New SE Observations

Is there a "cooler" fan the same size that doesn't make more noise?

 

There are plenty, although YS makes good fans. When I get around to it (to install the 3D-printed shelf to hold max-sized iPhones), I may try a Noctua or SilenX.

 

Thinking about this more, i'm sure the armrest is easy to remove if you can just get the trim pieces off from front and back of the pedestal.

I'm just the worst person in the world at removing trim pieces that have no visible fasteners. Some person here could probably get it in 5 mins or less. I tried for 5 mins and got nowhere. My impatience would soon lead to breakage. The armrest bolts are right below those trim pieces.

Then you could get a decent non-wireless armrest from Ebay, disconnect the plug in the back, and not have to cut anything. It would be easy to switch back later.

 

Now i REALLY feel dumb. I could have just swapped with the armrest i bought. I found this video.. the guy is installing an armrest on a MINI that doesn't have one. But check it out at about 19:15 - he just pulls on the trim and it releases! I tried it on mine - got it right off. I still would have broken it without seeing clear guidance.

But i do stand by my how-to as a free mod to get rid of the charger, without finding another armrest.

 

If it's easy-ish I would consider a swap -- what were your search terms for finding the replacement, and what did it cost? Do we have a part number?

 

Part # is 51169292951. I paid $149. This is the seller and i guess they have another? Looks like the same picture as the one i bought.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/363759034020

I also found the part numbers for the plain storage tray and the rubber mat, on the bottom sides. You can't get these separately from BMW. However i did find a rubber mat on Ebay (unfortunately doesn't fit in the wireless under tray - that would be too easy). But if you found these 2 items, you could remove the charger and tray and retrofit a storage bin, like i did.

Storage tray - 1254560
Rubber mat - 1254561

https://www.ebay.com/itm/233888659982

This is the part brand new:

https://www.bmwpartshub.com/oem-parts/bmw-center-arm-rest-511603-51169292951

 

If the arm rest bathers you so much grab a hacksaw and made first SE cabriolet will be easy DYI protect