Hey guys I guess it's called the main ash tray, the one in the center with the cig lighter in it, well mine seems to be sticking out about an inch and won't go in any further, and i was wondering if there was any reason this was happening, and if there is a simple fix?

thanks

That about all that mine sticks out as well...

I just wana fix it because whenever theres a passenger they always try to force that thing in and I dont want it broken...

I just wana fix it because whenever theres a passenger they always try to force that thing in and I dont want it broken...just slap that bitch!

take out the lighter and see if it makes any difference

<threadjack>
any idea where to buy one of the euro rear passenger lighters in the rear of the center console?
I've been told they are just plug and play and that the wiring harness is already there.
</threadjack>

take out the lighter and see if it makes any difference

^^^ditto^^^

I was going to suggest the same thing as I read thru the threads. If you notice when you open the tray...the little section that holds the lighter (itself) moves upward/outward toward the passengers.

And when you push the tray back into the dash...that little section is supposed to retract a bit...and if your tray isn't going all the way back into the dash...the lighter section (on the left) is probably jammin' up the works by not ducking down far enough.

<threadjack>
any idea where to buy one of the euro rear passenger lighters in the rear of the center console?
I've been told they are just plug and play and that the wiring harness is already there.
</threadjack>
You have at least two choices that come to mind...

1. You can find an e32 7 sseries in a junk yard or being parted out...same for an e34 that has one...and scavage it...or

2. Go to any of the 3 major online part databases and look up the diagram. At the the least, you'll need the cover (#3 in diagram below)...and the lighter itself (items in 2nd diagram below). That means you can get the parts from the dealer...or at least from Maximillian's:

(Cigarette Cover #3....click link for BMW part nbrs: http://www.bmwmobiletradition-online.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=HJ63&mospid=47414&btnr=51_2734&hg=51&fg=35)
http://www.bmwmobiletradition-online.com/bmw/diagrams/v/w/4.png

(Lighter elements...click link for BMW part numbers: http://www.bmwmobiletradition-online.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=HJ63&mospid=47414&btnr=61_0750&hg=61&fg=35)
http://www.bmwmobiletradition-online.com/bmw/diagrams/b/f/12.png

My Us '89 535i Has The Cig Lighter In There Rear Center Console.......

And My Front Ash Tray Also Does This. It's The Cig Lighter Not Folding Properly. I Messed With It For Almost An Hour One Day And Got Frustrated And Gave Up. Never Looked Back. But If There Is A Fix To This, Please Tell Me How To Do It. It Prolly Only Takes 5 Seconds And I Was Just Not Doing It Right.... :(

OP:

Have you taken it out and checked if there is any blockage. Also the tracks, or slots, the ashtray rides on may be f'ed up from people trying to force it in the right way. Check these both in the hole and on the ashtray.

Might also be something to do with the latch on the bottom


You have at least two choices that come to mind...

1. You can find an e32 7 sseries in a junk yard or being parted out...same for an e34 that has one...and scavage it...or

2. Go to any of the 3 major online part databases and look up the diagram. At the the least, you'll need the cover (#3 in diagram below)...and the lighter itself (items in 2nd diagram below). That means you can get the parts from the dealer...or at least from Maximillian's:

(Cigarette Cover #3....click link for BMW part nbrs:

(Lighter elements...click link for BMW part numbers:

I wanna do this. The cover is $7. Ok. But the lighter socket is $24! Is there any reason a cheep of brand from Autozone wouldnt work? Also, do I need part #13? Its called a "CLAMPING BUSH [for] LIGHTER"
http://www.bmwmobiletradition-online.com/bmw/diagrams/b/f/12.png


also can anyone confirm the harness is already there inside the console?

I wanna do this. The cover is $7. Ok. But the lighter socket is $24! Is there any reason a cheep of brand from Autozone wouldnt work? Also, do I need part #13? Its called a "CLAMPING BUSH [for] LIGHTER"
http://www.bmwmobiletradition-online.com/bmw/diagrams/b/f/12.png

also can anyone confirm the harness is already there inside the console?

The cover (#7) is just that...a small filler piece with a hole cut into it. The other diagram with the socket and bushing and bulb etc...cost more because it consists of all the working "guts" of the lighter.

If I remember correctly (from my 91 735iL)...this lighter has an illumination ring around it as well...and you probably do need #13 (clamping bush) which probably helps secure the "guts" to keep it from being pushed back up into the center console when the cig ligther is pressed to initiate it.

bump for confirmation whether wiring harness is already there
...or local 12v nearby (other than battery :shifty )