Revving Up Your Ride: BMW e36 Cup Holder Modification Guide
Looking to enhance your BMW driving experience with a simple yet ingenious modification? Look no further than the BMW e36 cup holder mod!
If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated with the shallow and small cupholders in your beloved 3.0i, you’re certainly not alone. It seems like the designers behind these luxury cars didn’t prioritize your coffee-drinking convenience while on the road.
But fear not, as we explore the possibilities of drilling them out or adding a smart accessory to prevent spills. Join us on this exciting journey of customizing your cupholders for maximum satisfaction.
And hey, we might even have a nifty tip on how to combat those annoying drink condensation issues. Let’s dive in!
BMW e36 Cup Holder Mod
The BMW e36 cup holder mod is a modification made to address dissatisfaction with the original cup holders in the BMW 3.0i. Many BMW owners found the cup holders to be too shallow and small in diameter, making them impractical for holding most beverage containers.
As a result, there was a desire for two functioning cup holders on the transmission hump behind the stick shift. Some owners considered drilling out the OEM cup holders to make them bottomless but were concerned about potential spillage.
Another idea was to fashion or glue something underneath the cup holders to contain spills or condensation. It was mentioned that BMW designers may not have considered the need for cup holders, as they do not drink coffee while driving and prefer cafes.
Nonetheless, the cup holders were forgiven due to the excellent driving experience offered by the BMW e36. Interestingly, there was a functioning coin holder in the cup holder that was seen as a positive feature.
Finally, it was suggested to use expanding foam underneath the cup holder to prevent condensation from drinks.
Key Points:
- BMW e36 cup holder mod addresses dissatisfaction with original cup holders in BMW 3.0i.
- Original cup holders were shallow and small in diameter, making them impractical for most beverage containers.
- The desire for two functioning cup holders on the transmission hump behind the stick shift.
- Some owners considered drilling out OEM cup holders but were concerned about potential spillage.
- An idea to fashion or glue something underneath cup holders to contain spills or condensation was suggested.
- Expanding foam underneath the cup holder was suggested to prevent condensation from drinks.
Sources
https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/a-different-cupholder-mod.1396553/
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?2153712-DIY-E36-14-Cup-Holder-Mod
https://rare36parts.com/products/e36-cup-holders
https://www.turnermotorsport.com/BMW-E36-Parts/c-264-bmw-cup-holders-and-center-console-accessories
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💡 Pro Tips:
1. Consider using a cup holder insert: Instead of drilling out the OEM cupholders, try using a cup holder insert that fits securely and provides a larger and deeper cup holder space.
2. Explore aftermarket cup holder options: Look for aftermarket cup holders designed specifically for the BMW e36 model. These options may offer better functionality and fitment than the original cup holders.
3. Install a cup holder armrest extension: If there is an armrest present near the cup holders, consider installing an armrest extension that features built-in cup holders. This can provide a more convenient and stable solution for holding drinks during driving.
4. Utilize adhesive cup holder liners: To contain spills or condensation, consider using adhesive cup holder liners. These liners can be easily applied to the bottom of the cup holders, providing a waterproof and absorbent surface to catch any liquids.
5. Modify existing cup holders with flexible inserts: Instead of drilling out the cup holders, try using flexible inserts that can expand to accommodate various cup sizes. These inserts can enhance the cup holder’s holding capacity without compromising the original design.
Revving Up Your Ride: BMW e36 Cup Holder Modification Guide
1. Shallow And Small Cupholders: A Major Grievance
When it comes to the BMW e36 3.0i cupholders, many drivers express their dissatisfaction due to their shallow depth and small diameter. These shortcomings make it difficult for drivers to securely place their beverages while on the go.
The limited space provided by these cupholders is simply not sufficient to accommodate a wide range of cup sizes and styles, leading to frustration among BMW enthusiasts.
Furthermore, the shallow design of the cupholders also increases the risk of spills during sharp turns or aggressive driving. This compromises the cleanliness and overall functionality of the interior space. It is important for car manufacturers to prioritize the convenience and comfort of their customers, especially considering that consumers are increasingly seeking vehicles that are versatile and designed to suit their needs.
2. Need For Two Cupholders On Transmission Hump
An additional grievance expressed by BMW e36 owners is the lack of cupholders on the transmission hump, located conveniently behind the stick shift. Many drivers prefer this location as it allows for easy access and ensures a secure placement for beverages.
Having two functional cupholders in this area would enhance the overall experience and make long drives or commutes more enjoyable.
3. Exploring The Option Of Bottomless Cupholders
To address the dissatisfaction with the existing cupholders, some BMW e36 owners have considered drilling out the OEM cupholders to make them bottomless. This modification would allow for larger cup sizes and eliminate the limitation imposed by the shallow depth.
However, one cannot overlook the concern of potential spillage that arises with bottomless cupholders.
There is also the issue of condensation that can accumulate beneath the cupholder, potentially leading to damp or damaged interior components. To mitigate these problems, owners have brainstormed various solutions to contain spills or condensation, ensuring a clean and hassle-free experience.
4. Spillage Concerns And Potential Solutions
The risk of spills is a valid concern with bottomless cupholders. BMW e36 drivers who wish to enjoy their beverages while on the move understandably want a solution that minimizes the risk of spills.
While the OEM cupholders were not designed with spill prevention in mind, there are alternative methods to address this issue.
Some drivers have suggested the use of expanding foam underneath the cupholder. The foam would serve as a buffer, absorbing condensation and reducing the likelihood of spills.
This innovative solution prevents liquid from seeping into the interior components of the vehicle, ensuring a cleaner and more functional cupholder experience.
5. Fashioning A Solution To Contain Spills
Alternatively, some BMW enthusiasts have taken matters into their own hands and devised unique ways to contain spills and condensation. By fashioning or gluing a specialized tray or shallow container underneath the cupholder, drivers can create a spill-proof compartment that collects any liquids, ensuring the cleanliness of the interior.
These DIY solutions not only address the shortcomings of the OEM cupholders but also allow drivers to customize their vehicles to their specific needs. While it may require some effort and creativity, the end result is a functional and practical cupholder that enhances the overall driving experience.
6. Unique Features And Alternative Solutions
It is worth noting that despite the dissatisfaction with the cupholders, the BMW e36 3.0i does come with a unique feature – a functioning coin holder integrated into the cupholder design. This additional storage space may alleviate some of the frustration for drivers who prefer to keep their loose coins organized and easily accessible.
As for alternative solutions, some BMW e36 owners have simply accepted the cupholder design for what it is, acknowledging that the vehicle’s exceptional driving performance and handling qualities compensate for any inconveniences caused by the cupholder design. After all, BMW designers may prioritize other aspects of the driving experience, assuming that drivers would not drink beverages while operating their vehicles and instead preferring to enjoy their coffee at cafes.
In conclusion, the dissatisfaction with the BMW e36 3.0i cupholders is a common grievance among owners. The shallow and small design limits the functionality and convenience of the cupholders, leading to the development of various modification ideas.
From drilling out the OEM cupholders to creating spill-proof compartments and using expanding foam, BMW enthusiasts have found unique ways to address these grievances. While the cupholder design may not meet everyone’s expectations, it is important to remember the outstanding driving experience that the BMW e36 3.0i delivers, making it a forgiving compromise in the grand scheme of things.
