E24 E28 E30 Z1 ashtray insert magsafe adapter

Late 80's BMWs use an ashtray that is functionally just an insert into the middle console. In the E24 specifically there is also close proximity to the cigarette lighter. These two factors were leveraged to create a fully reversible modification allowing for a sleek, cable-free, OEM-ish magsafe mount that respects the OEM look of the car. No more air vent squishing or dangling cables. 

Note that this specific model was only tested for an AC-less E24. Fitment for E28, E30 and Z1 is based on those models using the same part number for their ash tray insert. Be sure to let me know if you try this print on any of those models. 

Note that this print comprimises functionality in favor of looks: For the manual E24, when shifted in third gear the knob obscures the drivers sightlines. It also forces the user to look down if they need to look at their screen (for GPS, for example).

apart from this print, you will need a magsafe puck and a USB-C power delivery board that accepts 12V as input. 

The model is made to press-fit a second generation magsafe puck, a first-generation will not fit. As far as I can tell the switch happened in summer 2024. You've got the right one if your puck is close to 4mm thick, the older ones are more than 5mm thick. 

You can splice into the powercables for the cigarette lighter to receive always-on 12V power. As the cigarette lighter uses spade connecters I've opted to make a small T-joint so that no modifications were necessary to the original cables (fully reversible!). If you want, the print offers mounting holes for threaded inserts that will fit this specific USB PD board: https://www.amazon.com.be/dp/B0CPYGJW4Z

Installation should be straightforward: pressfit the puck, insert the USB cable into the board, pull out the original ashtray, provide power to the board in any way you see fit, slide the new insert into its position.