Sunglass Holder

gratemech69er · 01-08-2006, 05:34 PM

I know this has been discussed before, but I just want to pass on my experience replacing the front ashtray with a sunglass holder. Considering non-smokers outnumber smokers 2 to 1 (at least in Canada) in my opinion BMW should sell the car with a sunglass holder and make the ashtray optional. Not having a sunglass holder was a problem for me, because I like to store my sunglasses where they can't get scratched and are easy to access when needed.

I followed the excellent DIY thread with pictures

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7049

originally started by jwarcd (many thanks) and found this task is much easier than it seems. When I ordered the part (#51-16-7-132-376) that cost $45 Canadian I don't think the parts department had ordered one before, but they looked it up on the computer and it arrived in about 10 days. They wanted to charge more than an hour's labor to install it because they hadn't done one before, but by following the installation thread I not only saved money but made sure the job was done right with no scratches to the trim.

For you non-smokers, if you haven't looked at this I highly recommend it.

- Paul - · 01-08-2006, 05:51 PM

Did you not have the non-smoking option? I went for that and my car came with the "sunglasses holder" from factory.

Chalky White · 01-08-2006, 05:53 PM

do you lose the powerport when you put in the sunglass holder?

- Paul - · 01-08-2006, 05:54 PM

Yup

lxapilot118 · 01-08-2006, 05:55 PM

Dunno about Canada, but it was not an option when I ordered my car in the US

gratemech69er · 01-08-2006, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1stnewcar

Did you not have the non-smoking option? I went for that and my car came with the "sunglasses holder" from factory.

There is no non-smoking option in Canada, and I don't think there is one in the US. The sunglass holder cannot be ordered as an option.

Anything else come with the non-smoking option?

- Paul - · 01-08-2006, 05:57 PM

It just replaces the ashtrays for "holders" and you lose the power port.

LEDZEP · 01-08-2006, 06:01 PM

I don't smoke in my car either, but I do use the power outlet.

3aficionado · 01-08-2006, 06:03 PM

I would like to see someone modify the sunglasses holder to include the power port. I figure while driving you would be wearing the sunglasses so a power port (cig lighter port) in the sunglass tray would still be useful. Obviously sans the cigarette lighter itself.

- Paul - · 01-08-2006, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3aficionado

I would like to see someone modify the sunglasses holder to include the power port. I figure while driving you would be wearing the sunglasses so a power port (cig lighter port) in the sunglass tray would still be useful. Obviously sans the cigarette lighter itself.

Me too. I had to hunt high and low to buy a US only accessory that enables me to use the torch socket in the glove box as a power port.

MB330 · 01-08-2006, 10:23 PM

How many powerports E90 has? On BMW broshure they show two more ports for rear passangers. But then some body mentioned here that this is european version only.

Chesmu · 01-08-2006, 10:28 PM

There's one in the ashtray, one in the center console,and i think there's atleast one more in the backseat

JSpira · 01-08-2006, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NIVKI89

How many powerports E90 has? On BMW broshure they show two more morts for rear passangers. But then some body mentioned here that this is european version only.

Not counting the powerpoint for the torch, two.

E90Fleet · 01-09-2006, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NIVKI89

How many powerports E90 has? On BMW broshure they show two more morts for rear passangers. But then some body mentioned here that this is european version only.

Most it can have

1 in front ashtray
1 in centre console
2 by rear airvents ( European cars with storage package option )
1 in trunk ( Cars with trunk storage option )

Torch powerpoint in glovebox

rebelfocus · 01-09-2006, 02:52 AM

I ordered my car with the smokers package delete (in Ireland). It came with the sunglasses holder in the front which is much more useful.

There is only one power point in the entire car now (in the armrest) but that's okay.

The strange thing is that the rear ashtray is also removed but has been replaced with a solid plastic cover. This must be a new thing, I have never seen this before in any of the pics on this site. There is no slidable tray, nor small open storage cubby on the rear below the centre vents. While it looks great I would have preferred some kind of drawer as it seems such a waste.

Broken1 · 01-09-2006, 03:18 AM

I also did the sunglasses DIY. The best thing I ever did. Everyone told me I was mad - but it costs so little - and has brought me so much joy.

I can even use it to hold my cellphone while driving, if I am wearing my glasses!!

E90Fleet · 01-09-2006, 04:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Broken1

I also did the sunglasses DIY. The best thing I ever did. Everyone told me I was mad - but it costs so little - and has brought me so much joy.

I can even use it to hold my cellphone while driving, if I am wearing my glasses!!

What was the cost in Rands ?

Im thinking of pre-ordering it for mine

Broken1 · 01-09-2006, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90Fleet

What was the cost in Rands ?

Im thinking of pre-ordering it for mine

I just checked my credit card statement and it cost R174 - and I bought a torx 20 from Builders Warehouse for R49!!

I got mine for Forsdicks in Sandton, BMW SA had it in stock, so I got it one day after I ordered it!

David328M-Sport · 01-09-2006, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Broken1

it costs so little - and has brought me so much joy.

oh indeed!

how utterly wonderful for you, you sweet, sweet person. i hope your girlfriend is not too jealous of your new e90's glasses space holder.

E90Fleet · 01-09-2006, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Broken1

I just checked my credit card statement and it cost R174 - and I bought a torx 20 from Builders Warehouse for R49!!

I got mine for Forsdicks in Sandton, BMW SA had it in stock, so I got it one day after I ordered it!

Thanks

Did the kit include the little rubber insert in the tray ? ( the tray floor )
Its listed seperately on the parts system, but that may be just so you can replace it one day

Broken1 · 01-09-2006, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90Fleet

Thanks

Did the kit include the little rubber insert in the tray ? ( the tray floor )
Its listed seperately on the parts system, but that may be just so you can replace it one day

Yes, it did!! :-)

Quote:

Originally Posted by David325Australia

oh indeed!

how utterly wonderful for you, you sweet, sweet person. i hope your girlfriend is not too jealous of your new e90's glasses space holder.

And my gf is not jelous of my glasses holder - she thinks it's a total waste (as does she think my cupboard of waxes and polishes and cloths and sprays and stuff I have is)

The only thing my gf is jelous of, is all the female attention I get in my HOTT black car when I open it mysteriously without a key *pulls tounge at dave*

hehehehahahahohohoooo

JSpira · 01-09-2006, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90Fleet

Most it can have

1 in front ashtray
1 in centre console
2 by rear airvents ( European cars with storage package option )
1 in trunk ( Cars with trunk storage option )

Torch powerpoint in glovebox

If one has the trunk storage option, where in the trunk is the powerpoint?

01-08-2006, 05:34 PM	#1
gratemech69er Enlisted Member 1 Rep 37 Posts Drives: 2006 325xi Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Oakville Ontario iTrader: (0)	Sunglass Holder I know this has been discussed before, but I just want to pass on my experience replacing the front ashtray with a sunglass holder. Considering non-smokers outnumber smokers 2 to 1 (at least in Canada) in my opinion BMW should sell the car with a sunglass holder and make the ashtray optional. Not having a sunglass holder was a problem for me, because I like to store my sunglasses where they can't get scratched and are easy to access when needed. I followed the excellent DIY thread with pictures http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7049 originally started by jwarcd (many thanks) and found this task is much easier than it seems. When I ordered the part (#51-16-7-132-376) that cost $45 Canadian I don't think the parts department had ordered one before, but they looked it up on the computer and it arrived in about 10 days. They wanted to charge more than an hour's labor to install it because they hadn't done one before, but by following the installation thread I not only saved money but made sure the job was done right with no scratches to the trim. For you non-smokers, if you haven't looked at this I highly recommend it.
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01-08-2006, 05:51 PM	#2
- Paul - Major General 709 Rep 7,308 Posts Drives: see above. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Yorkshire, UK iTrader: (5) Garage List 2005 320D SE [10.00] 2005 645 [9.00]	Did you not have the non-smoking option? I went for that and my car came with the "sunglasses holder" from factory.
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01-08-2006, 05:53 PM	#3
Chalky White Private First Class 14 Rep 131 Posts Drives: 2006 e90, 325i Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: atlanta iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	do you lose the powerport when you put in the sunglass holder? __________________ 12/5/13 PCD Delivery of X3 3.5i, Alpine, Chestnut, Premium, Tech, Heated Seats, BMW Apps 2006 325i, Sparkling, Grey, Xenons, Premium, Heated, Comfort (SOLD)
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01-08-2006, 05:54 PM	#4
- Paul - Major General 709 Rep 7,308 Posts Drives: see above. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Yorkshire, UK iTrader: (5) Garage List 2005 320D SE [10.00] 2005 645 [9.00]	Yup
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01-08-2006, 05:55 PM	#5
lxapilot118 Second Lieutenant 12 Rep 218 Posts Drives: 330i + SC Mustang Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: MS iTrader: (0)	Dunno about Canada, but it was not an option when I ordered my car in the US __________________ TiAg E90 330i 6-Speed, Silver w/gray/burl, sports package, premium package, nav, heated seats, sunshades, comfort access, satellite radio, PDC, Mattig Eyelids:rocks:
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01-08-2006, 05:57 PM	#7
- Paul - Major General 709 Rep 7,308 Posts Drives: see above. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Yorkshire, UK iTrader: (5) Garage List 2005 320D SE [10.00] 2005 645 [9.00]	It just replaces the ashtrays for "holders" and you lose the power port.
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01-08-2006, 06:01 PM	#8
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 419 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	I don't smoke in my car either, but I do use the power outlet. __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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01-08-2006, 06:03 PM	#9
3aficionado Captain 17 Rep 710 Posts Drives: 02 M3/RRover Super Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0) Garage List My girl's 2004 Merc ... [0.00] 2006 Range Rover Su ... [0.00] 2002 M3 [0.00]	I would like to see someone modify the sunglasses holder to include the power port. I figure while driving you would be wearing the sunglasses so a power port (cig lighter port) in the sunglass tray would still be useful. Obviously sans the cigarette lighter itself.
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01-08-2006, 10:23 PM	#11
MB330 Major 53 Rep 1,350 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW 330i [0.00] 2006 E90 330i [10.00]	How many powerports E90 has? On BMW broshure they show two more ports for rear passangers. But then some body mentioned here that this is european version only. __________________ '06 330i Monaco Blue/Gray/Walnut/ZPP/Navi/CA/AT -->ED 2006 '18 330i Estoril Blue Metallic/cognac/AT/Sport Last edited by MB330; 01-09-2006 at 02:39 PM..
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01-08-2006, 10:28 PM	#12
Chesmu Brigadier General 89 Rep 3,011 Posts Drives: 2013 X6 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Phoenix,AZ iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00]	There's one in the ashtray, one in the center console,and i think there's atleast one more in the backseat __________________ "Teach the ignorant. Ignore the stupid."
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01-09-2006, 02:52 AM	#15
rebelfocus Second Lieutenant 31 Rep 282 Posts Drives: 520d SE Touring Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Cork, Ireland iTrader: (0)	I ordered my car with the smokers package delete (in Ireland). It came with the sunglasses holder in the front which is much more useful. There is only one power point in the entire car now (in the armrest) but that's okay. The strange thing is that the rear ashtray is also removed but has been replaced with a solid plastic cover. This must be a new thing, I have never seen this before in any of the pics on this site. There is no slidable tray, nor small open storage cubby on the rear below the centre vents. While it looks great I would have preferred some kind of drawer as it seems such a waste.
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01-09-2006, 03:18 AM	#16
Broken1 Addict 203 Rep 2,074 Posts Drives: 2024 X5 40i M-Sport Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	I also did the sunglasses DIY. The best thing I ever did. Everyone told me I was mad - but it costs so little - and has brought me so much joy. I can even use it to hold my cellphone while driving, if I am wearing my glasses!!
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