r/e53

Why did BMW choose to make their sun visors without telescoping supports? Does anyone make an aftermarket telescoping design?

This is supposed to be the ultimate driving machine, and it is in almost every respect except this one: effective shielding from sun glare. The side of my head gets baked because of this 8" gap from the edge of the visor to the B pillar. The visor also cannot be rotated to cover the gap just inside of the A pillar on the windshield--incredibly frustrating.

This is our awesome E53's passenger side in the photo, but our E39 had the same problem (had to let it go due to rust). Absolutely love these cars, but loathe the horrid sun visor design. Why BMW, why?!?!

Hi everyone! (EDIT: V1.1)

I'd like to present an alternative to harvesting expensive original microphones. (click me - I'm the Cult3D link!) I decided to design a 3D-printed holder that is a custom fit for the 84108794736 (often referred to as just -736) microphone that mimicks the original holder in as much detail as possible.

I was unhappy with the audio quality that the other solutions gave me, and other designs online both didn't fit this microphone and did not match the original size and shape at all. The -736 microphone is a drop-in replacement for the original and uses the original wiring, and has much better audio quality. It's also an actively made part, so is a cheaper option as well (even second hand).

There was a model of a similar blank holder available online, but it didn't fit the car very well, didn't fit a microphone of any sort and didn't match the OEM holder that well. So I took it upon myself to deisgn this in Blender with some time and patience. I had original mounts both with and without a microphone and measured them to get the design as close as possible; with some reinforcements to the tabs to help ensure that it is strong.

I designed this for use with the BlueBus, but would also work with an OEM TCU or a GROM USB. The example in the photos was printed with PETG, but ABS (or anything with a high melting point) would also do. I'd probably stay away from printing this in PLA (unless it is a Nylon or CF infused filament) due to the chance of heat in the cabin. The part took only 15 minutes to print on my Creality K1 Max, and is most definitely small enough to fit on any printer and to be printed in a very reasonable time.

If people ask for other cars (like the E38, E39 etc.) or other custom microphones, I am happy to make them as well. 100% happy to take feedback and make adjustments. Here are some photos. Thanks

Also, if the price seems wrong for it, do let me know and I will update it.

EDIT: UPDATE v1.1:

Added a lid with hexagonal studs to help keep the microphone in place. Studs are baked into the file with a 4% tolerance which makes it easy to put it on and strong enough to stay in place without getting knocked out.

LID UPDATE v1.11:

Tolerances have been tightened a fraction. But some room has been left to make sure most printers can print it without shrinkage easily. I added a small piece of very thin cardboard in between the top of the microphone and the bottom of the lid which makes it nigh impossible for the microphone to budge now.