BMW E46 3 Series Rear Center Console Storage Box – Interior Ashtray Replacement Compartment with Sliding Cover for 323i 325i 328i 330i M3 | Replaces Part No. 51168225988

Restore the appearance and everyday functionality of your BMW E46 interior with this replacement rear center console storage box, designed for select 1999–2006 BMW E46 3 Series models. This interior accessory provides a convenient storage area at the rear of the center console, helping replace an aging, damaged, or missing original storage compartment when matched to the correct factory console configuration.

The BMW E46 center console combines practical storage with the clean, understated interior design associated with the 3 Series. Depending on the vehicle's original equipment, the rear section of the center console may feature a small storage compartment, an ashtray assembly, or another factory accessory.

As BMW E46 vehicles age, original interior storage components can become scratched, cracked, loose, or discolored. Repeated use, exposure to sunlight, and general interior wear may affect the appearance of plastic panels and their retaining features. On certain configurations, sliding covers or storage compartment mechanisms may also deteriorate.

This aftermarket rear storage box is intended to restore convenient interior storage while maintaining a factory-inspired appearance. Its automotive plastic construction provides a lightweight replacement for compatible original console storage components, allowing occupants to keep small personal items organized and accessible.

Unlike a universal organizer placed loosely inside the vehicle, this product is intended for the corresponding E46 rear center-console location. Correct fitment depends on the vehicle's existing console layout, armrest configuration, mounting opening, and original storage or ashtray assembly.

Whether restoring a high-mileage BMW 325i, refreshing a 330Ci interior, or replacing damaged rear console trim in an E46 M3, this storage box provides a practical solution for improving the appearance and organization of the original interior.

Key Features

• BMW E46-Specific Application: Designed for compatible E46 3 Series rear center-console storage configurations.

• Rear Console Storage Solution: Provides an organized compartment for small everyday items.

• Factory-Inspired Design: Intended to complement the original BMW E46 interior appearance.

• Automotive Plastic Construction: Lightweight molded plastic construction for interior use.

• Replacement for Damaged Components: Suitable for replacing cracked, scratched, worn, or missing storage assemblies when the mounting design matches.

• Convenient Interior Organization: Helps keep small belongings and loose items contained.

• Rear Ashtray Conversion Potential: May replace the corresponding factory rear ashtray on compatible console configurations.

• Multiple E46 Body Styles: Applicable to selected Sedan, Coupe, Convertible, Touring, and M3 configurations.

• Original-Style Console Integration: Intended to fit the appropriate rear console mounting location.

• Practical Interior Restoration: Refreshes an often-used interior area without automatically requiring replacement of the entire center console.

Benefits of a Rear Center Console Storage Box

Improves Interior Organization

A dedicated rear storage compartment provides a convenient location for small accessories, loose change, and other everyday items.

Keeping smaller belongings in one compartment can help reduce clutter throughout the cabin.

Restores the Appearance of Worn Console Trim

Damaged or missing rear console components can make the interior appear incomplete.

Replacing the affected component helps restore a clean, factory-inspired appearance.

Provides an Alternative to an Unused Rear Ashtray

Certain BMW E46 configurations feature a rear ashtray assembly.

When the replacement storage box is designed for the same opening, it can provide a more practical storage arrangement for owners who do not use the ashtray.

Supports Interior Restoration Projects

The rear console is frequently exposed to contact from passengers, shoes, and stored items.

Replacing deteriorated components can improve the condition of an aging BMW interior.

Maintains the Original Console Layout

A correctly matched replacement preserves the basic design of the factory center console without requiring a custom dashboard or center tunnel conversion.

FITMENT / VEHICLE COMPATIBILITY

BMW E46 3 Series Sedan

1998–2005, depending on market and model

• BMW 316i Sedan: Selected international-market applications

• BMW 318i Sedan: Selected applications

• BMW 320i Sedan: Selected applications

• BMW 323i Sedan: 1999–2000

• BMW 325i Sedan: 2001–2005

• BMW 325xi Sedan: 2001–2005

• BMW 328i Sedan: 1999–2000

• BMW 330i Sedan: 2001–2005

• BMW 330xi Sedan: 2001–2005

BMW E46 3 Series Coupe

1999–2006, depending on market and model

• BMW 316Ci Coupe: Selected international-market applications

• BMW 318Ci Coupe: Selected applications

• BMW 320Ci Coupe: Selected applications

• BMW 323Ci Coupe: 2000

• BMW 325Ci Coupe: 2001–2006

• BMW 328Ci Coupe: 2000

• BMW 330Ci Coupe: 2001–2006

BMW E46 3 Series Convertible

2000–2006, depending on market and model

• BMW 318Ci Convertible: Selected applications

• BMW 320Ci Convertible: Selected applications

• BMW 323Ci Convertible: Selected 2000 applications

• BMW 325Ci Convertible: 2001–2006

• BMW 330Ci Convertible: 2001–2006

BMW E46 Touring / Wagon

Selected 1999–2005 Applications

• BMW 318i Touring

• BMW 320i Touring

• BMW 323i Touring

• BMW 325i Touring

• BMW 325xi Touring

• BMW 330i Touring

• BMW 330xi Touring

• BMW 318d Touring

• BMW 320d Touring

• BMW 330d Touring

BMW E46 M3

• BMW M3 Coupe: 2001–2006

• BMW M3 Convertible: 2001–2006

BMW E46 Compact

• BMW 316ti

• BMW 318ti

• BMW 325ti

• BMW 318td

• BMW 320td

Compact Fitment: Not independently confirmed for this specific aftermarket storage box. The center console and storage arrangement must be checked before including Compact applications in guaranteed fitment.

Important Fitment Exclusions

• BMW E30 3 Series: Different center console design.

• BMW E36 3 Series: Different interior storage configuration.

• BMW E90 / E91 / E92 / E93: Different center console platform.

• BMW E39 5 Series: Not established as compatible with this E46-specific component.

• BMW E60 / E61 5 Series: Different console and storage assembly.

• BMW E83 X3: Separate storage trim application; not guaranteed compatible.

Fitment Requirement: The vehicle must have the corresponding E46 rear center-console storage or ashtray opening. Compare the product's mounting arrangement and dimensions with the existing interior component before ordering.

Engine Compatibility

Rear center console storage compatibility is determined by the interior center-console configuration, not engine size.

Potential compatible E46 vehicles may have the following engines:

Four-Cylinder Gasoline Engines

• M43

• N40

• N42

• N45

• N46

Six-Cylinder Gasoline Engines

• M52TU

• M54

• M56

BMW M Performance Engine

• S54 – E46 M3

Diesel Engines

• M47

• M47TU / M47N

• M57

• M57TU / M57N

Important: The engine does not determine whether the storage box fits. Confirm the actual center console, body style, and original storage compartment.

OEM Part Number Information

BMW produced several rear center-console storage and ashtray configurations for the E46.

The following part numbers are provided as related original BMW references, not guaranteed direct replacements for the aftermarket product.

Black Rear Storage Compartment

• 51168225986

• 51 16 8 225 986

Earlier Black Storage Reference

• 51168225377

• 51 16 8 225 377

Beige Rear Storage Compartment

• 51168242733

• 51 16 8 242 733

Gray Rear Storage Compartment

• 51168258277

• 51 16 8 258 277

Separate Rear Ashtray Reference

• 51168258281

• 51 16 8 258 281

Important: BMW rear storage boxes and rear ashtrays may differ in finish, sliding-cover design, trim details, and mounting configuration.

The supplied product description does not identify a definitive OEM replacement number. Do not advertise any of these references as a direct replacement until the physical product matches the corresponding original component.

Product Specifications

• Product Name: Rear Center Console Storage Box

• Product Type: Interior Storage Compartment / Rear Console Organizer

• Vehicle Manufacturer: BMW

• Vehicle Platform: E46 3 Series

• Primary Model-Year Range: 1999–2006, Depending on Model and Body Style

• Compatible Body Styles: Selected Sedan, Coupe, Convertible, Touring, and M3 Applications

• Installation Location: Rear Section of Interior Center Console

• Primary Function: Storage and Organization of Small Interior Items

• Additional Application: Rear Ashtray Replacement on Compatible Console Configurations

• Construction: Molded Automotive Plastic

• Exact Polymer Grade: Supplier Verification Required

• Color: Verify Actual Product Color

• Surface Finish: Factory-Inspired Interior Plastic Finish

• Storage Configuration: Rear Console Compartment

• Sliding Cover: Not Confirmed

• Chrome Trim: Not Confirmed

• Mounting Type: Original-Style Console Retention Where Compatible

• Compatible Interior Equipment: Must Match the Existing Console and Armrest Arrangement

• Exact Dimensions: Supplier Verification Required

• Storage Capacity: Not Independently Verified

• Electronic Components: None Confirmed

• Electronic Programming Required: No

• Product Category: Aftermarket Interior Storage and Console Accessories

Package Contents: One rear center-console storage box, subject to confirmation of the actual SKU.

Do not advertise a sliding cover, chrome trim, mounting hardware, cupholders, or a complete center console assembly unless the supplied product includes those components.

Compatibility Notes

• BMW E46 Platform: Intended for compatible E46 rear center-console storage configurations.

• Rear Console Location: The product is intended for the rear portion of the center console, rather than the dashboard glove compartment.

• Storage Box Identification: Confirm whether the actual component is a complete compartment assembly or a removable internal storage tray.

• Rear Ashtray Conversion: Some E46 storage compartments can replace the original rear ashtray assembly.

• Ashtray Versus Storage Box: A storage compartment is not necessarily identical to the original ashtray insert.

• BMW 323i: Selected E46 Sedan applications may use the corresponding rear console storage arrangement.

• BMW 325i: Selected E46 Sedan applications are documented for original rear storage compartments.

• BMW 325xi: Compatible center console layouts require verification.

• BMW 328i: Selected early E46 applications are associated with corresponding factory storage components.

• BMW 330i: Selected E46 applications are documented.

• BMW 330Ci: Coupe and Convertible configurations must match the product's mounting design.

• BMW E46 M3: Factory rear storage and ashtray configurations are documented, but actual aftermarket product fitment must be confirmed.

• E46 Sedan: Compatible applications generally extend through 2005 in North America.

• E46 Coupe: Certain compatible configurations extend through 2006.

• E46 Convertible: Rear console storage arrangements should be checked against the original interior equipment.

• E46 Touring: Selected Touring models use corresponding E46 rear console storage components.

• E46 Compact: Fitment is not confirmed for every Compact console arrangement.

• Factory Armrest Configuration: Some console and accessory combinations vary according to whether the vehicle has a factory center armrest.

• Vehicles Without Armrests: Confirm the rear console arrangement before guaranteeing compatibility.

• Armrest Retrofitting: Aftermarket or retrofitted armrest assemblies may affect available mounting space.

• Original Center Console: Intended for the corresponding factory-style console arrangement.

• Aftermarket Center Consoles: Custom consoles or modified trim may not accept the replacement.

• Sliding Cover Design: BMW offered rear storage compartments with rolling or sliding covers. This feature is not confirmed for the supplied aftermarket product.

• Chrome Trim Variations: Some BMW original compartments feature a chrome accent strip.

• Interior Color Matching: BMW E46 interiors were available in black, gray, beige, and additional trim combinations.

• Black Interior: Confirm the supplied storage box's actual color and texture.

• Beige Interior: A black component may not visually match beige interior trim.

• Gray Interior: Check the exact factory gray shade before advertising color-matched replacement.

• Material Construction: The product is advertised as automotive plastic; the exact polymer formulation is not verified.

• Surface Texture: Aftermarket materials may differ from original BMW plastic in grain, sheen, or finish.

• Original Storage Compartments: BMW used multiple rear storage references depending on color and configuration.

• OEM Reference 51168225986: Associated with a black rear storage compartment.

• OEM Reference 51168242733: Associated with a beige rear storage compartment.

• OEM Reference 51168258277: Associated with a gray rear storage compartment.

• OEM Reference 51168258281: Identifies a separate gray rear ashtray assembly.

• No Confirmed Direct OE Replacement: Do not claim a specific OE interchange without matching the actual product.

• Mounting Tabs: Correct installation depends on intact retaining features and a compatible console opening.

• Damaged Console Opening: Broken factory mounting points may prevent secure retention.

• Rear Passenger Contact: The rear center-console compartment may be exposed to scuffs and accidental impacts from rear passengers.

• Plastic Wear: Repeated use and aging can lead to scratches, cracks, or looseness.

• Storage Capacity: Intended for small items; maximum load capacity is not established.

• Not a Cupholder: Do not advertise cupholder functionality unless the actual component has the appropriate design.

• Not a Complete Center Console: The front console base, armrest, gear selector trim, and parking brake trim are not included.

• Not a Glove Compartment: The product does not replace the passenger-side dashboard glovebox.

• No Electrical Function: This is a mechanical interior storage component.

• No Electronic Coding: Installation of a compatible storage box does not require vehicle programming.

• Aftermarket Fitment Tolerances: Actual dimensions and retaining features should be checked against the original console.

• Package Contents: Verify whether the SKU is a complete compartment, an insert tray, or a covered storage assembly.

• Not Genuine BMW: The product is an aftermarket replacement unless genuine BMW manufacturing has been verified.

• VIN and Visual Verification: Confirm the original console configuration, body style, mounting opening, and component dimensions before ordering.

Refresh Your BMW E46 Interior Storage

The BMW E46 remains a popular platform for restoration, daily driving, and long-term ownership. Maintaining its original interior components helps preserve the vehicle's practical design and classic cabin appearance.

This replacement rear center-console storage box provides a convenient way to refresh a damaged or worn storage area while keeping small personal belongings organized. When correctly matched to the original console configuration, it offers a practical alternative to replacing an entire center console assembly.

Whether restoring a BMW 323i, refreshing a 325i Sedan, maintaining a 330Ci Coupe, or completing an E46 M3 interior refurbishment, this rear storage box helps restore a clean, functional, factory-inspired center-console appearance.

Please refer to the “Fitment” section in the product description for compatibility details.