DIY / How To: BMW OE Sunglasses Holder

[stilljester]

BMW Parts Needed
OE Sun Glasses Tray PN: 51 16 4 862 874




Non-BMW Parts Needed
Screw Grommets (2x) PN 90189-04008 94841130
Typically found in Toyota / GM.

Tools:
Small pick tool
T25 or T30 Torx driver


Overview:
I've always preferred to have my sunglasses stored in this area so I took a chance and ordered the same holder as the E60 / E61 / E90 / E91. Removal of the grab handle on the F80 is straightforward - remove the center plugs and use the pick-tool to work the handle out. As you can see below the center plug spreads the clips, securing the handle.


UPDATE 12/31/17
Thought I'd add some more photos to show how the locking mechanism works on the handle and how to remove from the car.
1) After you've removed the plastic center cap you should see this


2) To remove the handle you need to release the prongs as shown below


3) Using a pick tool or small screwdriver release the lock mechanism by inserting as shown


4) Lock will release. Repeat while gently pulling the handle away from the mount.


Once you have removed the original handle you'll see two body side slots which you'll need to install a 10mm plastic plug for mounting the E90 sunglass holder's screws.


Install the plugs, tighten the screws and you're good to go. Enjoy.




Update: 12/9

[timhatimay]

This is amazing! I installed the eBay ones from an F30 and they work well but aren't quite OEM looking.

I just bought a pair of the e90 holders and was planning to use Well nuts and machine screws to secure it. Could you share where you got the plugs that you used?

[espressoo]

Can you take a pic further back so we can see how it looks sitting in the cabin?

[e90-4aj]

Originally Posted by espressoo

Can you take a pic further back so we can see how it looks sitting in the cabin?

+1- can you post all part numbers used

[stilljester]

Originally Posted by timhatimay

Could you share where you got the plugs that you used?

Originally Posted by e90-4aj

+1- can you post all part numbers used

Yes - I'll update the post later this week when I have my notes in front of me. I know I have a couple extra if anyone needs a few.

Originally Posted by espressoo

Can you take a pic further back so we can see how it looks sitting in the cabin?

Sure - What seat / angle would you like?

[espressoo]

Originally Posted by stilljester

Yes - I'll update the post later this week when I have my notes in front of me. I know I have a couple extra if anyone needs a few.

Sure - What seat / angle would you like?

From the rear passenger seat looking towards the drivers door.

[BzsBimmer]

Make it -38.9 degrees from center

[isugoo]

Ordered mine!

[stilljester]

Originally Posted by BzsBimmer

Make it -38.9 degrees from center

Originally Posted by espressoo

From the rear passenger seat looking towards the drivers door.

Originally Posted by AllRoadPerformance

Super slick if it's an OEM finish! In for details!

Updated photos and PN added to the top post. Sorry for the light quality, the car was inside the garage. (It's currently snowing)

[isugoo]

removing the handle was much harder than I thought.
Not sure what I did wrong but I broke one center plug then had real hard time taking the handle out. Clips were very strong and took me 20 mins to take it out.

Just ordered the Toyota parts (thanks for the part#!) and I will have mine done tomorrow!

[stilljester]

Originally Posted by isugoo

removing the handle was much harder than I thought.
Not sure what I did wrong but I broke one center plug then had real hard time taking the handle out. Clips were very strong and took me 20 mins to take it out.

Just ordered the Toyota parts (thanks for the part#!) and I will have mine done tomorrow!

I used my pick tool to release some of the tension off as I pulled forward, but maybe I understated how strong the clips are. You're right it's a tight fit.

Did you get everything installed?

[timhatimay]

Shout out to stilljester for being an outstanding member of the community. Not only did he figure out a good way to make this work, but he sent me some pieces to help me move it along. Thanks!

First, I started with a eBay sunglass holder for the F30. It fit fine and looked pretty nice but was just not OEM feeling and looking. Also, there is this shiny detail on it that always bothered me. It's not so obvious in the pictures, but the eBay version is much bigger and sticks down more. That does mean it can fit larger glasses, so if you have some hater-blockers maybe this is for you.

On the install it took some fooling to try and get everything aligned correctly. It's not quite flush on the bottom, and I found I had to leave the screws just a bit loose to get the right fit. However, once it is closed up it looks right and feels right. It looks straight OEM (since it is OEM) and is a more flush with the headliner. Overall, I may tweak the fitment a little more, but it is just about perfect.

The angle of the holder is hard to take pictures and you can probably tell in the eBay version, my car is completely covered with snow (first picture). Sorry in advance for crappy iphone pictures.

Tim

[Mikster]

Kudos to the OP!
I've also placed my order for parts--found both OEM holder and the grommets on eBay.
Now we wait...

M

[espressoo]

How much are you guys paying for the OEM holder vs aftermarket replacement version? Seems like OEM is around $50 while the aftermarket one is $40ish.

[Mikster]

Originally Posted by espressoo

How much are you guys paying for the OEM holder vs aftermarket replacement version? Seems like OEM is around $50 while the aftermarket one is $40ish.

I paid $45 CAD Shipped.
Coming from Europe mind you...but I'm in no rush.
M

[VeeralS05]

I'm struggling to get the handle out. I was able to pop out the center clips, but the handle will not budge.

Is there a certain way I should be applying pressure to the tension clips?

[timhatimay]

If you look inside, you should see two metal clips. I used a flathead to pry them towards the center. If you apply some constant pressure on the handle, they should stay out. Once you get both clips, that side of the handle will come out. So if you do the two clips on each side it should eventually loosen up. The force applied is kind of like picking a lock, you just apply the force to keep the tabs from snapping back into place. It was more finesse and keeping the tabs popped than brute force.

Hope this helps,

Tim

[stilljester]

Originally Posted by VeeralS05

I'm struggling to get the handle out. I was able to pop out the center clips, but the handle will not budge.

Is there a certain way I should be applying pressure to the tension clips?

Updated my original post above to add a few photos of the process timhatimay described well. Let me know if you're still having issues.

Originally Posted by timhatimay

If you look inside, you should see two metal clips. I used a flathead to pry them towards the center. If you apply some constant pressure on the handle, they should stay out. Once you get both clips, that side of the handle will come out. So if you do the two clips on each side it should eventually loosen up. The force applied is kind of like picking a lock, you just apply the force to keep the tabs from snapping back into place. It was more finesse and keeping the tabs popped than brute force.

Exactly. Thank you for adding this.

[VeeralS05]

Thank you soo much for adding the additional pictures. I was able to knock it out in about 10 minutes.

[stilljester]

Excellent! If you want you should be able to adjust / tuck the cloth straps in a bit more as well.

Glad you were able to get it done. Happy New Year.

[timhatimay]

Were you guys able to tighten the screws all the way down and keep it flush? It seems like if I tighten my screws all the way, then the holder interferes with the headliner a little and doesn't sit as flush. I left it a little loose, and that seemed to allow it to close tight with the little handle indent. Just curious if you did anything different or special to get it so tight.

[stilljester]

I just snugged the screws down while holding it in position, it's tight but I don't think the screws are bottomed out.