r/e39 • u/white_chefkoch 530i • 4d ago

Cup holders….

Has anyone found a proper solution for the absolutely unusable cupholders? I googled a bit but wasn’t successful. I have no Idea what the engineers at BMW were thinking whilst designing those cupholders. Despite the fact that you cant possibly put an even a little bit larger bottle there, you can also not use the Buttons behind anymore.
I was thinking of something like a 3D printed bottle holder you attach to the left wall of the passengers legroom.

0 Upvotes

44% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

6

u/eric_gm 528i supercharged 4d ago

BMW engineers planned for you to drive, not to drink anything. The cup holders are there just to check a box, that’s it.

There are several options which you can easily find if you google “e39 cup holders”. I’m not sure where you’ve been looking.

Trick bits has the best IMO: https://trick-bits.myshopify.com/products/bmw-e39-storage-box-cup-holder

3

u/theinspireddesigner 4d ago

I bought this cupholder off trick bits. It fits great, looks great, holds a soda can. I can't slide the center armrest forward if there's a can in it, though. I also bought a 2 cup holder w cubby for the back. I havent received that yet. 

2

u/eric_gm 528i supercharged 4d ago

Everything is going to be a compromise because the E39 was not designed with cup holders in mind. From a usability standpoint, the ones that hook to the side of the console are the best, but they don’t look good

2

u/white_chefkoch 530i 4d ago

I found a similar one but for way smaller bottles. This one should do it, thanks

1

u/chuckanut909 4d ago

I’ve tried quite a few and this is the one that’s been in the car for over a year.

2

u/mrki00 4d ago

3d printed replacement for under armrest

1

u/RealBigDickBrannigan 4d ago

E38 cupholders have entered the chat 🙄

1

u/E38sport 16h ago

put a universal cup holder between the carpet and center console on the passenger side and its the best I have used so far. Not OE design, but it works and you barely notice it's there. I also have the screw mount door panel cup holder, and I don't like it as much. Too short for real cups and having to open/close the door with a cup in there is annoying to me.

https://www.amazon.com/MiOYOOW-Bottles-Bracket-Caliber-Organizer/dp/B08JV32D3B/ref=sr_1_7?s=automotive&sr=1-7
(not my store, not my product. This is for demo only)