Why have I seen quite a few Leatherz armrests sold by it's owners? I was considering the product as a very practical addition to the interior. Is it because the elbow hits it when shifting thru the gears? Since I only measure 1.53 meters, that possibility is a concern to me. :?
Leatherz armrests sold...?
- Thread starter powerontap
- Start date
The product is way more popular with zeds that have steptronic. I have a 6 speed and find no problem with it. The special feature I like the most is that it evens me out when on a longer drive. If you take a long enough straight edge and place it on top of the Mark IV center arm rest and on the door arm rest you will see it is even. Your own geometry will also be even and that helps your comfort enormously. However, not all peeps have the same arm or torso length etc., so only a few find it not quite to their liking. I even had mine made with Alcantara (high end suede). btw, I removed mine when I enrolled in a High Performance Driving Events. There are legions of Mark IV owners that wouldn't trade their armrests for anything. I know because I saw hundreds of them at Homecoming.
powerontap, voice your concern with Andy M. at LeatherZ. I am sure that once you install the product you'll love it for the quality, design and practicality. If you don't, I am sure Andy would accommodate a return within a reasonable timeframe. You can't loose, email him through his website or PM him through this forum (AndyMaddux)
powerontap, voice your concern with Andy M. at LeatherZ. I am sure that once you install the product you'll love it for the quality, design and practicality. If you don't, I am sure Andy would accommodate a return within a reasonable timeframe. You can't loose, email him through his website or PM him through this forum (AndyMaddux)
If you drive a manual it may interfere with your shifting depending on your seat position. I sold mine because it was just a little too high for my shifting preference. I'd love one that was about 3/4" lower than the Mark IV.
I should add that mine went pretty quickly once I mentioned I had removed it on one of these forums.
I should add that mine went pretty quickly once I mentioned I had removed it on one of these forums.
I installed one on my first Z4 & I liked the extra storage space, but there were a few things I didn't like.
1. For me it is too high.
2. It made sport shifting difficult. Left my arm at an odd angle
3. Parking brake often hits it when engaged
4. BMW Assist buttons cover does not close.
When I bought the new car, I considered installing one again, but I like driving better without one. I will say it was made well with quality materials.
1. For me it is too high.
2. It made sport shifting difficult. Left my arm at an odd angle
3. Parking brake often hits it when engaged
4. BMW Assist buttons cover does not close.
When I bought the new car, I considered installing one again, but I like driving better without one. I will say it was made well with quality materials.
I just installed mine today. I am quite happy with it, but I do wish that it was about 3/4" lower as well. Just seems a tad high for some reason. That being said, it makes a huge difference in driving comfort. Can't imagine removing it at this point. I always felt a little odd and never knew what to do with my right arm (I know, I wouldn't have to wonder if I had a manual
), but now it's very comfy in there and natural. Seems strange that BMW never thought of this. And if you push it forward as far as possible, the cover for the BMW Assist buttons will open. I spent a bit of time checking this out before actually mounting. My biggest wish is that the black base would be a closer match to the shade of black on the center console...they are completely different, but I'm a little obsessive. I installed the door arm rests as well. Again, one or two nitpicks, but the added comfort is very welcome. I wouldn't think twice about ordering one if you are unsure. Superb additions to the car. 
), but now it's very comfy in there and natural. Seems strange that BMW never thought of this. And if you push it forward as far as possible, the cover for the BMW Assist buttons will open. I spent a bit of time checking this out before actually mounting. My biggest wish is that the black base would be a closer match to the shade of black on the center console...they are completely different, but I'm a little obsessive. I installed the door arm rests as well. Again, one or two nitpicks, but the added comfort is very welcome. I wouldn't think twice about ordering one if you are unsure. Superb additions to the car. In over 5 years of owning a Z4, I've yet to look for the BMW Assist buttons much less use them. There should have been a very small plastic ring (1/8" in diameter) this should be installed on the clear BMW Assist cover tang to prevent it from closing. If you like I will post photos of this.
Here we go:
Plastic ring that needs to go over the BMW Assist clear cover tang.
(close up shot)
"ring" installed. Note that the cover does not close all the way due to the installed "ring". If it did then the arm rest would prevent opening. The ring does not allow the cover to close all the way so in the event of desired usage, all one has to do is raise the cover by the raised edge. I thought this was a very thoughtful. The Maddux team (LeatherZ) take their craft seriously in many different ways. Props to them.
Plastic ring that needs to go over the BMW Assist clear cover tang.
(close up shot)
"ring" installed. Note that the cover does not close all the way due to the installed "ring". If it did then the arm rest would prevent opening. The ring does not allow the cover to close all the way so in the event of desired usage, all one has to do is raise the cover by the raised edge. I thought this was a very thoughtful. The Maddux team (LeatherZ) take their craft seriously in many different ways. Props to them.
I'm going to install my ring in the morning. Thanks for the info. I would say it's an absolute must on a car with automatic shift. Useful and more comfortable. It is a little more awkward in a manual.
I've got one on my Z4M and I can change gear fine. It's not a car that demands loads of fast changes but if I was racing or doing loads of trackdays then yeah I'd remove it.
As said by many it is a fantastic quality item. The leather on mine is an exact match to the BMW seats and trim.
I've got one on my Z4M and I can change gear fine. It's not a car that demands loads of fast changes but if I was racing or doing loads of trackdays then yeah I'd remove it.
As said by many it is a fantastic quality item. The leather on mine is an exact match to the BMW seats and trim.
rabman5 said:I'm thinking about this one from roadstersolutions.com
Available in black only! :thumbsdown:
I have just fitted the LeatherZ armrest, all I can say is I wish I'd fitted one years ago, it is just so comfortable, yes it does get in the way of changing gear a little bit but for a long journey the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages, I'm 6'3" and always found my arm missed the OEM one it just didn't go back far enough.
Brilliant product, thanks Andy.
Brilliant product, thanks Andy.