Console cassette and ashtray storage ideas
 

Has anyone modified their cassette storage in their console. It really took me back when I saw it. I'm pretty sure I hadn't listened to a cassette in 20 years by 2002 and I was a bit shocked there was a cassette player hidden behind my Nav screen, lol. I haven't tried to remove the storage but just looking for ideas as to what is possible. It needs to go.

Looking for ashtray ideas too. It just begs to be modified.

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I was thinking about this voltage monitor, usb charger and 12v power adapter in my ashtray, or like you mentioned the cassette holder. You can find it on Amazon. Let us know what you do.


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It never hurts to have more USB chargers. I was going to replace the lighter with one. I might put a radar detector in the ashtray. Valentine has the remote display that takes up very little room. I was also thinking about an EQ but most head units come with them already. The cassette storage I'm not so sure about. Maybe a cooler? We'll see. Just seeing what others have done.

You can remove the cassette storage console and replace it with without one. Gives you more room for storage.

RealOEM.com - Online BMW Parts Catalog

That storage bin is pretty pricey at >$200. On mine, I just popped it out and then popped the cassette storage mechanism out of the bin, which almost gives you the same thing. There's just a small whole on the side that you need to plug or tape over so that items can't be accidentally dropped down into the depths of your center console.

Ditto the replies above. You have item #4 (the cassette box) in the diagram below. There's also a #4 (CD box) which has a different 11 digit part number.

What you want is #1...and you probably can find them in 99% of e53 X5s you can find in junk yards all over the country....and you can copy and paste the correct 11 digit BMW part number for #1 in an ebay or amazon.com or google search box to see if you can find used ones (and possibly newer ones) for less. Fortunately white46 gave you a direct link to the part number database which makes it easy for you to get the correct 11 digit BMW part number for #1. :D

It's a slide-out...slide-in replacement if you want to undertake the swap:

My some-day plan for that part is to cut off that whole back portion to make room for a subwoofer that extends to the back seat and act as a shelf/cup holder for the back passengers. Seeing that drawing just kind of re-ignited the dream! :)

Looks like I will be doing that tomorrow. I haven't even checked to see if it separates. Thanks for the info.

Definitely going to upgrade. Thanks:thumbup:

So within seconds after reading your replies I did a search on the part number and found a few on ebay. One had recently sold for $125. I did some more searching and found one for $80 that was ready to expire. I threw the seller an offer of $50 and it was accepted. Problem solved. Thanks guys!:beerchug: