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Subject: 'Euro-Armrest' install for the E38 Author: blackrain : member since December, 2004 : 86 posts Posted on: 2004-12-26 16:51:33

I have learned a ton from David's E38.org site...........but I'm tired of looking at pictures of an E39 getting it's sexy, "Euro" armrest, I want to see pictures for an E38! Well.........here we go....

Like many, upon receiving my 740, I was presented with an empty cell phone slot, perfectly positioned to dig into my elbow when steering with the right arm. I feel a mod coming on........



Unlike, the e39, you DO NOT have to fool with the rear vents/rear seat warmer elctronics. Just keep your screwdriver away from this...



Open up the old armrest, and depress the tabs, releasing the side trays. Use your big screwdiver for this, they've been there for a while.....




Revove the 4 torque screws to loosen the cell phone cradle....




Remove the tray underneath the cell phone cradle......




Flip the phone over, removing 2 screws that hold the harness....




Now you should be able to remove the final 2 screws, take off the old armrest, and remove the rear cover...




Disconnect the antennae cable, uncrews like a cable box wire....




"Unclick" the very German/BMW plastic adapter, saving the harness just in case, power and god knows what else in there, might use it someday...........




I felt that the harness extender was too large to stuff under the new armrest and still have it slide freely, so I removed the 10 inches of extension....




The replacement Armrest comes as one package, $364 from Cirlce BMW, includes the armrest, tray, and new console cover. You do NOT need to order an extra tray as suggested on the E39 site. Part number for a black interior is: 51-19-8-174-626




The tray measures about 6.5 by 6.5 inches, and fits a few things. It will close with something as tall as a roll of film on it's side, but to say it is "deep" is pushing it.....




Ok, enough playing around, lets get it in there! A new cover came with the armrest, so lets place it in there with a reassuring "snap"....



You have to depress the slide lever to seat the new armrest in right. Make sure it slides BEFORE you bolt it in with those 6 hex nuts, no other hardware required.....




Slide in the new tray with a solid "snap", and make sure the top closes tightly......




The leather is dry, give it a coating of your favorite interior leather balm. Now stand back and pat yourself on the back! No more sore elbows on the way to work!

• 'Euro-Armrest' install for the E38 (pic) - blackrain 2004-12-26 16:51:33 (15387 views)
  • Great! Somebody finally stepped up & got the full armrest instead of the small - replacement tray. 8-) (NT) Q 2004-12-26 23:33:02 (1288 views)
  • Very good post. Excellent photos! Rack 'em! (nt) - islandbeef 2004-12-26 22:05:47 (706 views)
  • Looks fantastic! (nt) - dwightf 2004-12-26 17:26:26 (586 views)
  • Great post!! Well done :) (nt) - aussie740limo 2004-12-26 17:23:05 (473 views)