sgroubert

I just bought a Certified Lexus a week ago and it seems to me that the front pop-out cupholders are in a terrible position. With bottles of water or tall cups in them it interferes with the driver's ability to reach the shifter (a potential safety issue); also on a moderate or sharp turn, due to the wide diameter of the cup openings, bottles and cups are not held securly and tip over and if not covered, spill (another safety issue). I was told by the parts dept that the orig. car came with additional cupholders in the front console (where my car has an ashtray/cig lighter with a pop-up wood cover) and that the ashtray itself is an optional accessory. The used car mgr. at the dealership said if that were so he'd change it out for me but he says he's sure that the ashtray is the original equipment, not a cup holder. Has anyone else noted the problem with the location of the cupholders and with the diameter of the opening in them so that they don't hold a bottle or cup securely? And can anyone say for sure if an ashtray or a second (stationary) cupholder comes as orig. equipment in the front console "ashtray" opening? Thanks. Steven G

bigcory

Not positive about the ashtray cup holder replacment, but I know someone on here recently replaced their ashtray with a "coin" tray. It was a small compartment that looked to be an inch or two deep. So it might be likley that they have other options.

OBXTucker

I had the same issue with my cup holder, but have played around with different cups and now have several that fit perfectly. Not sure I agree with the cup holder being a "safety issue" by interfering with the shifter - unless I'm drinking a Super Duper Big Gulp - which won't fit in the holder anyway (in which case, I've got bigger problems because the cup is now between my legs and interferes with the steering wheel....don't ask how I know this!!).

To my knowledge, there was never a cup holder that went where the ashtray is - only a change holder.

cat6man

just moved from a 1994 ls400 to a 2005 ls430 and am desperate to find coffee mugs that fit this poorly designed (too wide or too little pressure on extension arms) cupholder.

any suggestions for coffee mugs/holders that fit well and won't tip over?

thanks

denroll

About that cupholder, the design may suck, but I just love how smoothly and silently they deploy like they were hydraulically controlled.

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

Its much better than the one in the GS (in the GS, it located where the ashtray is.

To the OP, the manager is right, its and ashtray and Lexus sells a replacement box instead, but you will lose your cig lighter. No cup holders though.

CG lover

the cupholder holds our Starbucks just fine,, do agree they could be a tad deeper and better tension on the arms,, they work for us as I have seen some other cars they are dismal in,, take my wifes VW Bug,, a disaster,,

have never seen an 05 with any other arrangement,, cupholder in the front of the armrest and the ash try to the right of the shifter,,

big_blzr94

I would also like to remve my ashtray in favor of the cup holder. I found this
http://www.sewellpartsonline.com/par...l.asp?id=88809
, but I have not found the cup holders to revert back. Anybody have luck with this?

froboy272

i honestly dont feel that the opening where the ash tray and cig lighter are is anywhere near wide enough for cups.

bigcory

I saw a post on here recently about the coin tray (read: no cup holder available in that spot). It was extremly expensive to buy the part. Like several hundred dollars. And you have to rip apart the center consule to replace it.

If anyone out there has the coin tray and wants to swap for the ashtray, let me know

froboy272

ha ha ha id just like to see the thing first

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

Its a mistake on behalf of sewell, that was never a cupholder. I guess who ever wrote the description is used to the GS layout. Cupholders are right at the tip of the center console.

Its and ashtray from the factory, and an optional empty box if you prefer.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

Anyone got a pic of the optional empty box?

AlexusAnja

I'm reviving this thread !!! Since I just installed my "storage bin" yesterday...

Here are two pics

AlexusAnja

I don't know what size cup (Dixie 8 oz.) this would hold, but it's not even holding a 12 oz. soda can. I didn't get it for drinks that's for sure. I got it for extra storage (hold cell phone while charging) without using the little dinky pull-out one.

For anyone interested, part number was: 58810-50020-E0 (last two characters for wood color). E0 is for the medium "burnt" brown.