Alternatives for rear-seat ashtray?

Given a lack of storage in the 330i (what do you guys actually put in that center armrest compartment anyway?), I am wondering if there are any alternative uses for the rear-seat ashtry or even the cupholder, coinholder area in the center console?

I'd love to pull out the rear ashtray and use that space for something more useful (i.e. fold-out cupholder(s) for the backseat, a fold-out cell phone holder that would be reachable at the back of the armrest, etc.) Any ideas? I guess I'm just hitting the point where I'm really starting to notice a lack of useful storage capacity in the 330i. Thanks.

Originally Posted by jetstream23

I'd love to pull out the rear ashtray and use that space for something more useful (i.e. fold-out cupholder(s) for the backseat, a fold-out cell phone holder that would be reachable at the back of the armrest, etc.) Any ideas? I guess I'm just hitting the point where I'm really starting to notice a lack of useful storage capacity in the 330i. Thanks.

Good post! I'm looking forward to the responses... personally I'm so glad that I got the iPod attachment cuz there's no way I could've put my CDs in the car.

Originally Posted by jetstream23

Given a lack of storage in the 330i (what do you guys actually put in that center armrest compartment anyway?), I am wondering if there are any alternative uses for the rear-seat ashtry or even the cupholder, coinholder area in the center console?

I'd love to pull out the rear ashtray and use that space for something more useful (i.e. fold-out cupholder(s) for the backseat, a fold-out cell phone holder that would be reachable at the back of the armrest, etc.) Any ideas? I guess I'm just hitting the point where I'm really starting to notice a lack of useful storage capacity in the 330i. Thanks.

You can replace it with a storage container. Look at part #9.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...41&hg=51&fg=35

Originally Posted by rgzimmer

You can replace it with a storage container. Look at part #9.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...41&hg=51&fg=35

For a mere $24.78. What a deal.

Originally Posted by jetstream23

Given a lack of storage in the 330i (what do you guys actually put in that center armrest compartment anyway?), I am wondering if there are any alternative uses for the rear-seat ashtry or even the cupholder, coinholder area in the center console?

I'd love to pull out the rear ashtray and use that space for something more useful (i.e. fold-out cupholder(s) for the backseat, a fold-out cell phone holder that would be reachable at the back of the armrest, etc.) Any ideas? I guess I'm just hitting the point where I'm really starting to notice a lack of useful storage capacity in the 330i. Thanks.

Hear, hear... I'd be interested in some other options too.

I was told by the parts guy at my dealer that there will be a cupholder option for the rear that pops in place of the ski bag. It's in the X3 accessories catalogue and might soon be available for the E46-E90. He couldn't find a part # for it though

A female friend of mine filled the rear ashtray with colored air freshener crystal rocks.

My initial reaction was that it looked kinda neat, and the fragrance was pretty mild, but definitely girly. I don't know if she's had issues with potholes.

Personally, I use the rear ashtray to hold the glovebox flashlight when I'm using the glovebox socket as a power adapter. The ashtray compartment is otherwise pretty useless, and is good at catching scuff marks from people riding bitch.

That rear power outlet parts no 21/22 would be real useful also, must check out fitting at my local dealer

Topazman

Originally Posted by jetstream23

Given a lack of storage in the 330i (what do you guys actually put in that center armrest compartment anyway?), I am wondering if there are any alternative uses for the rear-seat ashtry or even the cupholder, coinholder area in the center console?

I'd love to pull out the rear ashtray and use that space for something more useful (i.e. fold-out cupholder(s) for the backseat, a fold-out cell phone holder that would be reachable at the back of the armrest, etc.) Any ideas? I guess I'm just hitting the point where I'm really starting to notice a lack of useful storage capacity in the 330i. Thanks.

Pic of no-smoker pack and storage compartment package (which includes two rear outlets) attached.

You can change your front cupholders for any number of different storage options (try a search on this board for part numbers).

Also my rear seat armrest includes a pull-out cupholder and bag hook. (No shots, sorry.) I thought this came standard with leather trim.

Andy:
Thanks for posting the picture of the rear console storage bin. I didn't know that part existed and from the drawing, I couldn't tell if it included the roll top cover. I'm ordering it today.

As for storage issues, the first thing I did when I bought my car was to replace my cupholders module with the European storage module with the roll top covers. My Motorola phone fits perfectly in the small open cubby under the armrest. There is a nice pen holder which I use all the time for jotting down voicemail messages. The business card holder is, unfortunately, too small for standard size American style cards.

Originally Posted by andy_thomas

Pic of no-smoker pack and storage compartment package (which includes two rear outlets) attached.

You can change your front cupholders for any number of different storage options (try a search on this board for part numbers).

Also my rear seat armrest includes a pull-out cupholder and bag hook. (No shots, sorry.) I thought this came standard with leather trim.

Do you have any DIY instructions for installing the rear power outlets. Do I have to buy both the parts (21 and 22 or just # 22)

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...41&hg=51&fg=35

Originally Posted by DaveH

Andy:
Thanks for posting the picture of the rear console storage bin. I didn't know that part existed and from the drawing, I couldn't tell if it included the roll top cover. I'm ordering it today.

As for storage issues, the first thing I did when I bought my car was to replace my cupholders module with the European storage module with the roll top covers. My Motorola phone fits perfectly in the small open cubby under the armrest. There is a nice pen holder which I use all the time for jotting down voicemail messages. The business card holder is, unfortunately, too small for standard size American style cards.

I think I remember seeing a picture of the front cupholder replacement storage module on another thread a while back. Do you have a picture or part # for that? I don't plan on using my cupholders.

As for that rear storage bin, it looked like it doesn't have the cover (too bad). Even then, it didn't look like it would hold very much.

Originally Posted by markl53

I think I remember seeing a picture of the front cupholder replacement storage module on another thread a while back. Do you have a picture or part # for that? I don't plan on using my cupholders.

As for that rear storage bin, it looked like it doesn't have the cover (too bad). Even then, it didn't look like it would hold very much.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...70&hg=51&fg=35

This should help

I would like to replace my cup holders and coin holder with the roll-top eurotray and then get one cupholder. Does anyone know if i can do this? I don't really care where the cup holder is positioned (where the front one currently is, or where the coin holder currently is) but it doesn't seem like it's possible to get just one cup holder.

I want to wire my ipod in the the covered euro tray but i would like to keep one cup holder. I don't care about the coin tray.

I would even consider cutting my current cup holder in half and keeping one and then adding the euro tray , but i think i would run into problems with the position of the insert clips or with the angle bottom where the coinholder attaches.

any help?

thanks.

In the BMW accessories catalog they have a cup holder that can be installed in the driver's door storage area. It looks like it just sits in there or clips onto the side, and creates a nice out of the way place to keep a drink. You might want to look into that.

If anyone needs extra storage, they should look into getting the first-aid storage boxes that mount under the front seats (ED delivery cars might already have one under the passenger seat, and you only need one first-aid kit). The boxes are oddly-shaped, but the main part of the interior is something like 3"x3"x10", which can hold a pile of maps, cell-phone chargers, etc..

Originally Posted by andy_thomas

Also my rear seat armrest includes a pull-out cupholder and bag hook. (No shots, sorry.) I thought this came standard with leather trim.

My vehicle came with the leather option, but my rear armrest does not have cupholders or the bag holder (unless I'm completely blind).

Originally Posted by Houlicat

I would like to replace my cup holders and coin holder with the roll-top eurotray and then get one cupholder. Does anyone know if i can do this? I don't really care where the cup holder is positioned (where the front one currently is, or where the coin holder currently is) but it doesn't seem like it's possible to get just one cup holder.

I want to wire my ipod in the the covered euro tray but i would like to keep one cup holder. I don't care about the coin tray.

I would even consider cutting my current cup holder in half and keeping one and then adding the euro tray , but i think i would run into problems with the position of the insert clips or with the angle bottom where the coinholder attaches.

any help?

thanks.

I replaced my cupholders and coin tray with a large euro tray. it looks amazing and much easier to keep clean. Dirt always collects in the cupholders! Now my Ipod rests nicely inside out of view. Makes for a MUCH cleaner look. Screw the cupholders, you should never drink and drive!

Rear storage bin comes with the cover. I have it on my car.

Originally Posted by markl53

I think I remember seeing a picture of the front cupholder replacement storage module on another thread a while back. Do you have a picture or part # for that? I don't plan on using my cupholders.

As for that rear storage bin, it looked like it doesn't have the cover (too bad). Even then, it didn't look like it would hold very much.

Is there a good sloution for repacing the front ashtray. I still want the lighter plug. I just want to make the butt area more usuable.

One of the first things I noticed about my car was the lack of storage. I also don't care for the "second" cupholder to be located under the armrest. You can only use that with the rest in the up postion. It's not a big deal or anything, but it would be nice to use the armrest and both cup holders. The X3 has the solution as well as the E90

Originally Posted by 16hr Day

I replaced my cupholders and coin tray with a large euro tray. it looks amazing and much easier to keep clean. Dirt always collects in the cupholders! Now my Ipod rests nicely inside out of view. Makes for a MUCH cleaner look. Screw the cupholders, you should never drink and drive!

You won't be able to use the euro tray with a cupholder cut in half--it takes up the two slots where the cupholders are. I'd just go with that tray and not drink. Or get the side-mount one.