Frequently Asked Questions

Will it fit my car?
What about cupholders?
How much storage space is there?
What colors and options can I get?
Will it match my interior?
How much does it cost?
What if I already have a BMW armrest-cupholder?
How do I get one?
How long will it take to get my new armrest?
How do I install it?
How do I take care of it?
Do you offer custom embroidery?
Is it durable?
Q:  Will it fit my car?
A:  The LeatherZ Armrest is based on the BMW Armrest-Cupholder, part number 82-11-1-469-516. It will fit all left-hand drive* Z3s, M Roadsters, Z3 Coupes, and M Coupes produced from 1996 to 2001. Regardless whether you have an empty center console (1), the cassette holder (2), the over-engineered cupholder (3), the cupholder-armrest (4), or the coinholder-cupholder(5), the LeatherZ Armrest will fit your car.  (Special thanks to Robert Leidy at MZ3.net for letting me use his pictures of the Cassette Holder and the Over-Engineered Cupholder.) 

*  E-mail me if you have a right-hand-drive application.  I can help.
1.  Empty Center Console 2.  Cassette Holder 3.  Over-Engineered Cupholder 4.  Cupholder-Armrest 5.  Cupholder-Coinholder*
Q:  What about cupholders?  How much storage space is there?
A:  The LeatherZ Armrest has 2 sections.  Each section is covered by a lid.  In the forward section, there is a storage area approximately 8"x3"x3" in size.  The aft section has 2 cupholders which hold 12 oz. soda cans or up to McDonald's large size drinks.  There is also a small storage area for small oddments.  Click the image below for a larger picture of the armrest interior.  Armrest shown is not leather covered.

Q:  What colors and options can I get?
A:  The Mark2 Armrest is available in Black, Beige, Imola Red, Dream Red and Dark Gray leather.
Q:  Will it match my interior?
A:  Matching leather is as difficult as matching paint.  Not only does the color vary between hides of leather, but also the texture and grain pattern.  I looked at hundreds of samples from various manufacturers before selecting the 4 standard leather colors that I offer.  In general, the leather I use is an excellent match with the factory leather.  However, my leather will match some interiors better than others.  If you study your car closely, you will notice the leather on the seats is slightly different than the leather on the shifter or parking brake boots, and that leather is slightly different than the leather on the inside of the doors.  In addition, the plastic components such as the center console and dash board are slightly different colors than the upholstery.  Because leather is a natural product, you should expect some variation in color and texture.  As cars age, the leather will change colors due to exposure to the sun and the elements.  

If you are concerned about how well a LeatherZ Armrest will match your interior, I invite you to call or write to me for a free dyelot sample.  Send me an email with your sample request and a mailing address.  You can compare the sample to your car under natural light.  I will build your LeatherZ Armrest from the same hide as the dyelot.

Q:  How much does it cost?
A:  The cost of the armrest is $140.00 plus shipping.
Q: How can I get one? 

A:  There are 4 ways for you to get a LeatherZ Armrest:

1.

Choose the armrest you want and order it here with your credit card through Earthlink's secure server. Click "online store" above.

2.

Order the armrest you want over the phone with your credit card by calling 323.653.7761.

3.

Mail a check or money order (Please call for details and instructions).

4.

Stop by LeatherZ in person and choose the armrest you want (Los Angeles local customers only - please call for an appointment)
Q:  What if I already have a BMW Armrest-Cupholder?
A:  If you already have a BMW armrest-cupholder in your car like the one shown above, you can save $20.00 on the cost of a new LeatherZ armrest.  Please call or write for details.    There are lid removal and installation instructions here.  The basic process is you send me the 2 lids from your car and include your phone number. After I receive your lids and I cover them, I will call you for your credit card information. After I charge your credit card, I will ship the 2 finished lids back to you. My shipping address is:

Leather Z Cincinnati

Attention: Andy Maddux

3932 Hazel Avenue

Norwood, Ohio 45212
Q: How long will it take to get my new armrest? 

A: Typically 1-2 days for us to build your armrest and then ship it ou. We do not out-source any production. We finish every product with our own hands, and we will not rush or cut corners for any reason. Of course, we can always accommodate special orders on a case-by-case basis.

For US orders, we use FedEx Shipping. Normally, this service is very reliable. If you order an armrest and are concerned about delivery times or have special needs, always feel free to call me. We can ship overnight if necessary. I rarely get to speak with customers and I always enjoy it.
Q: How do I install it? 
A: I have built a webpage that explains the installation process in detail.  Click here to go there.  

If you are looking for installation instructions for Door Armrests, click here.  

For Universal Garage Door Openers, click here.

For Steering Wheel Tabs, click here.
Q: Can you ship an armrest to Canada? Europe? The far east? Anywhere in the world? 
A: Yes. If you live outside the United States, I can still finish an armrest for you. However, I ask that you pay for
the difference between standard US shipping and the cost to ship to your country. I will double-box your armrest
for extra protection at my expense. Please contact me if you are interested in this option so we can determine the exact
shipping cost.  In general, an armrest shipped to Europe costs an extra $20.00.  Armrests shipped to Asia cost an extra $30.00 each on average.
Q: Once I get my armrest, how do I take care of it?
A:  Please read the Leather Care page.
Q: I have seen some armrests with custom embroidery. Do you offer this?
A:  You can not get one from us. We did offer embroidery at one time but we do not offer embroidery any more and will not in the future. Do not even bother asking as we will not entertain any requests for it at any cost. This may come across as harsh, but we are firm on this point.
Q: How durable is the armrest? How long will it last? What about a warranty?
A: Durability? I'm not sure. We build every LeatherZ Armrest as if it were being installed in one of our cars. I have been selling Mark1 armrests since October 1998. No one has ever reported that their has failed or worn out. I use the highest quality leather and adhesives I can find. As far as a warranty, if you use any cleaner/conditioner other than Connolly Hide Food or the Spinneybeck Leather Maintenance Kit, we will not warranty the item. And yes, we will know if you used another product.
Q: How do I get a hold of you? I have other questions.

A: You can write me at any time. If you prefer, call me at home. My number is 513.631.2275. Please call before 11pm Eastern Time.  If I do not answer, please leave me a message and include a phone number where you can be reached after 4pm Pacific time.  I run a very hectic schedule and I will return your call as soon as possible.