BMW E46 Centre Console Armrest Arm Rest Black Leather 8213630

Visual condition of the part

The product shows signs of use visible in the photos.

BMW E46 Centre Console Armrest Arm Rest Black Leather is an original interior component designed for the 3 Series E46 models, which improves driving ergonomics and comfort for both the driver and passenger. Thanks to its OEM factory design, the armrest integrates perfectly with the factory centre console, ensuring a cohesive cabin look and secure mounting. It is a practical solution for users looking to restore interior functionality or complement their equipment with a comfortable leather element from the Centre and roof consoles category.

Specifications and technical data

• SKU: rhd-8213630
• Mark: BMW (Genuine OE)
• Condition: Used
• OEM Part Number: 8213630
• Substitutable numbers: 8213630, 51168213630, 8213679, EM
• Color: Black
• Category: Centre & Overhead Consoles

Purpose and fitment for BMW E46

The presented armrest has been designed specifically for the interior architecture of the BMW 3 Series E46, which translates into precise fitment with the factory centre console. The OEM construction allows for installation in place of the original part without the need for modifications, maintaining the cockpit's stylistic lines and the correct geometry of mounts and hinges.

Thanks to this solution, the user receives a component that integrates with existing panels and storage compartments without disrupting the functionality of the centre tunnel. This is particularly important when renovating the interior or restoring the vehicle to a configuration close to factory specifications.

Materials and finish

The armrest is finished in black leather, which matches popular BMW E46 interior configurations and facilitates matching with standard upholstery. The leather surface provides a pleasant-to-touch, durable material that withstands daily use and contact with the driver's hand well.

The Black colour scheme allows for consistency with the dashboard, door cards, and other centre tunnel elements. At the same time, the leather gives the interior a more orderly and well-maintained character, which is significant both in daily use and for the potential resale of the vehicle.

Functionality and ergonomics of the centre console

The centre console armrest plays an important ergonomic role – it stably supports the driver's forearm while driving, which reduces fatigue on longer trips and improves the comfort of operating the gear shifter and controls on the tunnel. In the BMW E46, this is particularly noticeable during highway and city driving, where frequent gear changes and maneuvers require repetitive hand movements.

This element also constitutes an integral part of the tunnel assembly, organizing the space between the seats and influencing the perception of the entire central zone. A well-chosen leather armrest helps maintain a cohesive, orderly cockpit appearance, which is essential for comprehensive interior restoration.

Condition, origin, and assembly aspects

The offered armrest comes from the BMW line, which means compliance with the brand's factory design standards. As a used part, it retains its original construction and geometry, allowing it to be used as a replacement for a factory armrest in vehicles where the existing component has suffered mechanical wear or damage.

During installation, it is worth paying attention to proper seating in the centre console mounting points and the correct operation of the opening mechanism, if applicable to the specific interior configuration. Replacing this part is usually carried out as part of standard service work on the centre tunnel and does not require interference with the vehicle's electrical system.

Comprehensive modernisation of the BMW centre console zone

If you are planning a comprehensive repair or modernisation of the centre console zone in your BMW and need other components from the same group, such as tunnel panels, storage housings, or additional assembly modules, check out the available parts in the BMW Centre and roof consoles category.

For users interested in a broader technical context and a comparison of solutions used in various sports and standard models, a discussion on engine construction, braking systems, and chassis may be useful. For this purpose, it is worth reading the article Audi RS vs other models – what is hidden under the hood and chassis?, which shows how manufacturers differentiate equipment and components depending on the vehicle's purpose.