[smithf80]

Realistically I don't think many people here use the BMW phone cradle.

The inserts costs a ton and don't usually come out until months before the NEXT iPhone comes out. (or whatever phone you use for you non iPhone folks).

So this thing is a A) wasted space and therefore is also B) useless.

I miss how much room I had in that spot on my E90, I really could fit a decent amount of stuff in there and it wouldn't slide around because its recessed, with the cradle there all my crap can slide around and become a mess (granted I don't keep too much in there, but still).

Anyway this is a pretty easy thing to do,

The part number you need to order is: 51169227902

(I recommend ordering this from my buddy Armando, his email is armando.diaz@bmwnyc.com)

First things first you're going to want to use a trim tool to pull the cradle out, this is going to take some force, its clipped in pretty tight.



Next you're going to want to push a flathead screw driver down on the few clips holding the cables in, in these pictures the cables are already removed, but you'll get the idea of where to push down:




Next, take off the rear vent (I apologize for all the dust, I'm never in the back of my car but after seeing all that dust I spent a good amount of time cleaning it today):



Disconnect these three cables:




Push the three cables in here, you'll need to force the large connector thru:



Now yank the damn thing out:



You'll be left with this:



Now just drop your rubber mat in and be happy about all this newfound storage space:

[puttforedough12]

Awesome... Great write up. Definetly going to do this...I'm an Android guy and BMW does not support my phone.

[tboooe]

Thank you sir! I am all over this! Finally a mod my wallet can afford. How much is that rubber mat piece?

[spuntyb]

Excellent write up. Should be a sticky maybe. I was stoked when I first found out about these, but after doing a bit of research found that the implementation is balls and offers very little benefit. Not to mention that the versions are way behind the most recent phones.

[visor]

I know there's a bit more space gained... but there's not that much more space gained for the effort involved.

[smithf80]

Originally Posted by visor

I know there's a bit more space gained... but there's not that much more space gained for the effort involved.

What effort?

It took me maybe 6 minutes of total working time, maybe 10 because I kept stopping to take pictures.

[smithf80]

Originally Posted by puttforedough12

Awesome... Great write up. Definetly going to do this...I'm an Android guy and BMW does not support my phone.

Thank you!

Originally Posted by tboooe

Thank you sir! I am all over this! Finally a mod my wallet can afford. How much is that rubber mat piece?

Haha thought you would be! It's only like 20 bucks.

Originally Posted by spuntyb

Excellent write up. Should be a sticky maybe. I was stoked when I first found out about these, but after doing a bit of research found that the implementation is balls and offers very little benefit. Not to mention that the versions are way behind the most recent phones.

Thank you! Completely agree.

[USC2000]

I need to do this!

[M-terkait]

I'm glad my car was without it, thats much more space to use :hehe:

[fiuman]

Could we maybe retrofit a wireless charger in there ? Where would I tap for power ? The 12v socket ?

[smithf80]

Originally Posted by USC2000

I need to do this!

Get that part ordered!

Originally Posted by M-terkait

I'm glad my car was without it, thats much more space to use :hehe:

Lucky!

Originally Posted by fiuman

Could we maybe retrofit a wireless charger in there ? Where would I tap for power ? The 12v socket ?

Possibly, tons of places to tap power.

I am looking into seeing if the extra data FAKRA cable can be used to add a second USB port.

[fiuman]

I'm thinking along the lines of leaving the cradle and the no use plastic cover, maybe completely gut a wireless charger, mount it somehow to the plastic and get juice via the ports.

If this was a hyundai I'd be done already but i'm hesitant on shorting my 3er

[M-terkait]

Lucky you call it, but i ordered my car and my rear seats doesn't fold down, they are in one piece.. it's an option to have a fold down 2 piece rear seats. thank you bmw.

[Sherhart]

Awesome. Link to rubber part?

[cshawkeye]

It honestly takes you about 20 minutes tops and is soo worth it.

[smithf80]

Originally Posted by Sherhart

Awesome. Link to rubber part?

Just google the part number: 51169227902

Or call your favorite dealer, or email the guy I mentioned in my post.

[NWest]

Thanks for the write-up, part and trim tools ordered, been wanting to do this since I first opened my console!

[Vegetable]

Smith, nice write-up.. Next, up.,. figure out a way to make that center console at least 12" deep to hold all my bubble gum wrappers.

[smithf80]

Originally Posted by Vegetable

Smith, nice write-up.. Next, up.,. figure out a way to make that center console at least 12" deep to hold all my bubble gum wrappers.

Working on it.

I'm thinking if I cut into the vent I can get some dept, screw the passengers in the rear of the car.

[RoundelM3]

The "stock" center console is great - has the USB port to plug in a thumb drive with all my music, the AUX port for an alternate sound source, and just the right amount of space for my Smith Airweight.

[fiuman]

Originally Posted by roundel335

The "stock" center console is great - has the USB port to plug in a thumb drive with all my music, the AUX port for an alternate sound source, and just the right amount of space for my Smith Airweight.

I've come to notice that the driver side glove box/compartment is a snug and nice fit for my XD-S and more covertly accessible than opening the glove box/center console , bonus part is most people don't know about that compartment in our 3ers so in the unlikely instance I manage to forget it in my car and get broken into the perp will probably miss it.

[RoundelM3]

Originally Posted by fiuman

I've come to notice that the driver side glove box/compartment is a snug and nice fit for my XD-S and more covertly accessible than opening the glove box/center console , bonus part is most people don't know about that compartment in our 3ers so in the unlikely instance I manage to forget it in my car and get broken into the perp will probably miss it.

I considered that too, but I keep my sunglasses in there. Both items might just fit ok.