Centre console 1998 Z3 - improvements?

TriumphZ3

TriumphZ3

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My 1998 Z3 has a basic centre console with an ashtray, which I don't need. I know later cars have cup holders and the like; is my console interchangeable for any other model, and what are the choices?
 
I've seen advertisements for other center console setups recently, unfortunately, I can recall where.
You could google it or look on Turner Motorsports or Pelican parts to name a few.
 
I'm not sure a Z3 ever came from the factory with cup holders. You could buy a part (cup holder) from BMW which screwed to the top of the console, I bought one for my Z3 (12 years ago) but I don't know if they're still available.

Tony.
 
t-tony said:
I'm not sure a Z3 ever came from the factory with cup holders. You could buy a part (cup holder) from BMW which screwed to the top of the console, I bought one for my Z3 (12 years ago) but I don't know if they're still available.

Tony.
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You are right Tony, that's what my car has as well.
 
Thanks all, some good advice posted to give me something to work on. I'd just like something other than an empty rectangle and an ashtray, but nothing that requires cutting or other mods; just a simple slot-in replacement.
 
Go for leatherz. It's great. I fixed mine with double sided tape and it's secure enough. My arm is exactly the right hight to rest my elbow and change gears
 
That’s what you get with a “LeatherZee” armrest for an E85 and it is rock solid.

Tony.
 
I have the LeatherZ armrest also & extremely happy with it - just make sure you order the RHD version!

IMG_7725.webp
 
I bought E36 cupholders for my Zed - issue was that whilst it fit the console gap, the size of the cups it would hold were teeny tiny. Wouldnt even take a regular costa small size coffee takeaway cup without jamming it in, which obviously didnt work when trying to take it out to drink from it as it spilt everywhere.

Be interesting to know if the E36 ones from the link above have larger openings at the top than mine did so could take a normal size coffee cup. If anyone has any pics that would be helpful.
 
Personally I'm not a fan of the larger armrest style unit, so I got a double cup-holder from here: https://www.bmwcupholder.com/collections/e36/products/e36-double-cup-holders, it worked out at £33 including shipping.

It came from New Zealand of all places. I did have a little issue in that my order seemed to get lost and it wasn't until I messaged at the end of the expected delivery window to ask for an update that it all got sorted out. But the guy(s) running the store were very professional, and once I got the shipping notification it arrived within a few days

It can hold a regular (UK) sized can or a 500ml bottle no problem (not sure about costa cups or similar as I don't have hot drinks). However I am going to look into gluing or fixing it in place as it has a tendency to lift out with the drink if it is a particularly snug fit
 
I like the smaller cup holders, they look great - now I'm wondering if they'll replace the ashtray part if I unscrew it?
 
TriumphZ3 said:
I like the smaller cup holders, they look great - now I'm wondering if they'll replace the ashtray part if I unscrew it?
Click to expand...

There is quite a step underneath the ashtray and another bolt holding the centre console to the transmission tunnel. Unless you get a cup-holder with a bottom it will leave an unsightly void visible through the cup holder holes. i could try it out and take a photo tomorrow if you'd like?
 
John_B said:
There is quite a step underneath the ashtray and another bolt holding the centre console to the transmission tunnel. Unless you get a cup-holder with a bottom it will leave an unsightly void visible through the cup holder holes. i could try it out and take a photo tomorrow if you'd like?
Click to expand...
No need, but thanks for the kind offer! If I can find spare time I'll experiment, but it's good to know I have some interesting options from standard.
 
Oh Lord!! Those are nice, but not THAT nice....!
 
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