Yesterday I removed the center console (to get ready for my XM Commander Install) and directly under the cup holders, after I removed the Center Console, were these two parts just sitting on the carpet. I cant figure out where they came from, but so far everything works correctly...i.e. the cup holder lid opens/closes correctly, the E-brake works fine.

Anybody have a guess as to what these are and where they should go?

 

Those look like they go on the left side of the center console "door". I had mine pop off before.

 

Yeah, it looks like the little thingy that hooks into the groove to provide the latch closure mechanism. The CD bin and Not An Ashtray both have similar mechanisms.

 

OK i think you are exactly right. But now my next question is what purpose does it serve? Because i think the clip is slightly cracked, so it wont stay in place any longer. Is it necessary for the door to function properly? I am sure I could order another or go to my dealer for replacement...

EDIT: I cant figure out how to reattach the latch...i.e. the orientation...etc.

 

Yes. It is necessary. It's what gives the door the spring loaded action.

 

But the door is still functioning perfectly...and i took the CD bin out to get an idea of that latch and to use it as a reference for the cup holder latch. But the CD bin latch never does anything at all during open/close of the door. I am stumped. Here is what i am trying to do...

 

I've got the same problem except I couldn't figure out where the pieces went, so they have been sitting in my "not an ashtray" spot for months. The cup holder door seems to work just fine. Now that you've pinpointed the spot where they go I may try putting them back in.

 

I know this is an old post but could someone please post those pictures again? My cup holder door latch broke apart when I replaced the heated seat night light. Now, my cup holder can only stays in old position.