BMW 3 E46 Saloon Coupe Rear Seat Centre Armrest Leather Montana

BMW 3 E46 Saloon Coupe Rear Seat Centre Armrest Leather Montana is an original interior component that enhances rear passenger comfort and cabin aesthetics. Thanks to the factory BMW design and Montana leather finish, this armrest integrates harmoniously with the upholstery, providing a consistent, elegant interior look and comfortable support for passengers.

Specifications and technical data

• SKU: 8257776
• Mark: BMW (Genuine OE)
• Condition: Used
• OEM Part Number: 8257776
• Substitutable numbers: 52208257776, 8257776
• Location on the vehicle: Rear
• Category: Door Panels

Purpose and fitment

The presented item is a rear seat centre armrest designed for BMW 3 E46 Saloon and Coupe models. It has been designed as part of the original equipment, which ensures a proper fit to the backrest structure, correct hinge geometry, and compatibility with factory mounts in the rear interior.

The placement on the vehicle is the rear seat, in the central position, which allows for convenient use of the armrest by rear passengers without interfering with the folding function of the backrest or access to the boot (in accordance with the factory configuration of the given unit).

Construction and materials

The armrest is made of high-quality Montana leather, used as factory equipment in many BMW E46 trim levels. This type of leather is characterized by a pleasant-to-the-touch texture and a subdued, classic look that blends well with both light and dark interior variants.

The construction is based on a rigid base integrated with a tilting mechanism, which ensures stable support and repeatable operation during repeated folding and unfolding. The upholstery materials and padding used guarantee appropriate stiffness while maintaining comfortable softness during use.

Function and benefits of installation

Installing a rear centre armrest in a BMW E46 brings measurable benefits both in terms of comfort and the visual perception of the interior:

• increased travel comfort for rear passengers thanks to stable forearm support,
• a more orderly, complete look for the rear of the cabin,
• preservation of the original BMW interior character thanks to factory geometry and materials,
• easy integration with existing upholstery without the need for structural modifications.

For owners who are upgrading their interior or restoring it to a factory-like condition, this element is a practical addition to the equipment, allowing for improved ergonomics in the rear cabin area.

Condition and use in restoration projects

The item comes from dismantling, which makes it an attractive choice for restorations, accident repairs, or restoring the completeness of a BMW E46 interior. A used original part often fits better with existing upholstery than a new replacement, especially in vehicles with long-term use, where natural differences in shade and texture are important for a consistent visual effect.

The armrest can be used both as a replacement for a damaged element and as an upgrade in units that did not have this feature from the factory, provided that the backrest structure and mounts in the given car are adapted for it.

Integration with door upholstery and other interior elements

As an element from the Door upholstery group, this armrest fits into a wider set of components responsible for interior finishing – door cards, upholstery panels, and other elements covered in leather or fabric. Consistency in texture and build quality is important for comprehensive interior work, where a uniform finishing standard counts.

If you are planning a comprehensive repair or upgrade of the side and rear cabin area in your BMW and need other elements from the same group, such as upholstery panels, leather inserts, or complete door cards, check the available parts in the BMW Door upholstery category.

More about interior tuning and upgrades

If you are considering a wider cabin upgrade – replacing seats, the steering wheel, or other elements that improve ergonomics and appearance – it is worth familiarizing yourself with practical tips regarding the selection of used components and project planning. You will find useful information in the article Car interior tuning with Global Parts, which discusses how to effectively use second-hand elements to refresh a vehicle's interior.