there are a million threads on cupholders in e30's PLEASE look them up before you hack up your 20+ year old console

 

I wont be doing any cutting to the actual console. More like seperating the back half and making another piece. If it turns out to look and function worse than what I have now. I will be able to put the original back in. I thank you for your help.

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Been there, done that.
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=660092&highlight=project+cupholder

 

not really talking to the op but you could get a boat style cup holder that folds out and attach it to the side of the console ..
http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/cup_holder/

i just go without, but i did loose my milk shake all over the rear floor mat once

 

I'm just going to remake the console using the original as a guide. I plan to use some black walnut and shape the rear ashtray, e-brake opening, and ( dare I say it ) cup holders ! Its going to take some time though.

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make sure you post a picture of it! I am very interested to see how it turns out

 

I am as well. As soon as I have something to show I plan to share.

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No cupholder because in germany it was against the law to be consuming anything while driving. It was considered distracted driving. If you are thirsty you were expected to pull over and consume from closed container.

Cup holders were 'american' thing, later in 1990s other import cars started having them because of the demand.

I drink from sealed plastic bottle and just lay it between the seat and parking brake, and sip when I need it. Cups suck, they leak

 

No cupholder because in germany it was against the law to be consuming anything while driving. It was considered distracted driving. If you are thirsty you were expected to pull over and consume from closed container.

Cup holders were 'american' thing, later in 1990s other import cars started having them because of the demand.

I drink from sealed plastic bottle and just lay it between the seat and parking brake, and sip when I need it. Cups suck, they leak

interesting , i never knew that. I often wondered why the e30 didn't have cup holders when japs from around the same year did. I settled on the idea that it is a real / drivers car and there is no time or place for a cup holder.

 

Thanks for the information. This is my first bimmer and I am not that educated on the good,the bad, and the ugly of german engineering. Just to let you know how uninformed I was/am, I was shocked to see the battery in the trunk lol.

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Sounds like an interesting project. Post pics so we can see it when its complete

My e30 has 2 cup holders built into the advjustable arm rest. Im not sure if it is a factory addition or an aftermarket special but it looks and fits the console perfectly. The arm rest is mounted to the center console via a metal bracket. The rest is adjustable front and back with the cup holders hidden underneth. the holder slides out the front and can hold 2 full cups of coffee with ease.

I can post a pic when im home from work in a couple weeks... See if anyone else has ever seen this design before

 

Probably an E36 or E46 retrofit. they fit the E30 console and are well documented on the intertubes

Some years ago I found this to be my solution to having no cup holder in a E30. It may not be the best solution, but there are two main advantages.
1. Having the S-Type cup holders mounted to the center vent louvres (port and starboard) provides a way to keep hot drinks hot in the winter and cold drinks cold in the summer.
2. They will support the weight of a small to medium sized drink without impeding shifting or steering. You can get these at Pep Boys.

V/r

Markus Speicher

Ive seen all the "solutions" under the sun, and apart from BMW retrofit options, these are the best option imo

 

The Solution

Some years ago I found this to be my solution to having no cup holder in a E30. It may not be the best solution, but there are two main advantages.
1. Having the S-Type cup holders mounted to the center vent louvres (port and starboard) provides a way to keep hot drinks hot in the winter and cold drinks cold in the summer.
2. They will support the weight of a small to medium sized drink without impeding shifting or steering. You can get these at Pep Boys.

V/r

Markus Speicher

 

I just use one of these wedged between my center console and the passenger seat. Its not very pretty but it holds just about anything.

 

Yup thats what I use for now.

 

I know the feeling.

Op, I finally broke down and purchased "The Ultimate Cupholder". I'm actually very pleased with them. They look sharp and they are located in a very practical spot.

Do a google search on them. I paid around $50 for two. After looking around for other options I recommend them. I even called the guy that makes them and he explained how to insert them. I don't buy many things without first doing a lot of research. My date and I use these cupholders all of the time.

 

Cup Holders & Rough Idle (E36)

I've seen the type that you have on Bav Auto (I think). How do you rate it? Looks like a pretty good solution. On another topic, I own a 96 E36 that has a rough idle at cold start. I ran diagnostics and R&R #4 Coil Pack. It solved one problem but I still have a rough idle at cold start. I am begining to suspect ICV or TPS. I noticed with the AC on the tach will surge high and low (hunt) and then settle out and idle normally. It does this intermittantly. Any ideas?

 

I've seen the type that you have on Bav Auto (I think). How do you rate it? Looks like a pretty good solution. On another topic, I own a 96 E36 that has a rough idle at cold start. I ran diagnostics and R&R #4 Coil Pack. It solved one problem but I still have a rough idle at cold start. I am begining to suspect ICV or TPS. I noticed with the AC on the tach will surge high and low (hunt) and then settle out and idle normally. It does this intermittantly. Any ideas?

Rough idle at start is a commonly posted issue in this forum. Recommend searching the forum OR asking this in a new thread as most of the pros here may not see your post in this thread. If you start a new thread aka post it will be seen my many. However you will get flack for NOT checking earlier post first with the same issue.

I cleaned my MAF sensor with a spray and that seemed to help. Are you due new spark plugs? I changed nine around 96k which also helped to smooth out my cold starts. That being said your suggestions are also worth looking in to.