Cup holder

[Moz]

Hi

So this is my second attempt at an E30 cup holder, wasn't entirely happy with my first attempt but it was functional. So I remembered the E39 front cup holder, not the best bit of kit in the world but had a very shallow design so that was my starting point. I fashioned a strip of wood along the top for support and to straighten the angle as the underside of the dash area tilts upwards quite a bit. The only cutting/screwing required is to the centre console section, dash remains untouched.

A hole is cut in the cubby hole bit behind the front ashtray to allow the cup holder to sit flush.

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The right hand side of the plastic housing had to be trimmed of maybe 10mm to allow it to fit width ways. I screwed in 2 small support block on the left and right but with a second, angle wedge piece it may have been possible to secure it to the bracket under the dash but I didn't use this method as I don't mind the gap. VHB on this to attach once the cup holder is pushed into position and some more VHB along the bottom of the cut out I made initially.

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VHB the strip of birch ply to the top of the cup holder after covering in black vinyl wrap. The additional block behind the strip is to hold the angle and also created another point of contact for the VHB.

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Once pushed into place it all grips into place. It could be secured some more by screwing in from the front to the small blocks supporting it but having tested it I have had no issues so far.

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Opinions, criticisms welcomed!

Thanks!

[Moz]

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[Tzantushka]

Ooh I like that!!!!

[tha881]

Probably the best attempt at an e30 cup holder I've seen, well done

[Moz]

Thank you, sirs

[Kedge]

That does look really good, I just couldn't bring myself to chop into the center console. Is it easy to remove?

Just so happens I had one of these delivered yesterday.

https://www.bmwcupholder.com/collection ... up-holders

[BristolE30]

That does look really good, I just couldn't bring myself to chop into the center console. Is it easy to remove?

Just so happens I had one of these delivered yesterday.

https://www.bmwcupholder.com/collection ... up-holders

I bought one of these last year. Pretty decent actually although they don’t fit all types of cups. I often end up using it as an arm rest haha

[Kedge]

Yea, found that they don't fit 750ml bottles so ordered 600ml one that should be a small enough diameter. Just makes use of what I consider a useless/untidy storage hole.

[Moz]

That does look really good, I just couldn't bring myself to chop into the center console. Is it easy to remove?

Just so happens I had one of these delivered yesterday.

I bought one of these last year. Pretty decent actually although they don’t fit all types of cups. I often end up using it as an arm rest haha

That actually looks quite stealth, I've seen some really bad ones in the past.

Centre console front section is easily removed so I have a spare if I ever want to go back to factory. The cup holder could be removed by using some dental floss behind it to remove the VHB.

Are they Recaro I see too

Thanks

[Kedge]

That actually looks quite stealth, I've seen some really bad ones in the past.

That's what I liked about them, blend in with the rest of the interior.

Centre console front section is easily removed so I have a spare if I ever want to go back to factory. The cup holder could be removed by using some dental floss behind it to remove the VHB.

Easy enough then. I'm only consicous of something like that as I've removed the center console and HVAC panel a couple of times recently.

Are they Recaro I see too

They are, though that's just a photo from the website. Mine are leather

[Blanca]

But my cassette holder is there,
What is the donor of the cup holder?

[Moz]

That actually looks quite stealth, I've seen some really bad ones in the past.

That's what I liked about them, blend in with the rest of the interior.

Centre console front section is easily removed so I have a spare if I ever want to go back to factory. The cup holder could be removed by using some dental floss behind it to remove the VHB.

Easy enough then. I'm only consicous of something like that as I've removed the center console and HVAC panel a couple of times recently.

Are they Recaro I see too

They are, though that's just a photo from the website. Mine are leather

I'm actually planning on changing from VHB to 2 screws in the front this weekend to make it removable if required, will post a photo once done. I'm looking out for some leathers, only thing I really want now

Thanks

[Blanca]

I like the idea so had a look on the bay and found some good contenders.
Audi A3
VW Golf IV (2000)
Nissan Almera (2004)
Cheve Aveo MKI

Think I'll try the Audi A3 one. 19cm wide by 14.5cm deep

[Moz]

I think there is more depth available on non AC cars as I recall their being less housing on them under the dash, could be wrong though. Depth is the only big issue when trying to fit a cup holder in an E30.

Thanks

[Cloggy Saint]

I remember years ago a zoner used a cup holder from a Passat in the same position and that looked very good too.

[martauto]

Top draw mate, is the e39 cup holder from BMW or can you get these from e-bay ?



Mart.

[Moz]

Hi Mart

I first rough installed it with a cheaper eBay clone just so I knew how much to trim and where to fit etc. I then replaced it with a genuine Febi item as it has much stronger, thicker gauge springs. The cheap clones are quite delicate but OK if you seldom use the car.

The final fit version I used is https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Front-Cuphol ... 2749.l2649

Thanks

[Kedge]

I've got a 10% discount code "give me more" if anyone was thinking of buying one of these.

That does look really good, I just couldn't bring myself to chop into the center console. Is it easy to remove?

Just so happens I had one of these delivered yesterday.

https://www.bmwcupholder.com/collection ... up-holders

[Blanca]

Such a cool idea I have one E39 drinks holder on the way, LHD of course. very reasonable price, 15.91 with free delivery too

[Moz]

Small update - removed it and used a taller piece of wood to not only fill the gap but steady the overall unit when removing a can/bottle.

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This was refitted with the Febi version of the cup holder, a lot stronger than the eBay clones.

Thanks

[Satan]

Paint your nuts black or get black anodised ones ;o)))

[Brianmoooore]

The final fit version I used is https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Front-Cuphol ... 2749.l2649

£24.11 from the Autodoc app. (plus postage, but you can include other bits for the same rate.)

[Moz]

The final fit version I used is https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Front-Cuphol ... 2749.l2649

£24.11 from the Autodoc app. (plus postage, but you can include other bits for the same rate.)

Great find Brianmoooore, a steal at that price!

[Blanca]

So impressed went and did it too. LHD version of course and a perfect fit width wise too.
I made up a alloy 'U' bracket from some 20 x 2 strip, painted it black and screwed that onto the sides then screwed the cup holder above that, works a treat,

Just need to secure the Parrot again.

[Moz]

Good job Blanca! Glad you were able to try it and install.

Thanks

[Blanca]

Each unto their own but this is how I fitted the cup holder and unless you get right down you can't see it.
I had to make sure the underside of the consol was flat and make a slot for the c¡bacl of the holder as Maz but you cant see it.

[coopman]

I've got a 10% discount code "give me more" if anyone was thinking of buying one of these.

That does look really good, I just couldn't bring myself to chop into the center console. Is it easy to remove?

Just so happens I had one of these delivered yesterday.

https://www.bmwcupholder.com/collection ... up-holders

Thanks - I used your code. Fits cans and small coffees perfectly.

[Blanca]

I can say that although the cE36 cup holder I bought on eBay fits and looks good it is CRAP, flimsy, holders have a problem locking back in and are floppy when extended.
I would advise anyone going that route to buy the OEM BMW one which is much better.

[Satan]

seeing as young barmaids are unemployed I have a couple in the back holding on to my cups and tea bags........