[Sharbotcom]

I did the same replacement and the part cost $17 through the stealer.
Bill

[Needsdecaf]

Hear hear! Will be asking my local parts counter for this..

[Needsdecaf]

I ordered this part today. Apparently there are none in the US. But i should have it in 5 to 30 days.

[Needsdecaf]

Got mine yesterday. Minor improvement but nice to have just a normal cubby. Prost!

[justthefacts]

Originally Posted by dj_Gevara

Thanks to ghueser for this info!
As a non-smoker, I found it really annoying that the ashtray comes standard, but it's great to know that there is an alternative

I agree. I love my 550i, but the ashtray thing is utterly retarded. Here in Northern California I do not know of a single BMW owner who smokes tobacco. Not a one. So I am glad and grateful you guys found the non ashtray insert. That thing should be standard.

Also the whole cupholder ensemble, which is clunky and cleverly located so that cups totally block the climate controls, should be replaced with a tray to hold my phone, wallet, and keyfob - but that is another story...

[islandnipper]

Originally Posted by justthefacts

Also the whole cupholder ensemble, which is clunky and cleverly located so that cups totally block the climate controls, should be replaced with a tray to hold my phone, wallet, and keyfob - but that is another story...

Totally agree... with precious litte storage space, we end up with all that wasted opportunity...

Has anyone found any alternative insert for the double cup-holder aperature (I don't actually know whether the cup holder/power socket could be replaced anyway?).

Failing that, and assuming there are others who would happily lose our cup-holders (I never use them!) has anyone found a really good use for the exisiting shape? You can't even use them to hold loose change, as coins get under the holder frame and stop it closing...

I hate the look of them so much that I never use the key holder and just keep the cover closed.