[Rono63]

I am going to install the M Performance center arm rest.

I couldn't find any videos of how to do this, also couldn't find any BMW install directions.

Any help or tips would be appreciated.

[RockinPA]

Nice! I just got mine delivered today. I will be taking a look this weekend.
Hopefully others can shed some light on this install…

Following.

[Nkr15]

You beat me to it, I was going to figure it out soon since it's just sitting on my desk. Did you try lifting the old one? I'm guessing you just take it off and remove the spring and add this new one.. but I did see for the f80 you have to take apart the rear vents so we might need to do that too.

[MarineRaider]

Too be honest when I saw the armrest and that bag with no instructions I said screw this and my friends shop did it for me...I am rather glad.

So you have to remove the guts of the center console to get access, I watched that part before I got distracted by someone but they mentioned the pins ( new ones in the bag) slide out of the old one to release it, you have to unscrew a bunch of things...I know this isn't all too useful but it's not as simple as I was hoping like 4 Torx screws.

The end was nice though.

[RockinPA]

Originally Posted by MarineRaider

Too be honest when I saw the armrest and that bag with no instructions I said screw this and my friends shop did it for me...I am rather glad.

So you have to remove the guts of the center console to get access, I watched that part before I got distracted by someone but they mentioned the pins ( new ones in the bag) slide out of the old one to release it, you have to unscrew a bunch of things...I know this isn't all too useful but it's not as simple as I was hoping like 4 Torx screws.

The end was nice though.

Lol. This is what I was afraid of…

Looks like I'll be having it installed somewhere too. Looks awesome man! Can't wait to get mine put on.

[MCM4]

Looks so cool! Is the "M PERFORMANCE" logo removable?

[MarineRaider]

Originally Posted by MCM4

Looks so cool! Is the "M PERFORMANCE" logo removable?

Totally removable, you can use a razor, buck knife or even a blow torch.

[MCM4]

Originally Posted by MarineRaider

Totally removable, you can use a razor, buck knife or even a blow torch.

Good to know, I have all those on hand. Will look much better to my eyes.

[Soylent]

Originally Posted by MCM4

Good to know, I have all those on hand. Will look much better to my eyes.

A cheese grater may work. This arm rest does look good. Complicated install not so much

[chicagofan00]

IND-Distribution You guys have install instructions you can share with the group?

[MthDVM]

Just did this the other day. Exact protocol as the Tommy garage video on YouTube. From his f80. Took maybe 20 minutes total.

[Rono63]

Originally Posted by MthDVM

Just did this the other day. Exact protocol as the Tommy garage video on YouTube. From his f80. Took maybe 20 minutes total.

So the back cover just pops off like the F series?

[metalbmxer]

the armrest looks sick but I don't know that it's better than the matching color leather that was optioned to begin with

[BIGW0RM]

Originally Posted by metalbmxer

the armrest looks sick but I don't know that it's better than the matching color leather that was optioned to begin with

I'm with you. I think this looks out of place without matching alcantera seats. Plus that logo ruins it for me. What's up with m performance needing to blast every single item they sell with there logo right smack in view.

[ATX_G80]

I installed mine a couple weeks ago. Super simple. I am traveling for work but can post a couple DIY photos when I return later this week but here are the steps.

1. Use a plastic pry tool to remove the plastic on the back of the arm rest. The rear AC with come off with the plastic and you can just place it on the side.

2. Release the spring at the center by lifting it above the plastic tab. This is easier if you lift the armrest up to release some of the tension. It will still snap back but not as bad. Remove the spring.

3. There are 2 plastic pin to the left and right of the spring that you will need to push out towards both seat. The seats will need to be moved forward to have space.

4. Once those are out you can install the new armrest and repeat the steps above in reverse order.

I also agree without the matching alcantera it would look out of place. I have the black buckets so it matches great.

[NightWriter]

Anyone try this armrest with the Silverstone interior? I wonder whether the black alcantera there would look with the armrest?

[metalbmxer]

ATX_G80:
with the black interior yours looks amazing

[chicagofan00]

Originally Posted by NightWriter

Anyone try this armrest with the Silverstone interior? I wonder whether the black alcantera there would look with the armrest?

I have Silverstone and have been on the fence about this for a couple of weeks now. At first I didn't think it would work but after I looked at my interior for a bit I think it could work after all since I have the carbon buckets. The buckets have the black and alcantara so I'm thinking this wouldn't be so out of place after all.

[BIGW0RM]

Originally Posted by ATX_G80

I installed mine a couple weeks ago. Super simple. I am traveling for work but can post a couple DIY photos when I return later this week but here are the steps.

1. Use a plastic pry tool to remove the plastic on the back of the arm rest. The rear AC with come off with the plastic and you can just place it on the side.

2. Release the spring at the center by lifting it above the plastic tab. This is easier if you lift the armrest up to release some of the tension. It will still snap back but not as bad. Remove the spring.

3. There are 2 plastic pin to the left and right of the spring that you will need to push out towards both seat. The seats will need to be moved forward to have space.

4. Once those are out you can install the new armrest and repeat the steps above in reverse order.

I also agree without the matching alcantera it would look out of place. I have the black buckets so it matches great.

That looks great with your seats! I'd be totally fine with that!

[androidtopp]

Originally Posted by BIGW0RM

That looks great with your seats! I'd be totally fine with that!

Yeah, I feel like this is a good match for any of the black upholstery options (and I'll def. be grabbing it for my black interior), but agree that it might be questionable with some of the other colors, for sure.

[NightWriter]

Originally Posted by chicagofan00

I have Silverstone and have been on the fence about this for a couple of weeks now. At first I didn't think it would work but after I looked at my interior for a bit I think it could work after all since I have the carbon buckets. The buckets have the black and alcantara so I'm thinking this wouldn't be so out of place after all.

You have my full support to be the voluntary tribute.

[RockinPA]

Originally Posted by ATX_G80

I installed mine a couple weeks ago. Super simple. I am traveling for work but can post a couple DIY photos when I return later this week but here are the steps.

1. Use a plastic pry tool to remove the plastic on the back of the arm rest. The rear AC with come off with the plastic and you can just place it on the side.

2. Release the spring at the center by lifting it above the plastic tab. This is easier if you lift the armrest up to release some of the tension. It will still snap back but not as bad. Remove the spring.

3. There are 2 plastic pin to the left and right of the spring that you will need to push out towards both seat. The seats will need to be moved forward to have space.

4. Once those are out you can install the new armrest and repeat the steps above in reverse order.

I also agree without the matching alcantera it would look out of place. I have the black buckets so it matches great.

[img]

View post on imgur.com

[/img]

Thanks for sharing.
Agree… I have the same interior and steering wheel. This part was made for the black, carbon bucket interior. Looks great man!