2 quick mods: Remove phone cradle, replace ashtray

[jimf15e]

Got a couple of quick mods done today to my E70. I've been frustrated by the phone dock since we drove the car home from the dealer brand new. In principle it sounds great, but in practice... to simply listen to Pandora via the dock I have to: get in car, open console, take iPhone out of case, put iPhone in cradle, start car, wait for nag screen to go away, start Pandora on iPhone, select Apps from iDrive menu, select Pandora, drive away. With bluetooth... get in and start car, push shortcut 3 for BT Audio, Pandora resumes where I left off. Much, much easier. Forget all the other 'features' of the dock - definitely not worth the loss of storage space.

So I followed this guide:
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-cradle-2.html

I bought the blank cover plate from Tischer, and 30 minutes later it's complete. Soooo much nicer inside the console! Just remember, unless you have more plastic skills than I it's not a reversible mod!

While I was at it, I ordered the non-smoker's package storage tray. It replaces the ashtray with a longer, deeper storage cubby. Big enough to hold a phone, leatherman, etc. The ashtray is pretty silly IMO, a throwback to a 70's era Cadillac. Too bad you can't option out the lighter and ashtray.

Anyway, a nice couple of mods and highly recommended if you a) don't smoke in your car, and b) don't use your phone dock at all. Pretty cheap couple of parts as well, total of around $35 with shipping I think.

[Patman]

i would like to have sme links on what you bought, and if you have pics.
I am planning to do the same, and i'm really interested in your job.

THANKS

[SteveMD]

Can you link to the removal of the cradle?

Also, photos of the ashtray delete and the cradle removal?

Thanks.

[jimf15e]

Link to DIY for cradle removal is updated in first post, but here it is again:
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-cradle-2.html

Also, here are photos of the new storage insert as well as the console with cradle removed and cover plate installed:





The part number for the console cover plate is 51169115083. The part number for the non-smoker storage insert is 51166954946. Let me know if you have any questions!

[upstate650]

where did you order the storage insert replacement for the ashtray from?

[jimf15e]

Tischer BMW (www.getbmwparts.com). ~$13, but $12 shipping. Parts are cheaper through them, but only worth it if you either buy several or don't have a local dealer nearby who can order for you.

[ncraig]

Originally Posted by jimf15e

Tischer BMW (www.getbmwparts.com). ~$13, but $12 shipping. Parts are cheaper through them, but only worth it if you either buy several or don't have a local dealer nearby who can order for you.

just ordered 10 qts 10w30 oil change kit from Tisher, too bad they already send it out, otherwise I could get this little part free shipped.
Just wait another 5000 miles and I can have it

[jimf15e]

Couldn't hurt to ask - maybe they can make an exception "just this one time"...

[ncraig]

Originally Posted by jimf15e

Couldn't hurt to ask - maybe they can make an exception "just this one time"...

just tried....doesn't work, but thanks for the idea tho, guess i could apply elsewhere

[BMW603]

Local dealer-- 15 bucks. free pickup!