[SummerallGuard04]

Been in my '16 550 for over 2 years and a gripe I have is the lack of useable space up front for the Driver & Passenger; not to mention how most cups basically block all of the climate control buttons, when you have a cup or 2 positioned as such. Wanted to see who all has some useable-space suggestions or contraptions (like cup holder trays) that they absolutely love and rely on. I usually toss my phone and things on the passenger seat and then they tend to roll around when I drive. It's also mainly me in the car by myself so I'm okay with sacrificing the usability of the passenger seat--for something like a tray--if needed.

So, whatcha got?!?

[ctcarbonari]

Originally Posted by SummerallGuard04

Been in my '16 550 for over 2 years and a gripe I have is the lack of useable space up front for the Driver & Passenger; not to mention how most cups basically block all of the climate control buttons, when you have a cup or 2 positioned as such. Wanted to see who all has some useable-space suggestions or contraptions (like cup holder trays) that they absolutely love and rely on. I usually toss my phone and things on the passenger seat and then they tend to roll around when I drive. It's also mainly me in the car by myself so I'm okay with sacrificing the usability of the passenger seat--for something like a tray--if needed.

So, whatcha got?!?

No help here.

I just wanted to share that I feel your pain @ "basically block all of the climate control buttons". Unfortunately, they're not all that large of diameter either. I wouldn't even think about setting a large to-go drink with a tapered bottom into the slot...lol

Like you, I use my passenger seat for most "storage while driving" needs.

I look forward to see if anyone else out there has come up with something different or has a good recommendation for larger & secure cup holder mount.

[ezaircon4jc]

How often are you guys adjusting the temp? I rarely change the temp or fan speed (except for a seasonal adjustment) and use the wheel to fine-tune when needed.

[ctcarbonari]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

How often are you guys adjusting the temp? I rarely change the temp or fan speed (except for a seasonal adjustment) and use the wheel to fine-tune when needed.

For me, this time of the year in the PNW I tend to manual max heat in the mornings then auto temp ~72 in the afternoons. I do all adjustments with the wheel as well.

I find it more aesthetically unappealing moreso than limiting my ability to access climate control.

[Qsilver7]

Do you all consider using the stratified air dial to adjust the temp of the air blowing on you warmer or cooler, instead of making the IHKA control panel adjust the entire temp of the vehicle?

This time of year where mornings can be near freezing...but afternoons can shoot up into the 70s...if the air blowing on me is too cold or too hot, I simply move the stratified air dial to the blue or red to adjust the temp of the air blowing on me. As mentioned already, I rarely adjust the entire temp of the vehicle...or deselect AUTO...the stratified air dial or other auto-programmed button (MAX, DEFROST, etc) takes care of odd situations.

Various BMW's stratified air dials:

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

Do you all consider using the stratified air dial to adjust the temp of the air blowing on you warmer or cooler, instead of making the IHKA control panel adjust the entire temp of the vehicle?

This time of year where mornings can be near freezing...but afternoons can shoot up into the 70s...if the air blowing on me is too cold or too hot, I simply move the stratified air dial to the blue or red to adjust the temp of the air blowing on me. As mentioned already, I rarely adjust the entire temp of the vehicle...or deselect AUTO...the stratified air dial or other auto-programmed button (MAX, DEFROST, etc) takes care of odd situations.

Various BMW's stratified air dials:

I really miss that dial on my G30. Having to get into a menu to access the digital dial is quite annoying.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

I really miss that dial on my G30. Having to get into a menu to access the digital dial is quite annoying.

I wonder if you can call the menu up with a voice command so that you wouldn't have to barrel down through multiple menu selections?

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

I wonder if you can call the menu up with a voice command so that you wouldn't have to barrel down through multiple menu selections?

I've been meaning to try that...

[cdmulders]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

Do you all consider using the stratified air dial to adjust the temp of the air blowing on you warmer or cooler, instead of making the IHKA control panel adjust the entire temp of the vehicle?

Always. I rarely ever change the temperature settings. I almost exclusively use the stratified air dial.

[SummerallGuard04]

lol

Still looking for a solution for up-front storage or go-to products that someone swears by...

[dortforshort]

I can't say I swear by anything because all I have right now is a cup holder insert that allows me to put larger cups in it. It blocks the climate controls and the drips from the cups get on the buttons and all around the console.

Having said that, my targeted ads lately have shown me stuff like this: https://stupidcartray.com/collections/all-products-1

I cannot speak to the quality or effectiveness of these, but I've been considering trying one. I usually have an empty passenger's seat since my wife's car is our family car. If I do get one, I'll come back and let you know what I think of it.

[Conserve]

Hands on wheel was the way BMW engineers envisioned driving BMW and that was the way from early on (1976 BMW 2002).

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by Conserve

Hands on wheel was the way BMW engineers envisioned driving BMW and that was the way from early on (1976 BMW 2002).

That's because they never got thirsty driving the American wide open spaces out west. I definitely needed the drink (and caffeine) we got on our (short by my standards) 470ish trip today.