lets do this again: Sunglasses
 

So are there any new fixes to the problem of "where to put your sunglasses"

I put mine up on the visor but my wife hates that casue she uses the visor when I am not there and they fall on her,lol.

anyway, is there a ashtray conversion yet? I think that woulud be a great place.

I still cant believe there is no holder for them in the car.

There is an ashtray conversion. I have it. It's really small though -- it's smaller than the original ashtray opening (because the lighter is not affected). Can't fit sunglasses in there. It's also smaller than the E53's.

I think that we need a different mod that removes the ashtray and the lighter.

I have one in our '01 X5, up in the overhead...few glasses fit, however.
Musta changed it for your year.

Why not buy those small clips that you can get for pretty cheap from those japanese import auto-stores? Pep Boys might even sell them by now. Small and effective clips that snap right onto the visor.

Those visor clips look so crummy. :(

FYI I wasn't intending to put anyone down that uses those visor clips. I was just saying that I don't like them.

i tried the clips... they work but depending on the sunglass style it hovers over your head... it works but not the best setup..

i took off my clip and now i just put my flexframe sunglasses in a hard case and toss it into the arm rest storage area right next to the ipod cradle..

i'm think about modifying another hard case with some visor clips to mount overhead... that may do the trick... i just need to find the right hard case design...

I used to just toss them in the cup holder or ash tray area, that was when I wore $20 cheapies. I have since made an impulse buy of designer sunglasses (which suck...they look hot but that's about it :mad:) and have been taking really good care of them. I put them in their case (which is damn big and awkward) and put them in the center armrest console thing.

the vosor clips also ruin the visor.

I was putting in armrest but now there is scratches on glass :(. So, nobody and nothing is perfect...

I have a pair of Maui Jims with a clamshell case. The case fits very well in the forward portion of driver's door storage area. I have got to put them in their case everytime or I'll scratch them. I have never liked the visor clips myself. Today I just left them on the dash and grabbed them when I got back in the X.

I cannot wear my Maui Jims because of the Heads-up display. So I use cheaper sunglasses and throw them on top of the ashtray. When they get to scratched I pull another pair out of the glovebox. I get Bolle's for $20.

Watrob: Is there a problem with polorized lenses and the Heads-up display?

How do you like the heads up display overall? Is it worth it?

watrob can answer too but I can tell you that heads-up display does not work with polarized lenses --- you don't see anything.

And the heads up display is definitely worth it. Responses on this forum have definitely been mostly positive.

Hi,

As said you can only use normal sunglasses with head-up and once you have head-up you cannot do without it. You just don't have to look down any more.

Depending on the size of the case, how about just wedging it between the right side of the driver's seat cushion and the center console. Works in my MBZ pretty well.

Volvo sells two options that might work for you. Look at their accessories website. One option is a sunglasses holder that replaces one of the grab roof handles. I'm not sure if it will fit a BMW (or match the color), but it's worth checking out. I believe it runs around $40. The other option is a sunshade clip that runs around $5 or so that will prevent them from falling when the sunshade is used.

I wear my sunglasses... and then I put them down on the console when I go, out of sight of course.

I mean, really, is it totally necessary?

Well, where I live, part of each 24 hour period is dark, meaning I don't wear the sunglasses every time I drive. I guess your area is different.

you can't see the HUD with polarized glasses? wtf... it's clearly visible in my 04 and 08 Vette...

Yeah, a lot of these little things are a bit irritating. If Ford can put a built in purpose-made sunglass holder in the roof above the rear view mirror area, which folds down at the press of a button and is lined with anti-scratch material, in the Focus, why do people have to fumble around for a good place to store their sunglasses on a $50K plus BMW?

I like the idea of the grab handle , maybe bmw will come up with one of them.

+1 At least offer it as an accessory. I know BMW's are suppose to be for "enthusiasts" that live for the drive, but a lot of regular folks have bought into the brand. Regular folks like the frills and whistles. Enthusiasts & Regular folks, we can all get along. BMW makes great cars!

I doubt it. They've yet to add a license plate grab after saab & mercedes have had it for years and a bunch of other great things. If you look at the BMW accessories cataloges over the past 10 years they've changed so little it's pathetic.

hopefully bmw will consider this for the future...not much we can do about it now

btw fantastic avatar brian5!!

Just thought of this. Storing the sunglasses in the storage area on the side of the door? What do most people put in their anyways?

As far as protecting the glasses. I figure lining the storage area with some soft (preferably fluffy) fabric should protect the glasses well.

Here is a new option offered by BMW. It's in the X1 & GT accessories catalogues. P/N 51 16 0 422 717. Retail $49.75

I HAVE A SOLUTION: :thumbup:

Put them in the door in the front section. Don't put anything else in there and your glasses will fit perfectly and won't get scratched. You could keep them in the case, or out.

Or

Get your windows tinted dark enough to not need glasses. (Legal limit)

Isn't it illegal in the U.S. to do any aftermarket tint on windshields?

Here's a list of the tint laws by state:

Auto Window Tint Laws - TintCenter.com

I am pretty sure it is illegal in the US and any other country.
Dubai (and other middle east countries) allow clear tint to be put on the windshield.
I have 15% on my X5 windshield and limo tint on my Denali's.

According to the Window Tint Laws that Thunder22 posted, some states allow "medical Exemptions". I have known this for years and actually have a prescription from my ophthalmologist to permit extra dark tinting (medically diagnosed high sensitivity to bright light). I have had many cars with 20- tints. And, on my last car G35S, I had the tint put on 20 front windows and limo on back doors and rear windshield. The problem I found, as soon as I got the car home, is where I live there are absolutely no street lights. When the moon is full, you can almost read a newspaper but when it is not, it can get real dark - so dark that I often could not see out of the car enough to feel safe (all previous vehicles while living here were big SUVs with easy and high lines of sight - not so on the low to the road G w/small windows). By contrast, it is very bright here many days and REALLY bright in summer. Solution for G (first tint was on dealer), took it back to the tinter and had it removed and replaced w/AZ legal (35 front doors/20 all others) and just wear extra dark polarized eyeglasses.

Given that I have the prescription, I have often considered tinting windshields, but watching even the slightest tint film distortions in the side windows while looking to the side-view mirrors (most noticeable at night), has dissuaded me from risking such possible distortions on my windshield. An additional consideration, here in AZ, has been the clear heat reducing tint for windshield but I continue to reject the idea for the same reason (risking distortions). With all other windows tinted, heat-waves can be felt coming thru windshield. Haven't decided about the X yet (with her black dashboard which will likely draw heat) but my previous SUVs i bought the lightest color sueded dash-toppers to help deflect some of that heat. sorta cheap looking but certainly does help. The X is really pretty and nice materials so I can't decide if I want to cover her dash or not. When summer comes... will have to wait and see...

Needless to say, I carry several pairs of glasses. Sunglasses are ALL polarized. So I keep three pairs (extra pr sun, pr clear and pr yellow for flat light conditions), all in clamshell cases, and in my new X5 I keep all three sets in the center console with plenty of more room for other stuff. The G had absolutely zero storage (teeny tiny console wouldn't even fit one clamshell) so I bought a "messenger bag" (15" laptop type) to keep any/all storage stuff and threw that behind my seat.

Meanwhile, for those looking for some creative solutions that will not, or should not, damage visors:
Amazon.com: Totes(R) Visor Eyeglass Caddy: Automotive

AutoSport Catalog - Luxury Eyeglass Holder 800-953-0814

Auto Sunglass Holder

Amazon.com: Type S Double Sunglass Holder: Automotive

There are others that are pretty easy to find, with a google search, like a little organizer that slips between the seat and console to store cell phone, glasses, etc. There are also slim organizers that strap onto visor that have various compartments for glasses, pens, and anything relative slim and small that you want to store someplace.

As for the door pocket - well, my X5 is only a week old so I keep the owner manual there! :cool: I have a pdf copy on my computer too but that doesn't help me much when out on the road! :driver: -> G was a 6 speed stick so I'm sorta diggin the M/S!!!

OT...
Very interesting post, RedRockin...
I also suffer from light/bright sunlight sensitivity and,
the somewhat regular migraines that may be induced
by my sensitivity.

Is there a brand(s), tint, glasses store(s) you rec'd
for quality sunglasses? I've given up on the cheapazz
glasses stores, or their lens making operations.

Fwiw, I've got the darkest shields I can find for my
2 m'cycle lids, and often wear my prescription sunglasses
under those face shields...very dark, maybe too dark,
as you noted.
Thanks...
BR, mD

Yessss! Migraines SUCK! And when they hit, light sensitivity gets much worse! I, luckily, don't get them often but when they come....

I'm nearsighted with astigmatism, not bad but enough to keep me wearing prescription glasses. So my sunglasses are all prescription with extra dark, polarized, anti-reflective (usually teflon or cryzal), and ultra thin to keep them lighter in weight. For non-RX, I would probably go with Maui Jim. some of the frames are a bit overly stylish for me but I do like their large lenses which wrap minimizing peripheral light. The lenses are pretty high quality too. Some of the frames are available w/RX but lens curvature can distort Rx. I'd suggest staying away from cheapies (you only have one pair of eyes and if you already suffer migraines...). Go to a high end optical store and see what they have. Really good quality non-Rx may run as high as $250-$300. Good quality Rx with all the trimmings I get usually run me closer to $500+ (depending on frames).

Back to Topic, another cheap and easy sunglasses solution is a chord around the rearview post. Measure to optimum length so as to not block lines of sight and use a waxed or heavy rubber type chord (holds its shape better - especially as ages and starts to dry out). May swing a bit but the stiffer the chording the steadier they will be.

Some of the visor clips (with spring clip) might even clip onto the over the door ceiling hand hold and keep sunglasses out of the way there - still in easy reach.

MD - oakley makes prescription sunglasses.

Search

I've been wearing Oakly non-prescription polarized glasses for years, they're top notch. And the lenses are interchangeable so you don't have to buy new frames if your script changes.

+1 :iagree:, forgot to mention those. Good call Thunder

Just a thought. In today's world of transition lenses, they make glasses that change tint with UV sunlight. Why couldn't the car windows and windshields be made the same so that they darken in bright sunshine and are clear in the dark?

What's with the obsession with a sunglasses holder???

There are no specific holders for a torch, umbrella, belt cutter etc etc, but there are lots of storage in the doors, arm rest, centre consul and glove box. I don't see the problem.

BTW. do you US guys not get the option for sun protection windscreen glass ? (not tint)

iv got sunglasses holder built in mine from factory, its a little compartment that pops down by the interior light but dont see the big deal in it, i dont even use it, just leave them in there original case in glove box or door panel etc, why stress over something like that!

That's funny :D Two guys from the UK (London Lad and DONONE) asking why we need sunglasses holders. Maybe if you had more sun you'd understand :stickpoke

LOL. I wish we had more too.

I carry sunglasses in the car all the time just like you guys, it doesn't need to be sunny to be dazzlingly bright. I just don't see the need to have a specific holder for them any more than I do for anything else I carry in the car.

I don't see the big drama, put them on you face, on the seat, in the door, in the arm rest, in the glove box...what's it matter ?

Considering that this thread is 2 years old, it's probably a non-issue to the OP by now :) Hopefully.

We do have sunshine , just no heat unless its spring/summer and it doesn't have to be hot to have sunshine obviously! When you go sking abroad is it hot? No!! But the sun is more powerfull than ever! Put glasses in the case and in the door panel or something, what's the big deal with this! I don't even use my sunglasses holder

I doubt its a non issue now giving how big the thread is regarding sunglasses holder! What a joke! Haha

Personally I was just updating the thread with something I came across recently. I had contributed to the thread earlier as well. The main point of the thread is that the E53 did have a sunglasses holder that was done away with when the panoramic roof was introduced. It was a nice feature to have and so people were understandably interested in some other solution, myself included. Recently someone hijacked it with information on tinting, while interesting, isn't the point of the thread.

Finally, you are somewhat wrong with your assessment below. BMW sells an umbrella that comes with an umbrella holder that mounts in the car. They also have a flashlight with it's specific holder as well (and in the case of the E53, with charging functionality). While there is no provision for a belt cutter I think we could argue that it is probably less useful than an umbrella or flashlight.

LOL. I would rather have a belt cutter if I was stuck in a crashed car than an umbrella :-)

I used to have the e53 with the sun glass holder. I could never get any of my sunglasses to fit.

I see what you are saying but my point was that I was surprised that so many people were interested in something so trivial when (as supplied) the car doesn't have a holder for anything (except possibly a phone)

I keep about 30 'items' in the cabin of my car, not one is on show and not one is in a specific 'holder'

But hey....whatever turns you on :-)

OT...
Thunder and RedRockin,
Thanks for the ideas/links. My so-so experience with prescription sunglasses over the past 40 years is not the frames/fit but the seeming decline in lens quality by the "lens houses" doing the crafting for any of the optics joints: considerable distortion, lenses that pop out of frames, delamination of lens coating(s), etc.

Not trying to sound like some old hard to please finicky geezer, but my 20+ year old big lens, Aviator style sun glasses still work the best, even if they look stupid and the prescription is way out of date, as that lens quality was excellent...but, I will keep looking and try to replace my current newish, crummy pairs. Style ain't the deal for me; I want dark lenses that are distortion free and that "work".
Thanks, mD

http://www.avikatz.net/report/jrep2/...sion/magoo.jpg

You've just described a good 50% of the posts on this board IMHO.

sunglasses dont come with the car so may aswell just forget about the holders , and as london lad said the e53 ones dont hardly fit any glasses anyway,, put them in the glove box, simples!!

Gotcha. The best thing about Oakley is their warranty. If anything goes wrong with the glasses/lenses they'll replace or fix them. When I was living in So. Cal. the polarization was coming off of a lens on my $200 sunglasses so I drove down to Oakley in Irvine and walked out with a new pair. Their customer service is top notch.

Here is my solution for my e53, i really missed having a flat surface to place something on so i made a shelf.
Makes me happy :p:, how bored am I this winter?

Why didn't you just buy the BMW part that does this?

which bmw part, and does what?

The cupholder tray. Which does the same thing as the part that he designed and installed.

i didnt design or install anything, the guy who done this with the pics has the cupholders already and has made something that lays on top of it!

Then why are you asking if my question was directed to him and not to you.

you said to dani (
Originally Posted by X5 Meister http://www.xoutpost.com/images/buttons/viewpost.gif
Why didn't you just buy the BMW part that does this?

i said to you, (which bmw part is that as i wa interested in what you was on about!)

you said
Originally Posted by X5 Meister http://www.xoutpost.com/images/buttons/viewpost.gif
The cupholder tray. Which does the same thing as the part that you designed and installed.!!!!

so then i replied (i didnt design or install anything, the guy who done this with the pics has the cupholders already and has made something that lays on top of it!
do you get it now!!!! :yawn:

To X5 Meister & Donone69:
 

First: I am a female. :slap:

Second: What is the part number for BMW cup holder tray, I can't find it. :dunno:

Third: Yes, I have the cupholders (and don't want to lose them) but I hardly ever take my big gulp for a ride :rolleyes:.

Fourth: Stay tuned for my next very functional custom mod. Your gonna love it and just in time for summer. :genius:

My apologies that you are a female. Wait, that didn't come out right. Oh you know what I mean! But just to be safe you'll need to post a picture.

Here is the part. Apparently it came standard with some early X5's. It's called "Floor mat velours" (which makes no sense to me) P/N 51168408030. It's #16 on REALOEM and it retails for $13.60.

It's a hard piece of plastic and the funny shape is so that you can lift it out easier. I use it all the time.

RealOEM.com BMW E53 X5 4.4i Center console/decor bottom parts

The one custom mod that I am most interested in is a lock for the center armrest storage areas. THAT would be awesome.

i wouldn't worry about having locks on that or the glove box! if someone breaks in to yr car they will only use a crow bar or something to false it open and then it will all be damaged,

I agree. If they break into the vehicle, the plastic lids won't stop them for more than a few seconds, and will just result in more damage to the vehicle.

No, it's for preventing valet or parking garage theft.

That makes sense.

But I'm not sure with the odd X5 shifter and parking brake operation that I'd let a Valet or Parking garage attendant drive my X5.

Along those lines, the glove box might be safe, as I find most people cannot figure out how to open it.

Sometimes you have no choice. Glovebox is fine but it's full of other stuff and I don't want to have to move things around as I'm dropping the car off. The new 5 series, the 7 series all have lockable storage. I don't see why BMW hasn't implemented this yet across the board. What's the big deal? Anyway, I always thought it would be a fantastic mod if someone could engineer it.

yeah but its pointless really, if someone wants something out of yr car then they will have it either way and damage the car even more, glove box is big enough, i would never lock it though

I disagree, and apparently so does BMW since they make it lockable in some cars.

well why dont they make it all cars if its such a good idea, Each to there own, lets agree to disagree!

Interesting; I guess I must have missed it but
my sun glasses are in a case and placed in the
drivers side door pocket. What's wrong with that?.......:dunno:

Just as different models have different options. Yes let's disagree.

laim option

:dunno: back at ya!:D

Never heard of a 'laim' option. Is that exclusive to the UK?

:iagree:


:dunno:

There are sure a LOT of posts by complainers about the topic :rolleyes:

If you don't like the topic, I suggest you just ignore it instead of wingeing about it...

Who's complaining?..........:dunno:
wingeing........................:dunno:

:iagree:

lol

yeah a lock on a compartment is really exclusive:thumbup:

/

its called debating!!:nanana::rolleyes:

I thought the discussion was about storing sunglasses.
If that's the case then my option stands. Put them in
a case. Then put them in the side pocket drivers side.
Now what's wrong with that? No need for a holder..........:D

exactly my point! i accidently left a quote on yr comment , thats why theres nothing there, i edited it and removed it!:D

Also from an X1 (see post # 26).

Can anyone get a p/n? I'll give it a try.

You mean from the one in post #26 or the one in post #82 ?

#82.

Here you go:

Tray for Glasses
Black 51 16 7 842 970
Beige 51 16 2 992 462
Grey 51 16 2 992 461

Plus 2 sheet metal screws (ST4,8X19) P/N: 07 11 9 905 134

^ Pic (82) looks like requires a headliner with designed in recess for part - no? Or, does that replace the handhold?

No idea. Try it out and let us know.