Retrofit Storage Compartment & auto dim rear view

[ihadablackdog]

Is it possible to retrofit the little storage tray on the drivers side under the light switch?

My car doesn't have the extended storage, so I don't know if its clear behind where this goes...and just a case of cutting a hole?

Here's the part:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/162653645569?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2648


Also, is it possible to change the rear-view mirror for one of the auto dimming ones? Not essential as I normally keep the wind deflector in position, so that helps, but when the roof is down, I get lots of reflections of the sky in the mirror, and I think its because of the way the manual mirrors flip up and down. Is the wiring there?

 

[flybobbie]

That mirror is annoying. The only mirror i have ever come across where you can't see clearly behind with the roof down.

 

[Smartbear]

Is it possible to retrofit the little storage tray on the drivers side under the light switch?

My car doesn't have the extended storage, so I don't know if its clear behind where this goes...and just a case of cutting a hole?

Here's the part:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/162653645569?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2648


Also, is it possible to change the rear-view mirror for one of the auto dimming ones? Not essential as I normally keep the wind deflector in position, so that helps, but when the roof is down, I get lots of reflections of the sky in the mirror, and I think its because of the way the manual mirrors flip up and down. Is the wiring there?

Hi, you can retrofit the storage tray but you need to source the panel it’s attached to-you can’t just cut a hole in yours
Rob

 

[AnubisZed]

Is it possible to retrofit the little storage tray on the drivers side under the light switch?

My car doesn't have the extended storage, so I don't know if its clear behind where this goes...and just a case of cutting a hole?

Here's the part:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/162653645569?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2648


Also, is it possible to change the rear-view mirror for one of the auto dimming ones? Not essential as I normally keep the wind deflector in position, so that helps, but when the roof is down, I get lots of reflections of the sky in the mirror, and I think its because of the way the manual mirrors flip up and down. Is the wiring there?

Hi, you can retrofit the storage tray but you need to source the panel it’s attached to-you can’t just cut a hole in yours
Rob

ihadablackdog,
The same seller is also selling the panel that Smartbear refers to....
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E89-2009-2016-Z4-INSTRUMENT-PANEL-TRIM-BOTTOM-DRIVER-SIDE-DASH-TRIM-9192324-/152693369150?_trksid=p2349526.m4383.l4275.c10

 

[ihadablackdog]

Brilliant, thanks guys, glad I asked now! Is that extra panel just bolt on....I think it is, as it goes round the bottom of the steering column, so nothing else to remove?

flybobbie - glad it's not just me

 

[AnubisZed]

Brilliant, thanks guys, glad I asked now! Is that extra panel just bolt on....I think it is, as it goes round the bottom of the steering column, so nothing else to remove?

flybobbie - glad it's not just me

I've had that panel (well the normal one anyway) off before, so should just be a straight swap.

 

[Smartbear]

Brilliant, thanks guys, glad I asked now! Is that extra panel just bolt on....I think it is, as it goes round the bottom of the steering column, so nothing else to remove?

flybobbie - glad it's not just me

It is a bolt on panel, but you have to dismantle a few other parts of the dash before it can be fitted-it’s a bit of a fiddle :?
Rob

 

[vr6er]

I have this compartment, though I don't use it. It's really small. Might be a bit much for the limited benefit.

 

[ihadablackdog]

I think I took a similar bit off a 3 series once to run a power lead for sat nav, so will give it a go.

I have a lanyard for work with a small plastic bit on it to open doors (about the size of a walnut but only about 5mm thick). I keep it in the car so I don't forget it, and currently scrunch it all up and jam it in the ashtray, so I'm thinking this would be better.

 

[ihadablackdog]

Bought them!

 

[AnubisZed]

Bought them!

Well done bud
Don't forget when you install it........ :worthless:
:rofl:

 

[step_change]

I have this compartment, though I don't use it. It's really small. Might be a bit much for the limited benefit.

+1

 

[ihadablackdog]

I’ll take pictures but by the sounds of it I will need a microscope.

I’m talking about the storage compartment.....

 

[Smartbear]

I’ll take pictures but by the sounds of it I will need a microscope.

I’m talking about the storage compartment.....

Let us know how you get on, I’ve got one in my garage waiting to go on!
Rob

 

[Busterboo]

Thanks, ihadablackdog, you've just reminded me where I keep the window hammer & seatbelt cutter.

 

[eff1guy]

I have this compartment, though I don't use it. It's really small. Might be a bit much for the limited benefit.

You can never have enough storage, especially in an E89. Mine currently holds sun tan lotion and sunglasses and in winter holds beanie hat and sunglasses. 8) It might be small but every inch counts, ask the missus

 

[ihadablackdog]

So the parts arrived this week, very good nick and whoever thinks the storage compartment is tiny must be trying to get an elephant in it! Compared to the ashtray its gargantuum!

All psyched up to fit it this weekend but the incompetent tw@ts in the bodyshop have the car over the weekend (see my other thread).

So will probably be next weekend before I can fit it now, but that will depend on how impatient I am!!!

 

[ihadablackdog]

Turns out there are 4 small screws missing. The storage compartment fits into the hole and is retained by some plastic bendy tabs, but also 4 little screws.

Luckily they are shown on RealOEM. None on eBay (apart from places like Lithuania!) so I've contacted a dealer for a price.

 

[Deepseaskateboard]

Turns out there are 4 small screws missing. The storage compartment fits into the hole and is retained by some plastic bendy tabs, but also 4 little screws.

Luckily they are shown on RealOEM. None on eBay (apart from places like Lithuania!) so I've contacted a dealer for a price.

Did you manage to fit this?

I am looking to do the same thing, but in Coral Red.

I can’t see any sellers of the RHD parts, not even BMW!
They just seem to have LHD variants.

 

[ihadablackdog]

Turns out there are 4 small screws missing. The storage compartment fits into the hole and is retained by some plastic bendy tabs, but also 4 little screws.

Luckily they are shown on RealOEM. None on eBay (apart from places like Lithuania!) so I've contacted a dealer for a price.

Did you manage to fit this?

I am looking to do the same thing, but in Coral Red.

I can’t see any sellers of the RHD parts, not even BMW!
They just seem to have LHD variants.

Yes, I fitted it ok. Just noticed I didn’t put any pictures on the thread.

The parts were from cars with the extended storage pack so look for those perhaps? It’s just down to chance if anywhere has them.

You need the actual tray and also the panel that it fits into and which goes under the steering wheel.

The place I got them from were selling them as separate items and didn’t send the screws, so I ordered them from a dealer by part number which I found on realoem.

Was a faff to swap but went ok in the end.