What is this part?

jonmon6691 · 01-19-2022, 03:59 PM

I found this lying under the center console and I can't tell where it came from. Anyone know where this is supposed to go? The sprocket seems like its designed to provide drag to something, maybe the center armrest?

Opie55 · 01-19-2022, 05:46 PM

I think you are correct on its function. If it's like some I have seen before, that housing under the gear is filled with a very thick clear fluid and the gear shaft has a thin round disc on it that rotates in that fluid to provide drag. They are used on slow-open cup holder doors a lot, but X3s don't have those. Maybe armrest or maybe glove box.

6MT_Addict · 01-19-2022, 07:00 PM

looks like part of a tensioner for a glove box. they slow the speed of the door as it opens, like soft close cabinets in reverse. I'm not sure if the F25 uses that system but I've taken them apart on other vehicles. could also be something from an ash tray/coin door, sunroof maybe.

look at real oem (website) to try and find it.

jonmon6691 · 01-19-2022, 07:56 PM

I'm starting to think it came from the phone dock accessory. I removed it and replaced it with the standard center console storage compartment a couple weekends ago but before I did I remember thinking how uncivilized it was that the phone cradle could slam down without any padding, maybe this was supposed to be part of that system... Thanks for the help folks

01-19-2022, 03:59 PM	#1
jonmon6691 New Member 5 Rep 21 Posts Drives: '14 x3 35i Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: Portland OR iTrader: (0)	What is this part? I found this lying under the center console and I can't tell where it came from. Anyone know where this is supposed to go? The sprocket seems like its designed to provide drag to something, maybe the center armrest? Attached Images
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01-19-2022, 05:46 PM	#2
Opie55 Colonel 1192 Rep 2,904 Posts Drives: '15 650i Convertible Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: US iTrader: (0)	I think you are correct on its function. If it's like some I have seen before, that housing under the gear is filled with a very thick clear fluid and the gear shaft has a thin round disc on it that rotates in that fluid to provide drag. They are used on slow-open cup holder doors a lot, but X3s don't have those. Maybe armrest or maybe glove box.
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01-19-2022, 07:00 PM	#3
6MT_Addict Captain 283 Rep 888 Posts Drives: 08 135i M Sport 6MT, 15 X3 35i Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Edmonton iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 BMW 135i [10.00]	looks like part of a tensioner for a glove box. they slow the speed of the door as it opens, like soft close cabinets in reverse. I'm not sure if the F25 uses that system but I've taken them apart on other vehicles. could also be something from an ash tray/coin door, sunroof maybe. look at real oem (website) to try and find it. __________________ 2015 Cosmic Blue Metallic Wrapped X3 35i ///M Sport Full 3M Vinyl Wrap \| Flat Black Grilles
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01-19-2022, 07:56 PM	#4
jonmon6691 New Member 5 Rep 21 Posts Drives: '14 x3 35i Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: Portland OR iTrader: (0)	I'm starting to think it came from the phone dock accessory. I removed it and replaced it with the standard center console storage compartment a couple weekends ago but before I did I remember thinking how uncivilized it was that the phone cradle could slam down without any padding, maybe this was supposed to be part of that system... Thanks for the help folks
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