[TKO11]

Recently bought a new 2018 M2 with manual transmission. Love the car but one thing that is annoying is the center console armrest height is in the way when shifting, I wish it had been an inch or two lower (or shifter higher). Also the location of the shifter seems too far rearward. Anyone else agree?

[ZPrime]

Doesn't bother me at all. You could raise the seat a bit...

I'm 6'4" and have no problems with the height of things.

[Crebain]

The armrest is a bit too high for me also, I find myself noticing it when I should just be shifting. I'm going to look if there is a way to fab a lower cushion actually =)

[TKO11]

Originally Posted by Crebain

The armrest is a bit too high for me also, I find myself noticing it when I should just be shifting. I'm going to look if there is a way to fab a lower cushion actually =)

I was thinking the same ....

[David.m]

I drive most of the time with the armrest up, allows my upper arm/elbow to fall naturally from the shoulder and in turn gives a much better feel to shifting (with the armrest down I have a 'flying elbow' - bad for the golf swing also I'm 5'11", normal build & have power seat in lowest position. Have to say I've often wondered regarding those guys who have the manual seats so they can sit lower, I'd be very surprised if they didn't feel shifting a lot better with the armrest up.

I was thinking of trying to fabricate a flat armrest cover by removing the padded sliding part and using the base plate which has the hinges/lock mechanism, remove/grind off the sliding bits and glue a leather cover. Haven't progressed the idea as BMW AU want $600 for an armrest lid so I'm not keen to experiment with my oem part & so far no luck finding a 2nd hand F22/23 part.

[boostm3]

I never even noticed an arm rest issue existed, until I read this thread. Now, of course, Im sure I'll find it wholly unsatisfactory.

[HODLM]

My gripe is not the height but rather that it slides back and forth. It should be in a fixed position.

[AndrewC1989]

Originally Posted by HODLM

My gripe is not the height but rather that it slides back and forth. It should be in a fixed position.

I actually love that it moves. I hate that my 328 has a fixed arm rest. Feels like it's too far back.

[HODLM]

Originally Posted by andrewc89

I actually love that it moves. I hate that my 328 has a fixed arm rest. Feels like it's too far back.

If it's in the front position and I mildly lean on it, it slides back.

I guess there's no way to make us all happy

[David.m]

Originally Posted by boostm3

I never even noticed an arm rest issue existed, until I read this thread. Now, of course, Im sure I'll find it wholly unsatisfactory.

I'm sure you'll let your own experience decide what is 'wholly unsatisfactory', not sure though who or why you found the need to mock? I'm very average for my 5'11" height (so say Ping & Titleist golf fitting) so expect my experience is not unique. With the armrest down I have to push my elbow out so it doesn't drag on the armrest when shifting, with the armrest up I can let the upper arm/elbow hang naturally and it doesn't hit anything when shifting.
My guess is the armrest design is a product of using mostly automatic transmissions in development. They deleted the armrest in the M4CS to save I guess 1 or 2kg, should be an option in all M cars with manual trans.

[madmax240]

Yes, noticed it, hate it. When I did my test drive, it was with an auto, as there were no MTs around. so it wasn't until I got the car I ordered that I noticed. by then it was too late.

MT gear stick placement should be higher like in the Porsches.

[randyt]

Just drove my 6MT ~1,600 miles and did not notice any issues with the arm rest interference with shifting.

It could easily be a height/body proportion issue.

@ an above average height of 6'5" I found the car quite comfortable and was pleased to note that I can get acceptable leg room while accessing the wheel with a decent amount of bend in my elbows. Plenty of head room for a helmet (no sunroof) as well.

[boostm3]

Originally Posted by David.m

I'm sure you'll let your own experience decide what is 'wholly unsatisfactory', not sure though who or why you found the need to mock? I'm very average for my 5'11" height (so say Ping & Titleist golf fitting) so expect my experience is not unique. With the armrest down I have to push my elbow out so it doesn't drag on the armrest when shifting, with the armrest up I can let the upper arm/elbow hang naturally and it doesn't hit anything when shifting.
My guess is the armrest design is a product of using mostly automatic transmissions in development. They deleted the armrest in the M4CS to save I guess 1 or 2kg, should be an option in all M cars with manual trans.

LOL... Wasnt mocking at all; just commenting how perfectly innocuous things can become obsessively annoying once theyre pointed out.

[David.m]

Originally Posted by boostm3

LOL... Wasnt mocking at all; just commenting how perfectly innocuous things can become obsessively annoying once theyre pointed out.

Apologies, my bad interpretation.
In addition to shifting, from day one my wife complained about me elbowing her arm if she used the armrest. Now she complains about it being up. Hard to please though I’m sure I’m not Robinson Crusoe

[McPurrs]

Raise your seat.

[sclui56]

Originally Posted by David.m

Apologies, my bad interpretation.
In addition to shifting, from day one my wife complained about me elbowing her arm if she used the armrest. Now she complains about it being up. Hard to please though I’m sure I’m not Robinson Crusoe

You mean you never told your better-half that the armrest is solely for the driver's benefit?

Seriously, now that I read this thread, I am conscious while shifting, damn power of suggestion.

[boostm3]

Originally Posted by sclui56

You mean you never told your better-half that the armrest is solely for the driver's benefit?

Seriously, now that I read this thread, I am conscious while shifting, damn power of suggestion.

See what I mean??

[ShelJW]

Originally Posted by David.m

... not sure though who or why you found the need to mock? I'm very average for my 5'11" height

I didn't read any mocking whatsoever in his response. I think he was just pointing out how once something is pointed out to someone, we tend to focus on it.

If there's a tiny paint chip, you won't notice it for weeks, but once it's pointed out to you, every time you approach the car, your eyes go straight towards that one, tiny chip!

[six-n-twins53]

Good for me. The sliding isnt so great tho

[TKO11]

Originally Posted by sclui56

You mean you never told your better-half that the armrest is solely for the driver's benefit?

Seriously, now that I read this thread, I am conscious while shifting, damn power of suggestion.

Sorry guys

[GregoryK]

I completely agree with the OP. Yes you can raise your seat but really. I like to sit at a certain height and my elbow is very aware of the armrest.
Was thinking of pulling out all the stuffing and maybe add back 1/4" of foam. Mine is fine with the lid up. It would not take much to improve it for me.....

[TKO11]

Originally Posted by GregoryK

I completely agree with the OP. Yes you can raise your seat but really. I like to sit at a certain height and my elbow is very aware of the armrest.
Was thinking of pulling out all the stuffing and maybe add back 1/4" of foam. Mine is fine with the lid up. It would not take much to improve it for me.....

Yes that is a thick armrest ... it could be made thinner. I should see how that comes apart.

Another fix may be if the shifter knob was higher as it would move your arm/elbow up.