Center Console HELP - 2001 Beetle

[megamilam]

Okay, I absolutely hate the center console in the 2001 New Beetle.

The cup holders constantly fall out (with drinks) and the arm rest is falling apart before my very eyes.

I think I need to do a complete replacement of the entire deal, but somehow would like to upgrade. Does anybody have any recommendations for what else I can use?

Can I use a more recent model as a replacement??

HELP!

[BigBlackBean]

the armrest design changed slightly in 03, you can definitely swap it, same screw placements and everything

armrest assembly can be removed via bolt that goes in from the driver side of the armrest hinge, located after plastic cover is off, easily removable by just pulling on it, THAT EASY!

however, if this is removed you have this gaudy aluminum bracket waving at you and it's an eye soar, VW offers a cover for this

center console is easy to remove, it literally snaps off, or philips head screws after removing top plate

for automatics you need to remove shift handle SOMETIMES

anywho, i hope i helped and feel free to email me
thanks

[megamilam]

SWEET!!! Thanks for your response!

So, when you say,

the armrest design changed slightly in 03, you can definitely swap it, same screw placements and everything

are you saying that 03 is better AND can be swapped out?

Can I also swap other years???

If I can swap out almost any year, what year center console is the best?

[Th1rt3en]

I think the best center console is 2006+. Which is plug and play, plus you can use your armrest (if you have one) e-brake handle and power sockets. All you would need is just the center console and the back cup holder. The center console run about $130 new and rear cup hold about $30.

[megamilam]

That's great. Do you have a URL where I can order the '06 console? I can't find any online.

Thanks again!

[Th1rt3en]

What color is your center console? I can get you the part numbers and maybe you can order them at: "VW Parts" - "Volkswagen Parts" - Parts and Accessories Catalog.. But I order mine from the dealer.

[Th1rt3en]

Here is the post I got most of my info from:

'06 console in an '05?

It has the part numbers and colours plus a diagram of the center console.

[megamilam]

Mine is the tan color...unfortunately, I need to replace the arm rest too. (hopefully, there's a better version than the one I have)

[Beetlescott]

I have been wanting an armrest! Ernie didn't come with one at all. Good luck with yours, please let me know how it works. Can you add one to a bug that has never had one?

[topless kitty]

i know a few things in the convertible interior are different, like the window switch placement and the door pockets... is the console in the convertible different? i haven't looked much, but it seems like the tin tops got the "fold up" type armrest while the convertibles got the "built in" kind of style, very much like the MK5s have.

maybe i'm wrong and some tin tops got this type too? either way, seems like it would be a direct swap, and i really like it. looks more pulled together and thought out, less like an afterthought i guess. i'd suggest looking into this one. the biggest bonus with the 06+ is the cupholder placement, so it depends on your priority.

this is the best (rather, ONLY) picture i could come up with of the console like mine...

[mrchaotica]

There are four different possible consoles:

• '98 to 2000: fixed cupholders shoved up under the dash
• '01 to '03: cupholders that swiveled to the side
• '04 to '05: still swiveling cupholders, plus a huge fixed armrest that could contain a CD changer
• 2006+ (i.e. on post-facelift): cupholders next to the E-brake.

[Years are from memory; they might be off.]

I, too, like the 2006+ console best and plan to eventually upgrade.

[BigBlackBean]

06+ MODELS interior is slightly diff, don't know if the 06 interior will fit the a4 chassis

there are some questions whether the frame of the bug is diff from the a4, many say b4, HOWEVER, the front clip is the only diff on the vehicle, keep in mind everything else firewall back is still GOLF chassis SO.....

06+ MODELS share the new golf chasis, so the bolt batterns on the center console, INTERIOR REDESIGNED AS WELL, may not be similar......

if you're looking for OEM direct swap, you can go up to 05.....

the picture above is the same center console i have, with same pivot cup holders....minus the autotronic shift area.....SO yes, you may find others up to 05 for it

glad people are being able to help, multiple feedbacks are always a plus

thanks again
jong

p.s.

convertible models ARE DIFFERNT, so be certain you swap with convertible part

[mrchaotica]

Originally Posted by BigBlackBean

06+ MODELS interior is slightly diff, don't know if the 06 interior will fit the a4 chassis

The post-facelift Beetle is still on the A4 chassis (which is why it so badly needs a redesign -- it's now two chassis revisions behind the Golf & Jetta, going on three!). The interior is nearly identical, except for the center console and some minor details (thin chrome rings around the air vents, hazard light switch above the radio instead of below the A/C controls, etc.).

Originally Posted by BigBlackBean

if you're looking for OEM direct swap, you can go up to 05.....

And '06 is easy too, only requiring the e-brake mount to be modified. (Go read the thread Th1rt3en linked to; you'll see!)

To the best of my knowledge, the only hard swaps between pre- and post-facelift Beetles are bumpers and rocker panels.

[Beetlescott]

Originally Posted by BigBlackBean

06+ MODELS interior is slightly diff, don't know if the 06 interior will fit the a4 chassis

there are some questions whether the frame of the bug is diff from the a4, many say b4, HOWEVER, the front clip is the only diff on the vehicle, keep in mind everything else firewall back is still GOLF chassis SO.....

06+ MODELS share the new golf chasis, so the bolt batterns on the center console, INTERIOR REDESIGNED AS WELL, may not be similar......

if you're looking for OEM direct swap, you can go up to 05.....

the picture above is the same center console i have, with same pivot cup holders....minus the autotronic shift area.....SO yes, you may find others up to 05 for it

glad people are being able to help, multiple feedbacks are always a plus

thanks again
jong

p.s.

convertible models ARE DIFFERNT, so be certain you swap with convertible part

Can you add one to a 99 bug that didn't come with one?

[mrchaotica]

Originally Posted by Beetlescott

Can you add one to a 99 bug that didn't come with one?

Add one what? A center console? All New Beetles came with that. Maybe you're asking if you can add an armrest to a center console that didn't come with one?

[Deserion]

All consoles are interchangeable with all model years. Some may require more parts than others.

The Jumbo Box console is 2003.5-2005 (North America). I believe the ROW Beetles are still using this style.

[KevinR]

The console with the swiveling cupholders is useless as well. Go for the 2006> version.

[Basher]

I swaped my '99 center console to an 06+ model. The swap is not too hard, but you'll have to rework the handbrake base. You can't just order a new one, as they changed the location of the chassis welded pinbolts, not the handbrake base.

Check out the thread mentioned above... '06 console in an '05?

I also think it could be a good idea to change the handbrake cover, if you have the $$$ for it and use the e-brake often. The old model is a slightly tight fit.

[ladytonya]

The '01 console does not have the swivel cup holders. I hate the cup holders in mine, they are completely useless unless you're drinking out of a can! I like my drinks in bottles, but I have to hold it if I want to leave it open. Major PITA! I've thought about getting the inserts for the arm rest, but I use my arm rest too much while driving, I'd probably spill my drink anyway! I love my mom's swiveling cup holder in the '05 vert, but it only works if you have one drink. With two, the second has the same problem as my '01. Why was designing cup holders such a problem for VW? Seems like such an easy concept!

[GINA]

Originally Posted by ladytonya

The '01 console does not have the swivel cup holders. I hate the cup holders in mine, they are completely useless unless you're drinking out of a can! I like my drinks in bottles, but I have to hold it if I want to leave it open. Major PITA! I've thought about getting the inserts for the arm rest, but I use my arm rest too much while driving, I'd probably spill my drink anyway! I love my mom's swiveling cup holder in the '05 vert, but it only works if you have one drink. With two, the second has the same problem as my '01. Why was designing cup holders such a problem for VW? Seems like such an easy concept!

Just playing devil's advocate, but some would argue that you shouldn't be drinking while driving.