[landwomble]

Originally Posted by landwomble

this is neat! With the printables file, can I use that design WITHOUT cutting anything? Does anyone happen to know if the 4 series Beemers are exactly the same shape?

Yeah you don't need to cut anything. I *think* they're all the same size

[schmitzna]

This is a great post. Did this to my 2015 F80 today!

Originally Posted by SchweiZ4

Okay, I did it - I removed the phone cradle and got more space for less than $20 in less than 45 min.


I have written everything below with pics to help out.


Problematic:
Phone snap-in cradle costs $200, so basically the same price that I pay for a new phone every 2 years. So I won't buy a new phone snap-in every 2 years for $200.
Besides, I don't really need this; I already have bluetooth connection for my phone and I don't believe in the antenna thing with the snap in.
And finally, more space in the center armrest will be more than welcome.

Replacement time:
45 min in my case with no instructions. Maybe less for you with this.

Tools:
Trim tools + 1 flat screw.

Complexity:
3/5. The phone cradle is a bit hard to remove. Then some cables might be complex to pull out - but nothing not manageable.

Price:
less than $20 for the replacement part "Mat insert, storage compartment, middle" part number #51169227902. Ordered at my BMW dealership.
Part #06

Steps summary:
Here is a summary of steps. So that you know what needs to be done first.
1. Pull the phone cradle out starting from the top of it. [used trim tool + fingers]
2. Pull out rear air grille [tim tool + fingers] [Part #04]
3. Unplug the 3 connectors [flat screw]
4. Push connectors behind air duck and under phone cradle [fingers]
5. Unlock main cable fuse and cables from cable holders [flat screw]
6. Pull everything out: phone cradle and its cables [hand]
7. Put the new mat in place