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Mark2 Armrest Frequently Asked Questions

Will it fit my Z3? Will fit an e36 3-Series?
How does it work?
What about cupholders?
How much storage space is there?
What colors and options can I get?
Will it match my interior?
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?
Can I get a logo embroidered on the armrest?
Is it durable?
Q:  Will it fit my car?

A:  The LeatherZ Mark2 Armrest is designed to work with the BMW Z3 Cupholder-Coinholder, part number 51-16-8-413-622. It will fit all left-hand drive Z3s, M Roadsters, Z3 Coupes, and M Coupes produced from 1996 to 2002. 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 Mark2 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.) 

E36 Owners: The Mark2 was designed specifically for the Z3. It will work in an e36 3-Series that has a similar 622 Cupholder-Coinholder to the Z3. The e36 Variation of this part is part number 82 11 1 468 391; This is what the part looks like. Please note that the Mark2 will add 2" to the height of this part. If you do not have the 391 Cupholder-Coinholder, both of the Complete Unit Mark2 Armrests (2 Cupholder and Large Storage Bases) will fit the E36 3 Series. Please not that the Mark2 Armrest will add 2" and the base will add 1 5/8" to the height of the center console. We have been told that it sits too low in the 3-Series for some people and request that you do spend some time taking measurements of your car. If you decide to buy it anyway, we will not accept it for return if you are not happy with the height.

1.  Empty Center Console 2.  Cassette Holder 3.  Over-Engineered Cupholder 4.  Cupholder-Armrest 5.  Cupholder-Coinholder
Q:  How does it work?
A:  Check out this video of the Mark2 in action shot by Carter the Great. The Mark2 Mounts to the BMW Cupholder-Coinholder base. It is hinged along the back that allows the unit to fold up to allow access to the second cupholder and the storage area.
Q:  What about cupholders?  How much storage space is there?
A:  The Coinholder-Cupholder has 2 sections.  The forward section has 2 cupholders.  In the aft section, there is a storage area approximately 6"x2.5"x3" in size.  There is also a coinholder for quarters, nickels and dimes. Once installed, the Mark2 hinges toward the back of the car allowing access to the second cupholder and the storage bin. You can see an image of the Mark2 in the 'Up Position' here.

 

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 email us for a free dyelot sample before buying.  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 can I get one? 

A:  There are 4 ways for you to get a Mark2 Armrest:

1.

Choose the armrest you want and order it here with your credit card through our secure server. Click Here to be taken to the Order Page.

2.

Order the armrest you want over the phone with your credit card by calling 513.631.2275.

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 (Cincinnati local customers only - please call 513.631.2275 for an appointment)
Q:  What if I already have a BMW Coinholder-Cupholder?
A:  If you already have a BMW coinholder-cupholder in your car like the one shown above (most 2000 and 2001 cars do), you should choose the "Armrest Only" option. When you get your Mark2 Armrest, it will bolt onto your coinholder-cupholder. Drilling into your coinholder-cupholder is required. There are assembly and installation instructions here.  If you do not have a drill or do not want to drill, you can remove the coinholder-cupholder from your car and send it to us. We will assemble your Mark2 at no charge. The shipping address for all Mark2's 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: In the Installation Archive, you can find the Installation Insructions. Click here for the direct link.   

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, we can still finish an armrest for you. However, we ask that you pay for the difference between standard US shipping and the cost to ship to your country. We will double-box your armrest for extra protection. 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 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 an embroidered logo. How can I get one?
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 between 9am and 7pm Eastern time.  I run a very hectic schedule and I will return your call as soon as possible.