leatherZ arm rest

[carr88]

anyone use the leatherZ arm rest/center console?
is it worth it? does it get in way of shifting?

[Z4fortom]

I put one in my M. pulled it out the the exact reason you stated. Got in the way during shifting. Not recommended for Manual cars.

[Jimswift]

I have the armrest in my car, and I haven't had any issues with it getting in the way for shifting (during daily driving). I haven't tracked the car yet though, so maybe my opinion would change. Honestly, the bit of extra storage is really useful for holding my house keys and apartment fob. I find the armrest matches quite well with the interior as well. I can take a photo of it later if that's helpful for you.

[Z4fortom]

I do have the shorter ZHP shift knob, so that may emphasize the problem

[Aries326]

I use it. I don't think it gets in the way at all. I can comfortably rest my arm on and shift without problems.

[Loogey Clapp]

I have the LeatherZ center console and armrests. I like them too. I have the stock shift knob and no issues shifting. I like the console because of having someplace to put my sunglasses etc. Also, the console and the matching armrests put your elbows level with each other. Makes it nice for keeping the hands at 4 and 8 on the steering wheel when motoring along.

[pungo]

I have one and it looks it works really well, for me. I have a ZHP shifter and have no problem with it getting in the way of shifting. Maybe since I'm 6'1" my elbow sits up higher. I could see were it could get in the way of a shorter driver , as my friend who's 5'10" didn't like it as his elbow kept bumping it when he was shifting. On a positive note he thought it was factory it looks so good. For me it, actually eliminated some back pain on longer trips since both my elbows can rest at the same level and keeps me from being lopsided. I also have the padded door arm rests.

Just cut sturdy cardboard box, about 3.5" tall from long edge of the console, tape it in place and drive it for a few days. If it gets in the way, it's not for you.

[wdupdog]

Make sure you want it first . I bought the armrest and a shift knob from him and had the armrest 15 minutes before boxing and sending back. Cost me shipping and restocking fee. No good will there. Live n learn.

[GP20]

Tried it back in '05 when it first came out. Had it in my old Z4 for a day and pulled it out 'cos it was interfering with shifting. The silver paint on the base also started flaking off on day 1.

[schwank]

im 6ft2. Ive had one in my m coupe since maybe 09, or 010. Ive tracked it with no problems... I find it comfortable for daily driving but it does take a little getting used to. Id recomend it if you want the extra space

[pungo]

Originally Posted by GP20

Tried it back in '05 when it first came out. Had it in my old Z4 for a day and pulled it out 'cos it was interfering with shifting. The silver paint on the base also started flaking off on day 1.

Get the black one, no flaking since it's not top coated with color, but if it interferes with shifting, even a flake free one is not going to bring joy.

[v8z4]

I don't understand how people have an issue with the arm rest and shifting.


I have the "standard" (non cup-holder version) and a VERY short shifter (I cut and modified the shift handle stalk to accept a GM Hurst shift handle). Arguably my shifter is quite a bit shorter than the shortest "BMW" shifter setup.

I slam gears all day strong. My elbow never touches the arm rest when I'm shifting (and I'm not adjusting to avoid it either). You can see in my crappy angle self-taken picture that my arm just grazes over it.









The E46s have an arm rest that is MUCH higher than the LeatherZ version (my wife drives a 325i with a 5 speed) yet you never hear people with those cars complain.

[carr88]

Thanks for all the replies. Think I will try one.
Let you know how it works out.

[BMW Maniac]

Have one, love it, love the storage, hate the silver....get black! I thought the silver would match the door pulls, but it is more gray and doesn't even come close

[3002 tii]

I recall the arm rest being fine for the stock knob. After I switched to ZHP though, I felt it got in the way since my hand/arm needed to sit lower. But even with my taller knob, I've trained myself to keep both hands at the wheel and only move to shifter when necessary. I suppose it'd come in handy in stop and go traffic though.

[Walkurie]

Everyone's personal needs will be different. When I first installed the console it was uncomfortable with a stock shifter. Went to the Jaffster, extended the height of the shifter and the throw, but found that it felt more comfortable and precise at the same time.

[intoflatlines]

Got one earlier this month (imola red leather, black textured base) and I love it. It's very comfortable and doesn't interfere with shifting at all for me.

[Nate4641]

They just put 2 up for sale that had small blemishes in the leather (saw it on their facebook page). I wasn't planning on buying one yet, but you guys convinced me so I bought one of the blemished ones at a discount price. So I should probably say, theres only one with a small blemish for sale now.

[TCZ4]

Best mod for my car by far. I love mine. But I also have an auto.

[dean911]

Just curious. Anyone ever remove one? Does the double back tape damage carbon leather or the console?

Thanks, Greg

[v8z4]

Originally Posted by dean911

Just curious. Anyone ever remove one? Does the double back tape damage carbon leather or the console?

Thanks, Greg

I can't comment on carbon leather but I remove mine all the time. Tape comes right off without any residue. You can get the tape at an auto paint store. It's 3M Body Tape. I find all kinds of uses for it.

Chris

[norcal_cyclist]

I had a short shift knob and the leather Z arm rest - no bueno. I liked the center console more than the shift knob so I went back to the OEM unit.