[mini94519]

When I was in the parts department the other day, I was impressed by a new cupholder made to fit the BMW series 5. You can see the web page for the "E39" here. It's a very solid, well-made piece of engineering. I contacted the company that makes it to see if they might consider figuring out a solution for the Mini to accomodate cups higher than 5.5" and/or with bases greater than 2.5".

To back up a bit, of course we all know you can't fit most Starbuck's or soft drink cups in the front cupholders because they hit the toggle switch panel. The only after-market solutions I've seen so far are the MossMiini cupholder and a door-pocket cup holder. I'm looking for something that's more practical and integrates better with the Mini's interior.

Well Tom Clawges, the fellow at Tec Engineering is interested this problem and would like to hear what might folks might like to see in a new cup holder. So I'm posting this here to see if anyone wants to add comments or suggestions.

I guess some starting questions would be:

(1) do you like the flip-up design of the E39?

(2) do you think it would work if something similar would fit into the Mini's front cupholders and then swing up to hold the cup away from the toggle switch panel? (Keep in mind that some switches may be blocked then.)

(3) if a design were to utilize the existing cupholders, should it be a permanent or temporary installation?

(4) are there any other locations in the Mini's interior that might make an effective, convenient location for the cupholder?

(5) The E39 is a bit expensive at $89. How much do you think a design for the Mini should cost?


*Please know that I have no absolutely no affiliation whatsoever with this company.

[BillK]

I have had visions of a holder that drops in to the existing passenger side holder and swings out into the space next to the down tube in front of the passenger seat like a "side-car". No moving parts, and one could still use the original cup holder for sunglasses, MINI Mints, and the like. This solution does not work on the driver's side because it would interfere with the driver's leg space. The passenger does not have to push peddles so they have more flexibility in leg position.

The part can be injection molded. I should probably run out and patent it, but I'll be happy just to get one, and maybe an acknowledgement from the manufacturer that uses the idea.

[KenL]

What is it with you Americans and cup holders?

I say you shouldn't drink and drive

[LeeH]

I think the conversation at the Drive-Thru goes something like this...

"I'd like a coffee please"

"Would that be the 32oz or the large?"



Lee.

[LeeH]

(With respect to Bill Hicks)

[MiniG]

I like the stainless and aluminum design of the E39 holder, though I'd have to agree with billk, the best place is alongside the console in the passenger footwell. either a "sidecar" mount or something that bolts into existing screws please!
I had a cup holder from a VW Jetta that attached to the passenger side of the center console that I have fitted to many friends' vehicles, though it is expensive (around $50) and made of plastic. It had a flip open type design (lid folded down to make a tray and cup "arms" sprang up when opened. This was easy enough to mount in most vehicles with a couple of screws and it held 2 cups. Something with the look of the Tec design would be fantastic!
I am also considering an arm rest, which looks like it will interfere slightly with the center rear holder -- essentially the only one that is useful for cups! Help!
BCNU - G

[retroom]

I like the flip out/up design. The design should utilize the existing cupholders as the installation point. When it flips out it shouldn't block the window controls. I don't think it would be a big deal if the other toggles switches where blocked.

If it was a two cup holder I could see spending $50-$60. The single holder is pricey at $89.00

retroom