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      11-13-2011, 12:08 PM   #1
Chudwill
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Retrofit - Drivers Cubby Draw

After owning a BMW 320 and 2 months ago upgrading to the fantastic X3 F25 m Sport, i was missing the drivers cubby that comes with the 'Extended storage' option. There is currently no retrofit kit and the dealer said it cannot be fitted as if not specified as option there would be no room at the rear of blank. I was not going to be defeated and ordered the drivers cubby (£41 inc. postage) from another dealer and set about the brand new dash with a dremel. Here are the photo's and the final completed project. Took about 1 hour to complete and 48 hours of building up the courage to attack the dash.

First was to make up a template of the dash where the box is to be mounted. Then once this fits make a cut out of the cubby and ensure it fits properly.

Undo the 2 fixing screws under the dash and pull the lower section down, this allows you to feel under the dash to ensure there is nothing behind it.

Once this is completed using masking tape, place strips over the dash and mark out the cut out on the dash.

Now this is where i went a bought a dremel and used the same bit that cuts out dry walls etc. This make a fantastic mess and requires a lot of vacuuming. As you can see from the photos. This is the dangerous part better to remove too little than too much. Ensure the dremel goes through both the dash and the rear plastic covering. The edge is very good if the dremel is on half speed, but again its trail and error.

Then its a trial and error and slowly removing the dash edge until the new box fits and clips into place.

I now have a place to put my house keys etc when i drive off and now my car is complete as it should have been. For the money we all pay for the X3 i think this should be standard!!

Richard
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      11-13-2011, 12:15 PM   #2
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That was brave in a new car. Glad I ordered extended storage!!

Congratulations on a neat job
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      11-13-2011, 12:39 PM   #3
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Wow, that is ballzy. Congrats on this.
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      11-13-2011, 01:12 PM   #4
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You absolute NUTTER, you must be freaking CRAZY!

Great job and bar the dash dandruff it is an invisible fix

Would have made a great post if it had gone pete tong

I did use this cubby draw a lot in my old 5 series and dont know why it isnt standard issue
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      11-13-2011, 01:26 PM   #5
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Great job. Well done, appreciate your will and courage to take up such a risky task on a new car.
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      11-13-2011, 03:09 PM   #6
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Wha...how...............
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      11-13-2011, 03:17 PM   #7
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Recon you could sell these fitted for £80+. I would buy one!
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      11-13-2011, 03:45 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BIMMER UK 76 View Post
You absolute NUTTER, you must be freaking CRAZY!
Lol

I'm amazed it isn't a standard feature. I haven't seen one in Oz that doesn't have the drawer.
(but, the quality of the compartment door is flimsy compared to the one in my Z4.. A bit disappointing as it is not always easy to close. You have to make sure your hand stays away from the opening handle or else the latch doesn't engage and it falls open again. Correction. Frustrating. )
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      11-13-2011, 05:08 PM   #9
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Dang, I can't even get my crap together to debadge the car on my own.
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      11-13-2011, 07:15 PM   #10
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WOW! You sir, are a crazy, but talented craftsman.
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      11-13-2011, 10:39 PM   #11
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Good job
I would be too scared to do this on my own.
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      11-14-2011, 01:44 AM   #12
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Well Done, Great Job.
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      11-14-2011, 03:12 AM   #13
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Nicely done. I would not have had the courage to undertake that on a new X3.
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      11-18-2011, 11:37 AM   #14
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Thanks for all the comments, £80 sounds tempting, but my hands would be shaking that much incase i damaged someone else's pride a joy. Had the box now for a week and is well worth the trouble it caused, Richard
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      11-18-2011, 11:44 AM   #15
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wow... i'm also solely missing this function.. would gladly pay 200 quid just to get it sorted!

nice work Chudwill.
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      11-18-2011, 12:24 PM   #16
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Thanks cooldude00 this missing cubby box is a tempting retrofit business so what would people pay to get this fitted and have a person drill out their dash?
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      11-18-2011, 01:34 PM   #17
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Ask youself the cost of a new dash when it goes wrong!
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      11-19-2011, 09:41 AM   #18
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Chudwill - you are fearless
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      09-24-2012, 07:56 PM   #19
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I remember someone posting that this modification was possible and actually undertaken by one brave sole.

I got thinking about it when I installed the euro rear fog light switch and noticed the large vacant spot behind the dash.

It really doesn't look too difficult. hmmm

Did the cubby come with all the mounting hardware? How was it affixed to the dash?
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      09-24-2012, 10:32 PM   #20
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im so jealous right now!! i didnt order storage because i wont use any of its features EXCEPT for the driver seat draw. so ballsy
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      09-25-2012, 01:56 AM   #21
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Mine came with one already installed . Risky but great job
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      09-25-2012, 04:09 AM   #22
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A brave guy - will look to give this a go but not for a year or two!

Only £40 too... thats cheap for BMW! lol...
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