"This single entry is part of my Interior Program for The Stripper. I seek to create my own blueprint to a GTS interior, with a bit more flare.

In this entry, I chat about the GTS armrest delete. Will I miss the storage space? Meh."
- Matt 

Your first stop. 

When I first got my Fire Orange M3 in 2018, I was dreaming of converting it to GTS spec - a dream is all I thought it would remain as I shopped some of our favorite BMW M parts importers in North America. 

My starting point what was I thought would be the most affordable component; the armrest delete. A beautiful, minimalist piece by BMW that conveys the values of a GTS build. The only aftermarket GTS armrest I could find was 900$ US.  

It isn't as easy as it looks. 

The GTS armrest appears simple in nature: a piece of foam and a plastic panel recovered in suede.  Every other month, we see a Facebook group member trying to replicate the armrest. It most often ends up looking a little bit off. 

The foam. 

One of the critical variable to the GTS armrest is in the OEM like black foam used to fabricate the underlying support to the armrest. It is ultimately the leading indicator of OEM like fitment, or a piece you'd want to throw out after a week.

BMW M GmbH had automated, expensive tooling to achieve a perfect fitment every single time. Here, the foam is cut and shaped by hand according and test fitted on each unit to ensure OEM like fitment. 

Multiple variants of foams to find the OEM matching variant with precise compression specifications for the snug fit we expect. 

The curvature. 

The OEM fitment is highly predicated on the curvature of the plastic panel. Considerable time was spent matching the exact OEM curvature. Manufacturing QC processes were established to ensure it matches on every single piece produced.

The armrest is not flat, as it follows the curvature of the original center console. 

Genuine Alcantara. 

The GTS armrest delete is originally upholstered with Genuine Alcantara in 9002 Anthracite, most commonly used across M cars. Matching original Alcantara is standard, with Deep Black 9040 being an option. 

Multiple adhesives were tested and discarded with the goal of retaining adhesion in all climates between the plastic panel and Alcantara. 

 

Overall, I'm impressed and satisfied with the aesthetics of the GTS armrest. I haven't missed the storage one bit either.

You can source this armrest year long here.