for $40.00 est.

If you go the r56 route I'm curious to see the result !

 

Sorry I'm late to the party here but with no eletricity for a wk I'm finally getting back into things! About two yrs ago I aquired a center armrest that was for an R56. They can be made to fit, but if you can wait for one made for the R53 I would recommend it. However if you want to proceed with an R56 model armrest, here's what I had to do to get it to work. The holes in the mounting bracket have a flat side to them and need to be ground out so you have a round hole. They don't allow the seat rails to go all the way down, ie the inside rails will be at a slightly raised angle and the seats will bind slightly as you move them back. Second problem is the seat back support scrapes the armrest supports because the R56 console is slightly wider. Press the supports against your console as hard as you can when tightening the seat rail bolt. You might have to open the armrest hole a little more to get enough clerance. Mine still touch, but ever so slightly that there's no damage. Last, I uesd a snug fitting star washer between the seat rail and arm support to prevent it from moving back out and further interfering with the seat movnent. It's been solid now for 2+ yrs. I'm very happy with my R56 armrest in my R53. It's very comfortable especially on long trips. Good luck with yor install......0mini6

 

Installed the same r56 rest in my r50, it wasn't difficult, just some time with the dremmel!

 

ok, well, I received the whole center console from the donor 2010 MCS today.

The armrest itself is perfect and the "bracket" for best terminology is perfect.

I then went to my local stealer and ordered up the part numbers that were applicable to the R53 body (nuts, bolts, screws, console top and cupholder).

I did a dry fit of the armrest itself, and as I suspected... its the same one as the R53 and so is the bracket. here is no rubbing on either side, and looks awesome. I recently added a Alpine head unit, and have been trying to figure out where to locate the USB cable to... problem solved, the armrest allows cable routing into the storage compartment.

I'll take some pictures and put a proper guide together next week. But, the moral of the story so far is that you can find virtually any year R55, R56 or R57 that has an armrest, and swap it into a R53 using minimal parts from the dealer. R56's are easy to find these days in the local wrecking yards, so, the retrofit should run you about $150 total... or you can buy a real retrofit kit for $285.

One poster found a whole armrest that came directly out of a R53.. which would be great, but, I have had no luck scouring the internet locating a R53 with that option. Like me, it was a pricey addon at the time, and many didn't buy it.

Guide to follow next week. Then on to R56 leather heated seats.

 

Still waiting for that write up.

 

Are we talking about the crappy sliding one or the cool folding one? Mine just bolted right in behind the seats, no problems.