Coin Holder option for E70 X5 (easy DIY)
 

After having an E46 3 sedan with the handy rotary coin holder in the center console I was dismayed to find my new X5 has no dedicated coin holder. Below are pics of my sophisticated high tech solution.

Inside center console BEFORE (note: this trench could hold coins but would still be noisy and disorganized) and (drumroll...) TA-DA! AFTER-

Not as impressive as replacing the clutch delay valve on my E46 but still a handy little mod. This part was from Custom Accessories and cost me $3.19 - the cheapest BMW mod I've done. It holds about $9 and is very secure with small piece of hook and loop tape.

Hopefully this helps somebody.

Nice. I just use the ashtray.

nice mod, but not sure how reachable it is. I also use the ashtray, and I've padded it with felt paper.

I tried the ashtray first but this part is a smidge too big for that space. I installed it at the front of the console compartment since that plastic ridge above (see photo) renders the front of the compartment unusable for anything bulky anyways. This holder tucks in underneath and I can reach it very easily. We'll see how it goes-

Nice mod. Where did you buy the parts from?

I've been keeping my coins in an empty mint case as of now. I removed my ashtray and lined it with felt and it holds my Oakley Canteen sunglasses there now (very snug fit. But I love how I can still slide close the cover and conceal my sunglasses).

No problems reaching the coins - easily reachable after popping the right console armrest. (BTW, Custom Accessories part number is 91116)

How do you make sunglasses fit in the ashtray? If you pop out the tray to get more room the space is uneven and there are those two spring-loaded tabs underneath. How do you line this compartment with felt paper?

Thanks for the part number.

Yeah. After popping out the ashtray, there are those two black caps with springs inside of them that stick out. You can simply remove them by pulling on them gently and slowly (otherwise you'll be looking around your car for the spring). You'll still have a little bit of protrusion from where the springs & cap fits, but once you put felt over it. It's not that noticeable.

I just got a piece of black self-stick felt from Michael's (about $1.00). Cut it to fit the front, bottom and back of the space. I could have done the sides, but it would have been more work. I'll try to post pictures sometime this week when I get a chance.

Here is the pics.

This solution is not that refined. You can see the edges and some gap with the felt, but for only a little more than $1.00. To convert an unused ashtray into a place to store my sunglasses with easy access. I like it alot.

The bottom is pretty smooth. The felt covers the two bumps very well. They are hardly noticable. It closes perfectly too without touching the sunglasses.

Of course, it's gonna depend on the size of the sunglasses you have.

Nice - I'll have to give that a try...

BMW should have a cig lighter delete.... who smoke in these cars anyway. :)