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-   -   VW Polo DIY: OEM front armrest (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/diy-do-yourself/147913-vw-polo-diy-oem-front-armrest-6.html)

Friend had installed the GTI-type armrest on his TSI. Some snaps:





The good thing about this arm rest (other than the fact that it comes with a cup holder and cloth upholstered arm-rest pad) is, you could retrofit a second 12V socket into the centre of the cup holder like this:


Source: Fernando's Polo 1.2 TSI from Spain

Anybody knows whether I can get this armrest installed in Kolkata? Any good shop? I am going to buy the GT TSI and this is the main thing I will miss if I cannot install it.

Hi gannu. I recently got my New Polo 1.2 P CL. I want to get an armrest fixed. Your DIY looks promising.
Can i order from this link of AliExpress http://www.aliexpress.com/item/20111...arefor-shkmail

Will this fit ? Will the armrest be short or will it rub with the hand brake ? Awaiting a reply :)

Sorry for the late response. I didn't see the post until today.

Yes this will fit your Polo. A lot of Indian customers have vouched for the product, if you cared to check the feedback posted on the link. :)

If the handbrake is engaged and the armrest is oriented in the lowermost position, the two will foul. I have always kept the armrest parallel to the base and at this position, it wouldn't interfere with the handbrake. Hope this helps.

hi gannu. I had ordered it from aliexpress. It was delivered in flat 4 days and the total damage was less than $50. Got it fitted at an accessories shop as i was not having the requisite tools. It was quite a tricky job installing.
While fitting one of the bolts supplied with the package broke off and got stuck. had to fit it with 3 holes remaining. Used separate bolts and not the bolts supplied with the kit. It is recommended for other to use similar bolts but not from the ones supplied with the kit.

Quality is super awesome. Gives a total Vento like feel. Very happy with the purchase. clap:

@abhishek.parija, looks good! :thumbs up

I just checked the link that you shared earlier and the total cost for this armrest is coming out to be $96 (including shipping) and not $50. :confused:

Very sorry sorry:, mistyped it to $50, it was around $80. You can bargain with the seller plus ask the seller to send goods value declared less so that minimal customs is payable. I paid around 900rs for customs clearance.

It looks great and is extremely comfortable.

Great, thanks!

$80/Rs5040 is close to what the dealer (Rs5000) is charging for the armrest as an accessory. I haven't checked it properly so not sure about the quality.

But I guess DIY is more fun than getting it dealer fitted 😁

Just keep in mind that installing the GTI style armrest is much more complicated and is not for the faint of heart. It involves opening up most of the center console. I am working on a step by step guide for this and will post it soon.

DIY will be fun , but you need the right tools for that. There are some extremely tricky screw fittings to be done. But you can always install yourself and have fun :)

Dear Gannu_1,
I have a Polo TSI and want to order an armrest. Indian dealers currently don't have the Non-Cupholder ones in stock, and I am steering clear of the GTI ones because of bowser's GTI-spec DIY thread. I don't know how well it might play with the DSG Center Console. Hence I would like to ask how did your friend fit the GTI-spec in his TSI.

I am currently juggling lots of Aliexpress links, trying to negotiate for a reasonable shipping rate. Also some of the product photos don't look so OEM. Some advice, if possible.please:
Links:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/GENUI...303702221.html

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2011-...266433927.html

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/The-n...299931748.html

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-...028110558.html

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...226&type=3#_=_


boys, this is the easiest way to install even the GTI one. Don't worry at all!
My armrest is being delivered today..

Thanks for the link frank.

After your post, I bit the bullet and ordered this one http://www.aliexpress.com/store/prod...896319688.html Costed me close to 6.4k with Fedex IP. I think I will end up paying around 1-1.5k on Customs as well.

Please do update your installation experience either here on your ownership review.

Fingers crossedstupid:

Edit: My first post as a BHPianclap:

Guys, I strongly feel you will not be able to install it as easily as shown in that post. You cannot lift that section to slide in the armrest base underneath it without bending/breaking it. At least, not in the manual version. The post appears to be for an automatic so it might work as shown for you guys but I'm doubtful.

Please let me know how both of your installs went. Thanks :)

Thanks Gannu for the step by step instructions. Thanks to your thread and the huge list of DIY's you have done on your car, I am joining the DIY bandwagon as well.

Have ordered the armrest from the same link that most of the fellow Polo owners have ordered. Have paid $95 for the item including FedEx shipping. Will update once I receive the armrest and finish the install.

Frank, thanks a lot for the link. The confidence level went up after seeing this. BTW, I am closely following your thread for the many mods you have done on your GT TSi. You are more of an engineer than a doctor!! :thumbs up