Begin by removing whatever is in the center console of your car.  BMW offered several different options during the life of the BMW Z3. It should be one of these options (click on picture for instructions):

1.  Empty Center Console	2.  Cassette Holder	3.  Over-Engineered Cupholder	4.  Cupholder-Armrest	5.  Cupholder-Coinholder

Follow the instructions which relate to your car only up to the point where the center console is empty.  After your console is clear, you can install your Mark2 Armrest. Follow the instructions for the Mark2 Armrest configuration you purchased:

Mark2 Armrest Lid Only Option

Mark2 Armrest with Large Storage Base Option

Mark2 Armrest with 2 Cupholder Option

Mark2 Armrest Lid Only Option

Included with your Mark2 Lid Only Armrest, were the following: (1) 11/64" drill bit, (2) 8/32" bolts, (2) fender washers, (2) 8/32" nuts. Place the Mark2 Armrest on a flat surface with the padded/leather portion down. Position the cupholder console onto the armrest, engaging the "key" into the aft cupholder. Be sure the armrest hinge is exposed on the console (i.e.: hanging down). I recommend that you place a piece of cardboard under the armrest at the back of the base. This will ensure that you do not drill the holes for the hinge too low. Drilling the hinge holes too low will result in the front of the armrest to stick in the air. A thin piece of cardboard from the back of a pad of paper will work fine. I personally use a stack of four (4) business cards.

The base should be positioned so that the hinge on the armrest has an equal space on each side of the hinge. The center hole of the hinge should be at the center of the base. This is a critical step. If you do not position the hinge correctly, the Mark2 will not open and close properly. Once the base is aligned, remove the backing on the double-sided tape on the hinge and press the hinge on to the console. The tape will hold the hinge in place when you drill the holes for fasteners.

Using the included 11/64" diameter drill bit, drill through the first console surface only, at only the 2 outside hinge holes (do not drill the center hinge hole). Try to drill at the center of each hinge hole. Do not drill too deep or you will put holes into the storage area of the cupholder-console.

Insert each 8/32 screw into the hinge and console.

With the screws in place, use a pair of needlenose pliers or tweezers (preferred) to set the washer onto the screws. Repeat the process to get the nuts started on the screws. Use a pair of needlenose pliers to fully tighten down the nuts. This is critical to maximize the strength of the armrest to the base.

Reinstall the unit in your car. To install the 2 Cupholder base, Install the front of the cupholder console first. Make sure the male tab at the front of the cupholder console mates with the female slot in the center console of your car. After the tab is engaged, lower rear of console and re-attach sheet metal screw on the floor of the storage area. Replace the carpet on the floor of the storage area.

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Mark2 Armrest with Large Storage Base Option

The Mark2 Armrest with Large Storage base comes fully assembled. All you need to do is install the unit.

Begin by removing the option in your car listed at the top of this page.

Included with your Mark2 Armrest were (2) U-Style Clip On Nuts and (2) sheet metal screws. With your console empty, Install the two U-Style Clip On Nuts. It is possible that your car may already have one or both of these installed. If not, you will install them at the front and the back of the bottom of the open tray. The clips slide over the plastic, install them with the flat side up.

Position the Mark2 Base into the console. The base will have room to move forward and back. If you look through the two holes in the bottom of the base, you will be able to line up the base with the nuts.

With the Mark2 Base installed, drive the provided 2 #8 sheet metal screws in the appropriate holes. Center the Mark2 Base side-to-side and tighten the screws. Replace the carpet and enjoy your new Mark2 Base

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Mark2 Armrest with 2 Cupholder Option

The Mark2 Armres with 2 Cupholder base comes fully assembled. All you need to do is install the unit.

Begin by removing the option in your car listed at the top of this page.

Included with your Mark2 Armrest is (1) U-Style Clip On Nut and (1) sheet metal screw. With your console empty, Install the U-Style Clip On Nut at the back of the open console (see above picture and refer to the clip on nut at the back of the open console - on the right in the picture. It is possible that your car may already have one of these installed. The clip slides over the plastic, install it with the flat side up.

Install the front of the cupholder console first. Make sure the male tab in the cupholder console mates with the female slot in the center console of your car.

After the tab is engaged, lower rear of console and re-attach sheet metal screw on the floor of the storage area.

Replace the carpet on the floor of the storage area.

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Why these tools are optional and a special note (make sure you read this!!)

I never liked the idea of drilling a hole into a car as special as a Z3.  I would rather avoid it if possible.  Many customers have reported that they did not drill the hole in their car.  They did not use the bolt or nut.   They claim that the armrest is secure enough with simply the plastic tabs mated to the slots in the center console.  Others have reported using Velcro or double-sided tape in the center console recess below the forward cupholder of the LeatherZ armrest.  I recommend that everyone try the LeatherZ armrest unbolted for a few weeks.  If you feel that it is not secure enough, you can always add the bolt later.  Even if you do not use the bolt, you can use the rubber cap to hide the bolt hole.  This way, you may not have to drill in your car or bother with the nut.