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      07-30-2017, 09:39 AM   #1
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Cleaned up the center console with an insert

Since the phone mount in the center console isn't much use unless you have a phone from 1972 (newer mounts aren't available, even for my ancient Samsung S5), the space there is pretty messy and ugly with the clips, mounts, valleys, etc.....

Well, it was bugging me. I had a piece of corrugated plastic in the garage, like they use for signs. I made myself a paper template, cut out the same in the plastic, got a $7 piece of suede from Michael's and broke out the contact cement. I trimmed the leather, glued it to the plastic piece wrapping around the edges and pig earring the corners. I cut a hole for access to the usb and the audio in. It fits well enough where the pressure keeps it put. The plastic is sturdy enough to give it some structure. I really like it. A lot better than the mess that was there before. If someone wanted to go totally nutty, get some polar blue thread and break out the sewing machine.

BTW, did you know the center console lid slides forward about 4" or so? Try it. It puts your hand right over the iDrive controller. I like it back, but an interesting option I didn't know existed til I was playing with it @ a light one day.
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Last edited by McGary911; 07-30-2017 at 04:04 PM..
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      07-30-2017, 09:52 AM   #2
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Nice work!
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      08-01-2017, 07:26 AM   #3
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Did yours come like that or did you remove the plastic that goes on there? Not sure if that is the picture before or after removal of the stock plastic shroud that goes there.

The stock plastic shroud isn't flat, but it's better than those exposed phone clips.
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      08-01-2017, 07:31 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hshot_rooke
Did yours come like that or did you remove the plastic that goes on there? Not sure if that is the picture before or after removal of the stock plastic shroud that goes there.

The stock plastic shroud isn't flat, but it's better than those exposed phone clips.
I removed the cradle that would have held the phone. the cradle that came with the car was for an apple 4 or 5. ancient, even if I had an apple phone. it looked a tad cleaner, but still wasn't what I was looking for.

btw, I'm glad I want with the suede instead of finished leather. it keeps things from sliding around.

With a tray like this I DO lose a tad of interior volume, but I find it much more usable.
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      08-01-2017, 08:48 PM   #5
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You just use the clip with the arrow at the front of the space. I assume that's how you'd unclip the seated the phone too, if it was in there. Easy to remove and put back if you want.
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      08-02-2017, 12:17 PM   #6
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oh...it sounds like you guys had the cradle installed for a phone? My M2 came with no cradle, just a pocket for storage in the armrest. I found a pic on the web. This isn't what yours came with?
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      08-02-2017, 12:22 PM   #7
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Not my MY 2017 week 15 car. I like my insert, but like your tray a ton more.

Maybe because of Canada? R hand drive?
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      08-02-2017, 03:37 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hshot_rooke View Post
oh...it sounds like you guys had the cradle installed for a phone? My M2 came with no cradle, just a pocket for storage in the armrest. I found a pic on the web. This isn't what yours came with?
Mine came with the phone cradle. I removed it and dropped in the rubber mat like yours came with. You get a lot more depth in the compartment with the cradle removed. The mat is about $15 from the dealer.
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      08-02-2017, 04:45 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by McGary911 View Post
Not my MY 2017 week 15 car. I like my insert, but like your tray a ton more.

Maybe because of Canada? R hand drive?
Mine is a MY2017 Week 10. Yes, Canada. Left side drive here in North America.

Or maybe you optioned carplay or the telephony package.

As Lincoln mentioned, you could probably get the tray insert if your solution ever breaks down.
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      08-02-2017, 05:08 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hshot_rooke View Post
Mine is a MY2017 Week 10. Yes, Canada. Left side drive here in North America.

Or maybe you optioned carplay or the telephony package.

As Lincoln mentioned, you could probably get the tray insert if your solution ever breaks down.
Thanks. I think I found the part number.
51169227902

About 25 bucks. I'll likely pick one up. I guess I needed an arts and crafts project, right? Even with a limited lifespan.

Just saw you found the pic on the net, thus the r hand drive. That threw me a bit, lol.
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      08-02-2017, 06:26 PM   #11
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DIY here - might be slightly different on an F87 but shouldn't be much.

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...5&postcount=31
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      08-03-2017, 02:02 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by McGary911 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by hshot_rooke
Did yours come like that or did you remove the plastic that goes on there? Not sure if that is the picture before or after removal of the stock plastic shroud that goes there.

The stock plastic shroud isn't flat, but it's better than those exposed phone clips.
I removed the cradle that would have held the phone. the cradle that came with the car was for an apple 4 or 5. ancient, even if I had an apple phone. it looked a tad cleaner, but still wasn't what I was looking for.

btw, I'm glad I want with the suede instead of finished leather. it keeps things from sliding around.

With a tray like this I DO lose a tad of interior volume, but I find it much more usable.
Strange, I can fit my iPhone 7 with a case in my center console cradle. I purchased a wireless charging case and it works well for me.
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      08-03-2017, 04:25 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ZPrime View Post
DIY here - might be slightly different on an F87 but shouldn't be much.

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...5&postcount=31
That is the DIY I used and I think it was exactly the same on the M2. The cradle on my car took quite a bit of force to get it to release. Like many panels on a BMW, you feel like they will break before they release BUT they don't.
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      08-06-2017, 02:01 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jayg80 View Post
Strange, I can fit my iPhone 7 with a case in my center console cradle. I purchased a wireless charging case and it works well for me.
Which case did you get for the wireless charging? Many people said the iPhone 7 with a case doesn't fit in the cradle.
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      08-06-2017, 02:50 PM   #15
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The case is Zens and has provided flawless wireless charging in my M2 (phone does tend to get warm thru wireless charging) as well as on the charging pad provided with the case. It's a slim case and doesn't offer the best protection if you are prone to throwing around your phone but it hasn't been a problem for me. Zens original sent me an EU power cord for the charging pad but immediately sent me one for the US when I emailed them.

https://www.makezens.com/shop/iphone...ing-case-zens/
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      08-31-2017, 03:15 AM   #16
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I'm hoping the new iPhone will work with this cradle. Otherwise, I'm going to take it out and put in the mat. It's basically useless as a storage space with the cradle in there.

Even then, using a cable to charge is nowhere near the end of the world.

When phones eventually get to wireless, long distance charging, that will be a real new innovation.
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      08-31-2017, 01:17 PM   #17
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Nice. I did know it slides forward. Also, when you pull the parking brake while it is forward, it interferes. Great design! Not!
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      08-31-2017, 01:45 PM   #18
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Perhaps after September 12th we'll have some new phones that work w/this cradle.
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      08-31-2017, 08:59 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by omasou View Post
Perhaps after September 12th we'll have some new phones that work w/this cradle.
i was gonna say, no sense in modding that area if you're getting a new iphone next month.
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      09-01-2017, 03:50 AM   #20
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Even if the new phone fits, I don't think I'll use it much. I'm not usually in the car long enough to benefit, and it's easy enough to plug it in.

I guess I'll have to see.
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      09-01-2017, 11:20 AM   #21
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Haha. Well, that clip in device is for wireless charging - unless you use one of those crappy iPhones! JK!
Also note that the armrest locks in the upright position. Very handy given that BMW designs this so poorly that the armrest is in the way if you have a manual. The armrest is right in the way of your elbow!
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      09-15-2017, 01:14 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hshot_rooke View Post
oh...it sounds like you guys had the cradle installed for a phone? My M2 came with no cradle, just a pocket for storage in the armrest. I found a pic on the web. This isn't what yours came with?
Is this what the inside of the center console looks like if you don't order the Executive Package in the USA? Thanks!
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