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Armrest Repair and Removal

Author : myztikal47 Posted on : 13/10/2004
Model : BMW, 3 - Series (E36) 1991-99 Category : Interior - Arm Rest
Source : http://www.bimmerforums.com
 
Here are the steps:

1) Sit in the back seat and pull out the ashtray. You will see 2 screws under the ashtry.


2) Remove the 2 screws.


3) After removing the screws, you can do 2 things, either pull apart that piece of the "housing" or pry all around with a screw driver. Either way is good, they're both as easy.



4) After that, this is what you will see

5) In this picture, you see my thumb sort of peeling back the housing, well once you peel it back, you will see that there is a little tab there that you have to push in with your screw driver. The tab area is circled in red.


6) As you are pushing the tab in, stick your finger into tube for the side you are pushing the tab in, and pull out the tube. Repeat for the opposite side also.

7) Your armrest is now free.

8) Also, if you think your armrest moves too freely, rotate the SMALLER piece of rubber which is under the tube you removed. This rubber becomes "flat" on one side after a long time so that the armrest moves freely. If you rotate the rubber piece, the armrest won't be loose anymore.

9) When re-installing, put your finger inside the hole from which you removed the tube and feel for a groove. There is a ridge on the outside of the tube that should line up with the groove when re-installing the tube otherwise it will not goin in correctly.

Here are before and after pics of the armrest which I repaired:

Before:

After:


There isn't much to write up about the repair, I just followed the leatherique directions. Wet sand with thier prepping agent to remove all old dye, fill in the crack filler, wait 20mins, fill more as needed, wait 20mins after each time till you think its ok. Let it sit for overnight or 6hrs(I sorta forgot this part). Use a Acrylic paint brush, stir the dye VERY WELL (DO NOT SHAKE) and "paint" the piece. Tape off all the plastic or whatever. Put 2-3 coats on it. let it sit untouched for 48hrs and you're done!
 

Pictures

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Click on the thumbnails to see larger images.

 

References

  • http://www.bimmerforums.com
    •  


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