[skinrock]

I've had my eye on this for a long time, and I finally purchased it along with my bodykit and electronic performance steering wheel. I always thought it would be a nice addition, but not a overwhelming improvement. I was dead wrong.

The edges and stitching are much more prominent and flow much better with the seats over the stock one. The rear has a nice curve to it, and provides a nice transition to the center console. The optional spring and locking mechanism are must-haves. It feels much more luxurious now that it opens with ease and closes with resistance, and the snap when you open it all the way is a subtle but excellent touch.

And of course the extendable armrest is the main focal point. The metal rods are the show stopper in the build quality department. BMW could have used cheap plastic rails, but no expenses were spared here. It slides in and out with authority, no wobbling or looseness at full extension.

Installing it was pretty simple. I took my time, but I still broke two clips on the bottom of the climate control panel. It's always tough removing something like that the first time, and unfortunately there was collateral damage. Luckily the clips are fairly insignificant, and the panel locked securely back in place. The bottom corner is a little loose, but the curvature of the middle hump and the carpet seem to add enough friction to prevent it from sliding loose. Just take your time, and be much more cautious with the top part because that's what really holds it in. The spring is a major pain to install, you have to raise the armrest all the way up, and push the center of the spring clip over the plastic lip in the console. Getting it over that lip took some force, but worth the effort. The locking mechanism is a breeze, a simple plastic clip that you snap in before installing the metal rods.

Here are some pics:




Excellent mod, well worth the money.

[Eric335]

that looks very nice....


i was just complaining today about my stock armrest!

[BKap08]

wow that looks SO much cleaner than the stock

[samchoi604]

I always wanted to do this mod but price is a barrier ($240)

I currently find no problem resting my elbow on the stock armrest... maybe I sit too far back, or my arm is too short?

[skinrock]

Originally Posted by samchoi604

I always wanted to do this mod but price is a barrier ($240)

I currently find no problem resting my elbow on the stock armrest... maybe I sit too far back, or my arm is too short?

I never really thought the stock one was unbearable, but honestly, after extending this one - it really does make a world of difference. That being said, it's just as much of a cosmetic mod as it is a functional mod (which are the best mods).

[samchoi604]

Originally Posted by skinrock

I never really thought the stock one was unbearable, but honestly, after extending this one - it really does make a world of difference. That being said, it's just as much of a cosmetic mod as it is a functional mod (which are the best mods).

I believe that it's an excellent mod. So do you have the armrest extended or retracted most of the time (during driving)?

[wrickem]

I agree 100%.

When I put it on my '07, I did it because it looks better and figured it would be a little more comfortable. I was wrong, it's A LOT more comfortable to drive with and looks A LOT nicer. It was the first thing I did to my '11 when I got it. Very easy install too if you follow the DIY here

[Josh1a1h]

I will eventually do this... I am wearing the hell out of my current Arm rest, so this will be on the cards.

IT LOOKS AWESOME! so much better than stock!!!

Where is the cheapest place/easiest to find it?

Nice Pics!

[rollinstone157]

I'm really tempted to do this, it looks much better than the stock armrest.

[B-737]

your interior is sooooo nice!
very tastefully done. i love the trim and ebrake, subtle and classy.

[skinrock]

Originally Posted by samchoi604

I believe that it's an excellent mod. So do you have the armrest extended or retracted most of the time (during driving)?

Just installed it last night, didn't actually need to go out yet. I have a feeling it will be retracted a lot unless I'm going on a longer drive and I think about it.

Originally Posted by Josh1a1h

Where is the cheapest place/easiest to find it?

Nice Pics!

Tischer, getbmwparts.com

[skinrock]

Originally Posted by B-737

your interior is sooooo nice!
very tastefully done. i love the trim and ebrake, subtle and classy.

Thanks, those alcantara pieces will look really good once I finish it off with my new V2 electronic wheel. I have one more thing, the aluminum pedals, but I'm a little afraid it will be over the top. I have been going for that clean, matching look - and while I like the random aluminum highlights, I think the pedals might be too much.

[SG335i123]

BTW, was the ebrake cover hard to install?

[skinrock]

Originally Posted by SG335i123

BTW, was the ebrake cover hard to install?

Not really, if you look at the new one, you'll see where all the clips line up in the center console, and it makes it easy to remove the stock boot. Then it's just a matter of sliding it off the metal arm itself.

[ECSTuning]

Looks great and awesome photos!

Originally Posted by Josh1a1h

.....
Where is the cheapest place/easiest to find it?.....

I have them in Leather and the Leatherette right HERE.


ECS Tuning

[Josh1a1h]

HAHA i completely forgot.. im in the UK so i would need an arm rest which is the opposite way around!!!

Ashame... thanks for the links though!

[AbsolutX3]

Probably one of the more "usable" mods in my opinion. I often feel that the standard armrest is too short on my mother's E90. They should just bundle it into the Premium packet or something like that. I'd swap it out but price is the barrier to entry......(plus I don't drive it that often)

[Murph335]

Longer legs here so seat is further back, didn't even notice its a problem! However I will say the stock one lacks good padding.

[Ctm309]

Got, love it. Use it extended all the time.

[Dark_Knight_335]

Any advantages functionality wise?

[Dark_Knight_335]

Oh duh the extended armrest length and padding I guess.

[Mc 007]

Hi
Someone know how to divide in 2 parts the armrest? Have to change leather