When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I built a small accessory that fixes a detail that always annoyed me. Many of us enthusiast are used to BMWs and Audis coming from factory with OEM in-vehicle key fob holder. I assume those holders are made by the factory for folks who don't want to keep the key bulging in their pockets, and for folks who like a neat storage for the key.
Wondering about your thoughts on this solution and would love to hear your feedback before I finalize the design.
I'll post a photo of my manual trans console, a bit different from the automatic.
@Valerie Stabenow Please do! I'd be very curious to know if this solution would work with the 6 speed manual! I know it won't work for convertible body style due to the conflict with the roof switch.
Must be a coupe-the switch for the top occupies that space in the ‘vert.
@texas jag You are correct, sir! This would only work with the coupe.
It always annoyed me how cool and symmetrical the look is for the center console in the convertible, and how dull and asymmetric the look is in the coupe. The rubber mat in the coupe can't "store" anything, not shaped for any particular purpose, and I personally don't like the way it looks. First world problems
@Valerie Stabenow Please do! I'd be very curious to know if this solution would work with the 6 speed manual! I know it won't work for convertible body style due to the conflict with the roof switch.
OK, here it is... just that teeny tiny little 'coin tray'?????
OK, here it is... just that teeny tiny little 'coin tray'?????
@Valerie Stabenow Very helpful! thank you so much for sharing. Your pic got me curious to know if the accessory I built could work with manual. Please feel free to DM me if this is something you might be interested in, and you'd like to try and see if it fits. I might be able to print an extra sample for a fellow Badger
Love the idea as sometimes ladies don’t have pockets and there isn’t a great solution today. I’m questioning how far the fob sits up in your design. Going off of these photos. I feel like I’d want something tucked down quite a bit more to prevent the key from flying around if Little Cat and I get a little lead out. Meaning, I’d want it a bit more contained, rather than placed. But in the coupe, that absolutely feels like wasted space from factory.
I tend to carry a collection of keys and have gotten used the the pocket bulge. I feel like something is missing without it.
I put my key in my shirt pocket because they rattle around in the 2 deep cupholders behind the manual gearbox lever ( leever )..its amazing why manufacturers never put a small compartment somewhere in the cabin.
Love the idea as sometimes ladies don’t have pockets and there isn’t a great solution today. I’m questioning how far the fob sits up in your design. Going off of these photos. I feel like I’d want something tucked down quite a bit more to prevent the key from flying around if Little Cat and I get a little lead out. Meaning, I’d want it a bit more contained, rather than placed. But in the coupe, that absolutely feels like wasted space from factory.
You bring a valid point, @MellieR . To be honest, I have not tested this accessory on a track.
I have, however, driven with it "spiritedly" for so many times and It sits fine for the whole ride. As you can see in the image below, there are two sets of ridges to hug the key securely (2 tight contact points). If this fails, the key will lean on the edge of the trim in front of it (making 3 contact points- in this position the key sits slightly lower and less vertical).
One reason for my design, however, was my despise to the OEM rubber mat in the coupe. Honestly, I just wanted the rubber mat gone, and something with symmetrical design language (like the switch for the convertible) in! The key holder functionality followed as a good use of an element...
Not for me because I don't see the point of ever taking the fob out of the pocket but I love it. Really nicely executed and so nice that it replicates the structure of the park button on the other side. That little recess is totally pointless anyway so it's great to make something useful out of it. Kudos.
A bit off topic but reminds me of how the Jag fobs have grown in size so much over the years without any added value. Especially the last third generation is weirdly big for no good reason.
First they had their own and best version...
and then it just got clunkier and clunkier with the Land Rover fobs they started using. Exactly the same functionality all along, just bigger/uglier.
Center Console Key Fob Holder
