Audi Port - Installing the factory armrest

Installing the factory armrest

The '97 A4 with the 1.8T engine did not come with the center armrest but is available on later cars. When I was buying the car the absence of the center armrest was no biggie but, I was at a VW/Audi show recently and had the opportunity to inspect it... yep, time to get one of those.

Tools to install the armrest:

Small flat screwdriver
Philips screwdriver
8mm socket (and, of course, the wrench...)
10mm socket
13mm deep socket
Something to cut the plastic console. I used a dremel tool... if you have the means I highly recommend it. : ) Buhler... Buhler...

Parts needed (note that part numbers may be different because of interior color):

Armrest base: 8D0-864-207-AF-BE5
Armrest cover 8D0-245-B-U26
Bolt: 4D0-098-050-AA
Screws (3): N-901-308-01
Nut (3): N-902-920-01

I strongly suggest you get your VIN number and interior trim colors from the tag located in the right side trunk next to the spare tire before ordering the armrest. The important numbers on my tag were LY7M and N03/QU.

I bought my parts from Clair Parts Express - a truly painless experience. I'll be calling them next time I need parts.

If you attempt to modify your car be sure you possess the skill to do so. These instructions are only a guideline and do not include every teeny-tiny detail. If you choose to do the mod you choose to do the mod. I'm not responsible in any way if damage your car.

Option code tag located in the trunk

Now... on to the install
	Slide the front seats all the way back for access. Remove the 2 plastic covers near the middle of the console by prying them out with a small screwdriver. Remove the 2-8mm bolts.
	Remove the rear ashtray by opening the lid and pulling the assembly straight up. Remove the 13mm nut with the washer.
	Remove the rubber mat from the storage compartment (it just lifts out) then push back on the bottom front edge of the phone connection jack and lift it out.
	Pop the square phone jack cover off and release the phone cable connector by pushing the small release tab on the clip... then watch it spring out and fall down into the dark unreachable places in your car you've yet to discover. Grope carefully.
	Remove the plastic parking brake handle cover. Pry the plastic pin straight out from than handle. Be careful, it's soft plastic and note that it stays attached to the front half of the handle. Pull the cover off. The back half then just slides forward to remove it.
	Lift the back of the console up off the stud, slide the console back to free the front edge then slide it up and forward. Watch when you remove the console that you don't loose the tiny little rubber damping pad stuck on the console near the rear bolt hole. The naked console.
	Just testing the armrest mounting bracket for fitment. Note the 3 mounting studs.
	The armrest bracket attaches to the bottom of the console with 3 screws. Note the bracket goes under the plastic hold down. Secure the bracket to the console then mark the location of the armrest socket to cut the console. Remove the bracket and make the first cut. You'll have to make a second cut later to accommodate the lip of the armrest base but you need the first hole so you can mark the location of the lip. Reinstall the bracket, and mark the location of the armrest base lip and cut again.
	Console cutout for the armrest base. I used a dremel tool and cleaned up with a file. I've heard somebody mention their console had slight markings on the underside to indicate where to cut... mine did not have any marks.
	Note the small rubber anti-squeak pad attached to the console. Personally, I figure if Audi spent the time, effort and expense to carefully place this seemingly insignificant 1 cent piece rubber I'll assume it's important. My car has no squeaks, rattles or buzzes... this little piece of rubber is one reason why. Attention to detail makes the difference folks.