W126 Cup holder - A little different approach - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

bolomiester · #1 01-30-2010, 06:59 PM

I've been trying to find the perfect cup holder for my w126s since I bought the first one a couple of years ago. I didn't want anything that would attach permanetly so that limited my choice. I hated everything I tried. Then I was doing a search on the forum and someone metioned Fischer as really high quality, German made product, I followed their link, liked what I saw and ordered two on the spot. They shipped quickly and the cup holders are top, top quality.

I live in a small town, work from home and most trips are pretty short, but when we travel, or drive the 100 miles to Chicago to see my kids and grand kids I really want a cup holder. I just don't want it in the way when I don't need it, which is most of the time.

I studied the Fischers for a week and finally came up with a solution that works really well, for me at least.

I used 3M Super Strength Moulding tape to stick them together
in what would be the vertical mounting position.

When folded out they form a nice stable base.

But when folded up they tuck nicely at the back of the
console tray, leaving most of it open for whatever . . .

When needed I lift up the arm rest . . .

Slide it forward . . .

For one cup you can open the front one . . .

Or both will make it a little more stable. As you can see
the arm rest will fold down even when both are open,
though to use the back one you'd have to raise it.

Even though the cup holders are just resting in the console tray
and do move around a slight amount, I've never had a spill,
even with both fully loaded.

Then when you don't need 'em . . .

They're tucked out of the way but instantly available.

Texholdem · #2 01-30-2010, 10:01 PM

Very nice installation. I am only concerned that a sudden brake could send a slosh of liquid from the drink into the gear shifter and that would be $800+ job.

POS · #3 01-30-2010, 10:23 PM

I like the idea; functional without being obtrusive. AND, I can move it from the w123 to the w126. I might just steal your patent!

hookedon210s · #4 01-30-2010, 10:23 PM

Quote:

I am only concerned that a sudden brake could send a slosh of liquid from the drink into the gear shifter and that would be $800+ job.

Not on a W126. Neither the transmission nor the shifter is computer controlled unlike newer models. Mark

Texholdem · #5 01-30-2010, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hookedon210s

Not on a W126. Neither the transmission nor the shifter is computer controlled unlike newer models. Mark

Is it also good for W124 too?

Jim B. · #6 01-31-2010, 05:21 AM

I already have the rolltop box in my 1991 coupe, rather than an open area like in yours, so I guess ONE of them (unsecured might) fit in there nicely but not spill in a sudden maneuver.....

I have a burwood covered square one on the driver's door that I have had on there for about 12 years, and it works, but is not adjustable and is awkward because I am NOT left handed.

So, how much does it cost? What are the measurements (would it fit within the rolltop box)?

And finally could you save us some trouble and post the direct link you found to it, please?

bolomiester · #7 01-31-2010, 08:20 AM

I'm a Mercedes newbie. I've owned two w126s, an '83 380 sel & an '89 300 se, but that's it. I don't know if they would fit a W123 or W124 or not. However, the website I bought them from, http://ultimatecupholders.com/fischercupholder.html, lists the exact outside dimensions, as well as what size cups can be accommodated.

I've had them in place about a week. I was a little concerned that the slight movement could cause a spill but so far it hasn't. I haven't tried a panic stop though. I'll load up a full water bottle, (cap on), do one later today, and report what happens. Even though it's possible to use it with just the front one open I've always opened both for a bigger footprint and more stability.

They aren't cheap, $14.99 each plus $5.00 shipping, but really good quality. I did make one slight modification. There are these little plastic studs that snap into holes to hold it closed when they are mounted vertically, and they are very secure. Used horizontally they aren't that important. I thought of just chiseling them off, but decided to file them down just a little and round them a bit so it takes less effort to make them open up.

BTW: It's fascinating to watch them as they unfold. I found myself doing it over and over just see the action.

bolomiester · #8 01-31-2010, 07:03 PM

As promised I did a panic stop test this afternoon. I fully opened the cup holder (both) and put a full 20 oz. bottle of water in the front holder. Then, driving at 60 mph I jammed the brakes on as hard as I could with my wife serving as the observer. She reported that the bottle barely moved.

TheDon · #9 01-31-2010, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texholdem

Very nice installation. I am only concerned that a sudden brake could send a slosh of liquid from the drink into the gear shifter and that would be $800+ job.

velcro

pawoSD · #10 01-31-2010, 11:35 PM

Nice! I just drink from a bottle if I ever take a drink in the car.

#11 02-01-2010, 08:15 PM

Looks like you keep a nice clean interior. I can see why you want those cup holders...don't want to be making any mess in there, as well!

MBeige · #12 02-03-2010, 04:57 PM

Can you guys confirm if those Fischer cup holders fit the same way in a w123?

#13 02-03-2010, 06:08 PM

I have a single one in my '83 240D. It will do two, but just did the one. They are nice cup holders, I think. They don't bind-up after time, as well. I have always thought the mechanism is very neat & durable.

Colorado220 · #14 11-07-2010, 01:11 AM

So it's been awhile, cupholders still working out for you? the double set up seems great.

Rob Pruijt · #15 11-07-2010, 09:14 AM

I have the same holders, fixed them to the door with screws.
My car was originally fitted with manual windows, so the cup holders cover the hole nicely.
Have them for 10 years now, still working great.

Rob