After doing much research and trying to figure out more about the issue on these center armrest, i said to hell with it and took it all apart.



TOOLS

*T10-T12 Torx tools
*3m Adhesive
*Flat head screw driver
*Flat spatula (preferably plastic one so you don't rip the leather)
*A HELL OF A LOT OF PATIENCE!!!!

STEPS
1. REMOVE THE CONSOLE BY UNSCREWING THE TORX SCREWS ON THE INSIDE AND BOTTOM OF THE CONSOLE.

2. REMOVE INSIDE ON CONSOLE AND PUT TO THE SIDE (LEAVE ALL THE WIRING INSIDE THE CONSOLE IN THE BOTTOM COMPARTMENT)

***DO NOT FORGET WHICH WAY THE WIRES GO ONCE YOU REMOVE THE FLASE FLOOR OF THE FIRST LEVEL WHERE ALL OF THE TELE-AID CABLES ARE!!!!***

3. ONCE TOP OF ARMREST IS EMPTY LIFT CONSOLE TILL UPRIGHT AND REMOVE THE LAST 2 TORX SCREWS LOCATED ON THE REAR BOTTOM PART OF ARM REST (ITS WHAT ATTACHES THE LITTLE STEP BEHIND THE ARMREST)

4. PULL CONSOLE OUT AND GET READY FOR THE REAL FUN TO BEGIN...LOL



5. REMOVE THE LOCKING MECHANISM, AND ONCE THE 2 SIDES ARE OPEN YOU WILL SEE THERE IS A SPRING AND A REAR TOGGLE HOLDING IT IN PLACE BY PRESSURE AND A METAL CYLINDER WEDGE.


6. REMOVE REAR TO FRONT, ONCE YOU PULL OFF THE TOGGLE AND METAL WEDGE LET THE SIDE OPEN PULL UP AND PUSH FORWARD TILL ARM IS OFF...FOR THE OPPOSITE SIDE REPEAT SAME PROCEDURE.



7. ONCE BOTH ARMS ARE OFF, STICK THE FLAT HEAD SCREW DRIVER IN BETWEEN THE LEATHER AND BOTTOM PLASTIC, TO SEPARATE THE TOP AND BOTTOM...APPLY PROPER PRESSURE TO SEPARATE BE CAREFUL TO NOT BREAK THE CLIPS (YOU WILL HEAR IT START TO CRACK AND SUCH, AND THAT BECAUSE THE PLASTIC INSIDE OF IT WAS MELTED TO HOLD TOGETHER TOP AND BOTTOM WITH PLASTIC RIBITS) ALSO REMOVE THE WIPER LOOKING CLIPS THAT SEAL THE 2 ARMS TOGETHER ONCE CLOSED.



8. ONCE SEPARATED USE FLAT SPATULA TO PUSH CORNERS OF THE LEATHER OFF OF THE PLASTIC UPPER COVER...PULL OFF AS NEEDED AND APPLY 3M ADHESIVE, LET IT DRY AND THEN ASSEMBLE AND SNAP CLIPS INTO PLACE (YOU CAN ALSO IF WANTING TO BE UNIQUE CHOSE TO RE-WRAP IT IN SUEDE OR EVEN STITCH IT SO THIS WONT HAPPEN AGAIN)...AND REPEAT PROCESS IN REVERSE TO FINISH REASSEMBLY



AND FINALLY PUT BACK IN CAR...AND WAHLAHHHHH!!!! DONT!!!

LOOK AT PICS POSTED FOR EXAMPLES...THANKS

PLEASE DROP ME SOME THANKS OR PROPS... THANKS

 

Nice write up - THANKS AND PROPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (I have been know to be sarcastic in the past but in this instance I really am giving you both as I have this problem right now with my "clam shell")

 

No prob dude as am I, these bubbles were pissing me of ad I have seen plenty of people wasting valuable funds in buying new armrest instead of DIY and all it cost me was total of 12$ and 2 hrs of my time...(well if you include the beers it was an extra 15$ for the 12 pack of heinekens I drank lol) but ur welcome...

 

thanks alot man

 

thank you sooo much, i have this happening and was wondering just this weekend how to fix this problem!!


btw are you on e46? counter looks familiar, if so made some of your red velvet cake *****... they were awesome!!

 

Nice write up.. Mine are still perfect, however I am sure the day will come

PS- I use the E46 forum to get my recipes too. They have a hell of a meatloaf over there!!

 

Hey im glad I can be be of assistance and if any questions please dont hesitate to ask, just make sure you dont lose your patience case you can break the cover very easily...

 

dude !! Awsome I've been wanting to tackle this for a long time now but wasn't sure how to take apart console without breaking it! Thanks for the write up!

 

No prob dude...coming up OEM adjustable control arms

 

I recently replaced my armrest so if anyone's looking for a used armrest to try out this technique on, PM me. Also, the armrest bubble on it is only on the driver's side and only about a 1 inch circle.

 

Thanks very much, Will be doing this soon

 

I actually prefer that armrest to the one in my E55. Mine has the wood panel in the middle that slides forwards and backwards. Was one an option over the other or was this a running production change between model years?

 

FYI, it is not necessary to split the entire armrest in half. From the side of the doors you can pull out the leather and then using a brush recoat underneath them with the proper adhesive. I did this months ago and absolutely no issue. Tucked the leather back in and good as new with no sign of repair.

 

what do you mean? without unbolting it?

 

Model year 2003-2004 Clam bBake 2005-2006 - Super Slider +

 

I took it out myself for ease, but you could probably keep it in there. I used a very small right angle tool to pull out the leather and once out used a small brush to apply the adhesive inside. It is tricky, but doable.

 

your right you can do it your way but for me it was a trial and error project and to tell you the truth once you use that pry tool and pull the leather out goodluck getting it to sit in the same manner cause once you start pulling it remember it is old leather it will stretch a bit...doesnt come back to the same size at all...but thanks

 

The leather goes back just fine, no issues involved with stretching. It goes back into the lip and is completely hidden. Just pointing out another method for those not willing to crack open the entire door.

 

Couple have asked for some pics:

See below.

Trick is to use a small brush or similar in order to spread the glue over the entire surface including around the corners. Just used a small L-shaped tool to pry out the leather. After applying the adhesive, I used clamps and paint mixing sticks which conforms nicely to the curvature of the lids to keep them in place while it dries.

Been several months now and no issues, still perfect.





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My problem isn't the leather, its the damn wooden piece that opens the 2 doors, fell off twice now, even when super glued so if anyone is selling one or knows where to buy one, let me know. Nice write up to, BTW

 

Both of my wooden pieces fell off at some point. 3M double-sided tape holds well with no problems.

 

Would anyone know the part number for the clamshell center armrest? My interior is the antracite/black.
Thanks!

 

Retrofit the rolltop box!

 

Mine started to bubble last night. :/ looks like I might be trying this is I can find the patience

 

Great write up pacman.... and pearlpower,,, had it not been for your inspiration i would not have tackled this DIY myself and taken the short route and buy a new armrest,,,however, i did and so far so good, i am quite pleased with the end results and i do have to say,,,when pacman....said, have a whole lot of patience,,, that was an understatement,lol...to whoever does this DIY, i cant stress the "patience" thing enough, if you have that, it will go smoothly, just be delicate and remember where all the screws and parts you take out go once you put it back together....Thank You again.