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2Addicts | BMW 2-Series forum Technical Topics DIY and Coding Discussions DIY: iPhone cupholder insert connector

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      07-09-2014, 02:42 AM   #1
HX_Guy
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DIY: iPhone cupholder insert connector

Saw some solutions online for this but nothing I really liked so decided to do my own. Came out very good I think, phone seems stable and the look is very clean. It does require drilling a hole into the bottom corner of your cupholder area so you have to be comfortable with that.


Parts needed:

• JB PlasticWeld
• Dremel w/ Carving Bit & Plastic Cutting Wheel
• Electric Drill with Small Drill Bit
• 6' Apple Lighting Cable
• BMW Cupholder Insert (Part #51169257207 - http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Site...0179/ES2720179 )



Cut off the end of the cupholder insert.


Remove the end of the cupholder insert.


Smooth off edges with your your hand or using a utility knife.


Position the phone where you want it. Furthest back is best so that the edge of the cupholder will give some support. Mark the the middle of the phone so you know where to make your hole.


Drill a starter hole in the center.


Using your carving bit, carefully make a hole the size and shape of the iPhone connector. Go slow and test fit from time to time until the hole is big enough.




Insert the connector.


Plug the phone in and keep it plugged in while you apply the JB PlasticWeld. This way the connector is in the correct position (not too far in or out).


Apply JB PlasticWeld generously and hold the phone/cupholder insert for approx 30 minutes until the JB PlasticWeld hardens.


Unplug the phone and you have the finished product.


Remove the rubber cover from the bottom of the cupholder and make a hole using your drill and drill bit. Feed the Lighting cable through.


Pull the cable out the other side.


Tuck the cable under the plastic cover of the center console.


Route the cable to the USB connection under the armrest.


And you're finished!






Last edited by HX_Guy; 07-09-2014 at 01:19 PM..
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      07-09-2014, 10:56 AM   #2
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Had a chance to test it out this morning with the JB Weld all cured and no problems at all. Not sure how well it will hold up over time but I accelerated @ 0.44g, braked at 0.77g and took a turn at 0.80g and the phone didn't budge (gotta love the M Laptimer app )

Looks pretty good during the day too...





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      07-09-2014, 04:09 PM   #3
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Looks really nice. Congrats!
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      07-09-2014, 04:56 PM   #4
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Looks great, nice job. You give any thought to gluing in a lightning to 30-pin adapter like this in order to easily use the BMW supplied splitter cable? I guess you'd need the adapter and a 30-pin to 30-pin extension cable.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00KFX...110_SY165_QL70
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      07-09-2014, 04:58 PM   #5
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What splitter cable? My car didn't come with one and I don't know what I would use it for, I plug the phone into the USB port directly with an off-the-shelf Lightning cable.
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      07-09-2014, 08:52 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HX_Guy
What splitter cable? My car didn't come with one and I don't know what I would use it for, I plug the phone into the USB port directly with an off-the-shelf Lightning cable.
Without tech package or enhanced BT the USB only provides power, not audio. Dumbest thing ever. In any event, the splitter works w old 30-pin (why not lightning no idea) to turn USB from everything to just power and also has stereo plug for Audio. So assuming you're only getting power, that adapter glued in plus 30-pin cable and BMW adapter you'd get charge and audio. You should have gotten one check your glovebox if not call dealer.

I went with USB power connected to a small hub along w a USB BT receiver that's plugged into aux port, for me better than enhanced BT bc I want to control everything from phone.
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      07-10-2014, 10:31 AM   #7
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just from the pics it looks like he has the tech package
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      07-10-2014, 10:34 AM   #8
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Nice job OP

But for me my coffee is more important than my iphone..so that cup holder is a must
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      07-10-2014, 10:38 AM   #9
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Well there's always the other side, that insert comes out too!
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      07-10-2014, 10:44 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mmmmm235i
just from the pics it looks like he has the tech package
Good call didn't pay much attention to the screen.
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      07-26-2014, 07:32 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HX_Guy
Well there's always the other side, that insert comes out too!
taking it out will be a problem though, considering that the cable is glued over there all the way. i actually found a very nice position for a phone - in front of hand brake. slightly to the right, there is a perfect gap for it.
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      07-26-2014, 07:45 PM   #12
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I meant you can take out the other insert if you need a place to put your drink.

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      01-16-2015, 11:12 AM   #13
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Just saw this mod and am impressed! Very slick. Is it still working out for you? Is it stable enough for the phone?

EDIT: Just saw your updated post. And STILL impressed.
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Last edited by NEUE02; 01-16-2015 at 12:10 PM..
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