This is an involved and tricky process if you don't know what you are doing.
First start by pulling the shift boot up until it pops out and then reach under the shift console and push up on the bottom of the hazard button until it pops out. You will see a screw that holds the center console down. Remove this. Pull the boot of the ebrake until it comes loose and push it out of the way. Pull the rear ashtray up and remove it. Remove the center cup holder unit. If it is the fully molded piece then it should lift up. If it is the new style, then take the parts off the top by squeezing the textured sides and then pull up. You will see how the cupholder snaps into place in a hole in the bottom of the center console with plastic legs. Remove this unit.

Now it is time to remove the armrest. This is tough unless done correctly.
Step 1 is to remove the covers around the armrest.

You have to first remove the back cover.
Push in at the back by the ashtray opening to release the catch and then slide it up off the front piece.

You can see how they slide apart here

The back piece has a fin that sticks out and slides into a groove in the front piece.

Here is the groove in the front piece

Here they are together

Here it is with just the front piece on

you can see that this hole

Goes over this pin

And the front tabs rest on the top of the console

This piece is easily removed but does not need to be. It has metal spring clips on the backside

that attach to these ridge on the armrest

And here is a picture farther away

Remove the front cover piece by popping it off the two posts on the side of the armrest support and slide it out.
now rotate the armrest to the vertical position. You will see small holes on either side:

Insert a screw driver or other device into the hole to create pressure to release the side pins.

Now just slide out the side pin

When you press down with a screw driver you are releasing this plastic catch on the pin:

On the other side of the pin is a ridge

This ridge fits into a guide on the inside of the arm rest:

This lines the pin up to position the catch over the hole that you inserted the screw driver into:

Once you have released these pins from both sides you will be able to lift the armrest up and off:

The next step is to remove the last screw holding the armrest console into place:

After you have lifted this console up out of the way, feeding the ebrake boot through the opening sideways, you will see the support piece still mounted to the drive tunnel. Lift the carpet out of the way to reveal the two front bolts and remove them:

The second one is on the pasenger side:

The last one is under the arm rest support in the back. you don't have to remove it but simply loosen it. Then you can slide the console forward and lift up.

When it is gone it will look like this:

If you wish to remove or fix the ebrake wire that sends the signal to the dash to show the brake light, this is what it looks like when installed correctly:

These are all the assorted parts and pieces when removed

Shameless plug--->this is listed for sale in the classifieds.

Bump for Monday

Recieved unit today, am installing now...

The armrest is in perfect condition. :alright

Thanks!

EDIT: It appears that I've got to move the e-brake switch to the other side of the handle (currently on passenger side). It's getting in the way of the main support.

Old Skool i think you are just trying to drive up your post count :D But seriously great job on all these DIYs youve been posting.

Old Skool i think you are just trying to drive up your post count :D But seriously great job on all these DIYs youve been posting.

Truly -- That is what DIYs need to be, I always get mixed up without pics. Thanks for that. How about teach me how to remove the shift surround console ... I will be doing that this weekend.

PS ... seriously ... can you help? :stickoutt

It isn't too bad.
*Edit-
I did make another post about this...
check my sig*

I don't have to remove it from any of my cars so I will just give a quick writeup and see if I have pics anywhere...

1. Pull up on shift boot on the side...the clips will release and it will pop out.
2. Reach under the console and push up on the hazard light switch. Pop it out.
3. Through this opening you will see a screw. Remove this.
4. Look on both sides of the shifter surround and find a screw connecting it to the dash panels. Remove these two screws.
5. Reach up through the inside of the sunglass cubby and push your finger through the hole in the top. Push up on the release clip that holds the OBC in place. Push the OBC forward as you release this clip.
6. Slide the cubby up while pressing back slightly at the base to release the clips on the lower front just in front of the shift boot. Then just wiggle it out.
Note: you don't have to disconnect any of the cables but it makes it easier.
7. Look up inside the opening where the OBC was. There are two screws at the top frame holding the shift console to the dash. Remove these two screws.
8. Remove center console as described above.
9. There is one last nut holding the front of the console down. Remove this nut and you can remove the console.

Recieved unit today, am installing now...

The armrest is in perfect condition. :alright

Thanks!

EDIT: It appears that I've got to move the e-brake switch to the other side of the handle (currently on passenger side). It's getting in the way of the main support.
Awesome. Great to hear it.

Yeah the ebrake switch was on the driver's side in my car.....

DIY whore... :stickoutt :thumbup:

Thank you for posting this diy! :D

Excellent, Old Skool. Thanks.

The fricking armrest drove me nuts for 12 years. I just left it in the up position to keep it out of the way, but any hard braking would make it flop down. So annoying. I actually tied it back for track days with a bungie cord to the rear seatbelt. Very ghetto.

I tried to delete it once but could not figure out the secret release you point out above. One good poke with a small screw driver on the catch that holds the the end caps in, and out they slide, easy as pie. The whole thing, including cleaning and re-assembling the lower console behind the ebrake, took less than 30 minutes. And it even looks good; no obvious "torn out" look. I'm still grinning 24 hours later.

Isn't crazy how the little things can drive you nuts. Yet they can be so easy to fix, you just need a good picture of it. I wish I took more pictures and posted more DIY articles no matter how silly they seem to some, they always help others.

i dont see any reason why it would be a problem, but ill be able to put my arm rest back in without removing the entire center console right? ill just have to remove the back portion by the rear ashtray?

thanks for the writeup, pictures always help

This piece is easily removed but does not need to be. It has metal spring clips on the backside

i need this piece... you know where i can get one!?

im still having trouble getting the rear part of the armrest housing apart. the instructions say to apply pressure towards the middle, in front of the rear ashtray, and it will duslodge, and you can slide it out. I cant post URL's yet evidentally... so finish this url by putting "http:" at the beginning, and a "g" at the end and paste in your web browser to view what it is im working with. The two screws under the rear ashtray are still in place, do i need to remove those too? thanks in advance.

//img.photobucket.com/albums/v459/aaronmjr/328center2.jp

I have a question. Can this be installed in a 318i. My brother doesn't have one, and it looks all wrong without it. Thanks in advance.

i need this piece... you know where i can get one!?
Bavarian auto recycling (forum sponsor), or a junk yard, or the for sale section.

I have a question. Can this be installed in a 318i. My brother doesn't have one, and it looks all wrong without it. Thanks in advance.
I am pretty sure the 318ti is different. I don't know about the 318i though.

Bavarian auto recycling (forum sponsor), or a junk yard, or the for sale section.

thing is i can't find a part number for that individual piece.. :(

im still having trouble getting the rear part of the armrest housing apart. the instructions say to apply pressure towards the middle, in front of the rear ashtray, and it will duslodge, and you can slide it out. I cant post URL's yet evidentally... so finish this url by putting "http:" at the beginning, and a "g" at the end and paste in your web browser to view what it is im working with. The two screws under the rear ashtray are still in place, do i need to remove those too? thanks in advance.

//img.photobucket.com/albums/v459/aaronmjr/328center2.jp

Check this picture:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3830648&postcount=7

Those are the snaps that hold it in place. Also, there is a screw underneath the ashtray.

thing is i can't find a part number for that individual piece.. :(
Zoom in on this picture, or check the ETK, or just call and ask based on a description.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3830666&postcount=11

Check this picture:
Those are the snaps that hold it in place. Also, there is a screw underneath the ashtray.

I see two screws underneath the ashtray, are these the ones your speaking of? I understand the concept of the picture, but with all my strength pushing the snaps i cant get it to let loose. did you look at my link and see where it is im pushing? Am i able to do this without removing the center console from the car? -Aaron

nevermind. got frustrated and took it to my local shop and they helped me out. (with the aid of your DIY) :D thanks anyways!

What ended up being the problem?

not quite sure, but it took 2 of their technicians (ORR Autosport in Eden Prairie MN, BMW specialist shop) about 40 minutes to do, so something must have been stuck/tricky. I'm just glad I dont have to think about that damn thing ever again, haha. Thanks for your help though, I really appreciate you not writing me off as a dumba$$ and actually trying to help.

Cheers! -Aaron

I followed this DIY procedure. Turns out I didn't need to remove the arm rest support that's bolted to the floor :( I ended up just removing the armrest itself. The bare hinge isn't too bad looking, but at least the armrest is out of my way for good!

Thanks for this thread, old skool!

used this diy today...didn't break any parts...bump for time spent with the write up

Is there any way to just remove the armrest so that I can change out the leather without removing the whole console? This is a tedious process.....

Is there any way to just remove the armrest so that I can change out the leather without removing the whole console? This is a tedious process.....

The first 21 posts explain how to do this.

its amazing how complicated a damn center armrest is on the BMW..

there is no reason to make it that complicated...


-Sam

There really is no reson to remove the armrest either. It works great as a armrest imagine that, and it looks better than not having it. Why not just remove every luxury feature while you are at it.

Gentlemen,

I was able to remove the armrest cover very easily, with a little help from this post (THANKS).

iF ALL YOU WANT TO DO IS REMOVE THE ARMREST: I removed the rear ashtray and cover. I did not have to revove any other covers or housings. I took a small flathead screwdriver from the side of the front-underneath the armrest, and removed the pins. This was kinda done blindly, but it worked out very well, no problems. MAKE SURE YOU MOVE YOUR SEATS FORWARD TO REMOVE THE PINS, otherwise you will not be able to get them out. I installed my new cover for the armrest, slipped the pins back in with absolutely no problem, replaced the ashtray and cover, and it was done.....it took maybe 5 minutes to do this removal and re-install.

....... all of you wanting to remove armrests.... what about us who started life Armrest impaired....

....... all of you wanting to remove armrests.... what about us who started life Armrest impaired....


.........armrest????

What/where/when.........

9bar (armrest impared)

There really is no reson to remove the armrest either. It works great as a armrest imagine that, and it looks better than not having it. Why not just remove every luxury feature while you are at it.

I had to remove my center console last week because I discovered that the previous owner spilled something and it soaked into the carpet under the console. He cleaned up the cupholders and console, but didn't bother to get it out of the carpet that whatever it has had soaked into and turned into some pungent foulness I can't even begin to describe.

Had to remove half of the carpet under the center console because it was growing things. Now I just need to put the thing back together.

What are the wires for that are in this picture?

http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/2969/imgp1633mediumqt5.th.jpg (http://img75.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imgp1633mediumqt5.jpg)

That was a great write up! Now I have the opportunity to purchase a complete console and armrest in decent shape to put in my '95 318ic for $15.00. That's right - $15. The seller must have no idea what they go for on EBAY - oh well. Only kicker is that it is coming off a '94 325is (2 door). A little research shows that the verts take a special base unit, but the armrest itself looks the same. I did not go on realoem.com and cross reference every PN, but from what I can see from looking at picts on ebay, it seems that the vert has a little kick up in the floor tunnel just under the rear ashtray. Are there any other differnences? Will I be able to modify this unit to fit my car? Any experience is helpful!! Thanks!

I don't have any experience with that but it is worth a shot. For $15, try it out. Then if it doesn't fit correctly, sell it on Ebay or the forum and use the money to buy the correct one.

I got the armrest unit and it's in great shape except that someone removed the old leather and installed a cheap peice of vynal. Only $15 for the whole thing and I gave the guy another $5 for the ABS relays on the off chance that they would bring back my ABS brakes and make the light go out. Well I have ABS again without having to get into the sensors or pump!

The replacement cover is not fitted well and it's black. I'd like to install a tan leather cover. Does anyone have a good source for this peice? The convertible top sites have them for crazy prices. I'm trying to keep this car (and myself) on a budget!

Go to a local custom leather shop. They can do upholstery. That would be your best bet in my opinion.

All of this is pretty straight forward...how do you get the leather off of the armrest? The plastic piece (on the bottom side has three plastic circles that appear to hide screws. I'm unable to get thes budge open. Nor, can I pop the plastic piece off to show where the leather is glued on.

All of this is pretty straight forward...how do you get the leather off of the armrest? The plastic piece (on the bottom side has three plastic circles that appear to hide screws. I'm unable to get thes budge open. Nor, can I pop the plastic piece off to show where the leather is glued on.


somebody gots to know!:eyecrazy

are the center arm rest consoles the same in the 2 door and 4door?

Yes, they're the same, you can check it at realoem.com ;P

Thanks oldskool for the write-up, the armrest in my touring finally looks perfect... :D

What are the wires for that are in this picture?

http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/2969/imgp1633mediumqt5.th.jpg (http://img75.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imgp1633mediumqt5.jpg)

Yeah I need to know this as well. Removed the whole carpet including the armrest two week ago. Looks like I have 2 wires with light bulbs at the end, a connecter, and a ground? Where do these fit? I forgot :(

The light in the ashtray, and another harness I forget at the moment.

Yellow and blue wire/ground thingy goes into the brake light switch.


:eek: Wouldn't that harness be somewhat important?

All of this is pretty straight forward...how do you get the leather off of the armrest? The plastic piece (on the bottom side has three plastic circles that appear to hide screws. I'm unable to get thes budge open. Nor, can I pop the plastic piece off to show where the leather is glued on.

I have not found instructions for this, has anyone done it. I do not want to break the part as BMW quoted me $210.00. I just want to re-wrap it.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Just find a used one, I'm sure someone is selling one.

I have not found instructions for this, has anyone done it. I do not want to break the part as BMW quoted me $210.00. I just want to re-wrap it.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Hi

I've re-wrapped the leather.
You have to remove the armrest first. Then you'll find 3 (x) screws on it's underside. Next you have to remove the plastic so you could see how the leather is glued. Choose the right glue and it's all good:cool

Hi

I've re-wrapped the leather.
You have to remove the armrest first. Then you'll find 3 (x) screws on it's underside. Next you have to remove the plastic so you could see how the leather is glued. Choose the right glue and it's all good:cool

Are the three screws located where the little "caps" are on the underside of the plastic part? If so, how do you get those little "caps" out?

Thanks

There are 3 screws, so the 3 caps you have there hide these screws... I didn't have to remove the caps - simply they weren't there:rolleyes
But I suppose it should be fairly easy - try with a needle or something like that... IMHO you can trash them and buy new ones...

There are 3 screws, so the 3 caps you have there hide these screws... I didn't have to remove the caps - simply they weren't there:rolleyes
But I suppose it should be fairly easy - try with a needle or something like that... IMHO you can trash them and buy new ones...

Thank you. I guess that will be my Saturday project.