How To Guide Fitting E46 arm rest Z3

[Sean d]

 

[Sean d]

Another point is that I took mine down as low as it would go because I have a Storm knob wich is short, if you have a standard knob you may need your rest a little higher

 

[Grumps]

Yes, the ones behind the stereo are the secret ones, you then have to ease the heater controls off as they are clipped on

If i remember rightly isnt there one right at the back under the blanking plate?

 

[bonbon]

Can one of you pros please provide the measurement from the original ledge to the lower leather cover of the armrest?
(And also the width of the notch removed on the back)

 

[bonbon]

Ok - went for it with a LHD.
So far so good. I made it higher than Sean not to interfere with my handbrake and will now try with silicone as did not want to dismantle the console. Hope it holds my light elbow.
Note that it is artwork to get the angles and corners right. Hacksaw and dremel.
Note that for a RHD the dimensions are mirror image - but should be the same. (The 5.0cm dimension would be a better fit if it’s a bit bigger about 5.2. Basically work down to the dimensions in the images until the fit is snug. The notch in the rear is important for 2 reasons: to provide another ledge for adhesion and to enable the easy removal of the handbrake boot)
Note that had to tighten up the handbrake cables so when pulled up it didn’t reach the armrest.

 

[antonycavagin]

Did the silicone work ?

 

[bonbon]

I used the Dutch Super7. Looks good.
I’m waiting 48 hours before I put it under stress. 36h so far
(I’m confident in will be ok over the winter. The question is what’ll happen in our summer heat).
If one has able hands it’s definitely worth the effort. IMO puts the interior in a different league. This is a super option if you don’t want a z3 cup holder. If you have one, there is much simpler solution. Just buy a replacement e46 top armrest (a few bob on aliexpress), remove the two ears and silicone a plastic hinge to the back of the cup holder.

 

[antonycavagin]

No worries about summer heat in the UK .

 

[Rictic60]

Wondering if Silkaflex or Tigerseal would do for bonding the armrest ?

 

[bonbon]

The Hybrifix Super7 did a great job. Solid as a rock. I sense getting a good fit with all the angles makes a difference.
I suspect any decent silicone would do the job.

 

[Rictic60]

Just got one today...let the fun begin!!

 

[bonbon]

It’s a project which should take more that a few hours to get a snug fit of all the angles and corners.
But we’ll worth it (and the post event beer)

 

[Rictic60]

Test fitted today(was Baltic)going to cut down again and angle the back...not sure if I should re-colour red

 

[Daz7401]

Test fitted today(was Baltic)going to cut down again and angle the back...not sure if I should re-colour redView attachment 288601View attachment 288603View attachment 288605

That’s looking very nice, me personally would leave it black. Obviously though the choice is yours.

 

[Rictic60]

That’s looking very nice, me personally would leave it black. Obviously though the choice is yours.

Yes black would be simpler

 

[bonbon]

Looks great - although I don’t understand how it is so far back considering in the pic it seems you did not cut out a notch to get another ledge for adhesion.

 

[Rictic60]

Looks great - although I don’t understand how it is so far back considering in the pic it seems you did not cut out a notch to get another ledge for adhesion.

Thanks I'll have a look at that...its not fitted yet and far too cold to hang about ..planing to bond and use self tapping screws

 

[Rictic60]

Fitted today...liking it a lot

 

[t-tony]

Looks like it's always been there. Top job.

Tony.

 

[Rictic60]

Cheers