Well, i had this same issue on my e36 m3s and took out the cupholders to see what happened and its so obvious that they were poorly designed. Its very flimsy inside. Those tabs are really just connected to thin plastic "poles" which just snap. Prob not worth fixing for $75.

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2004 X5 4.8is - X-pipe! V1 hardwired, Invision DVD headrests, N62 Intermediate Levers Fixed! FOR SALE!!! Contact me if interested!

1999 LSB M Coupe - Heavily modified
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2002 525iTouring - Alpine/Beige