ŠKODA Rapid 2020: How to choose, replace and upgrade

Armrest in Škoda Rapid 2020 is not just a comfort element, but also an important interior detail that affects the ergonomics of driving. Owners of this model often face the need to replace or upgrade the regular armrest due to wear, breakdowns of the mechanism or a desire to improve functionality. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances: from the choice of original and non-original spare parts to step-by-step instructions for dismantling and installation.

Feature Rapid 2020 is a unified platform with other models of the group Volkswagen GroupThis opens up a lot of opportunities for tuning. For example, the armrests of Volkswagen Golf or Audi A3 They can be done with minimal modifications. But before buying it is important to consider not only compatibility, but also materials, adjustment mechanism, as well as the presence of additional features such as heating or cupholders.

If you notice that the armrest began to creak, sag or stopped fixing in the right position - this is a signal to action. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved by replacing plastic bushings or lubricating the mechanism, but sometimes a complete replacement of the unit is required. Next, we will take a detailed look at all aspects, including prices, articles and step-by-step instructions with the photo.

Original armrests for Škoda Rapid 2020: articles and prices

Original armrest for Škoda Rapid (body NH3The 2020 facelift comes under several articles depending on the configuration and finishing material. Main options:

• 🔧 Basic version (tissue/plastic): art. 5E0 863 211 C 9B9 or 5E0 863 212 C 9B9 (for left/right steering wheel). Price: from 8 500 to 12 000 rubles.
• 💺 Leather trim (Ambition/Style): art. 5E0 863 211 D 9B9. Cost: 14 000-18 000 rubles.
• 🔥 Heated (option for top-end configurations): art. 5E0 863 211 E 9B9. Price: 22 000-25,000 rubles.

Important: Original parts from Škoda They are often supplied without fasteners and plastic clips – they will have to be bought separately or used by old ones. Also pay attention to color coding at the end of the article (for example, 9B9 - black, 7Z7 - gray). For Rapid In 2020, only articles with prefixes are relevant. 5E0 (platform MQB A0).

Where to buy the original:

• 🏢 Official dealers Škoda 12 months warranty, but prices are 20-30% higher than the market.
• 🌍 Online catalogs: Autodoc, Exist.ru, Emex - there are often discounts up to 15%.
• 🔄 Disassembly - you can find used armrests in good condition for 30-50% of the cost of a new one.

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a used armrest, check the condition of the plastic guides and the locking mechanism. Wear of these parts is the main cause of squeaks and backlashes.

Analogs and non-original options: what to choose?

If the original armrest seems too expensive, you can consider analogues from trusted manufacturers. The main thing is to ensure compatibility with Rapid 2020 (platform MQB A0). Top Brands:

Brand	Article	Material	Price, rub.	Features
Hella	8FL 355 001-031	Plastic + fabric	5 200–6 500	Complete analogue of the original, but without the logo Škoda
Febi Bilstein	30310	Plastic + eco leather	7 800–9 000	Reinforced guides, less squeaks
Topran	205 863	Plastic	4 500–5 500	Budget option, may require modification of fastenings
Valeo	839038	Leather + plastic	10 000–12 000	Premium quality, suitable for tuning

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to:

• 📏 Dimensions: length of the original armrest - 420 mm, width - 180 mm.
• 🔩 Fastenings: the holes for the bolts (4 pcs.) and the heating connector (if any) must match.
• 🎨 Color: The shade of the plastic must match the dashboard (the color code is indicated in the article).

An interesting option - armrests from Volkswagen Polo (body AW) or Seat Ibiza (body KJ). They are identical in fastenings, but may differ in shape and finish. For example, an armrest from Polo Highline (art. 6R0 863 211 D) approaches Rapid without modifications and costs 15–20% less.

Frequent armrest malfunctions of the Škoda Rapid 2020

Armrest in Rapid is a mechanism with plastic and metal parts that wear out over time. Typical problems:

1. Creak when moving - caused by wear of plastic bushings or lack of lubrication in the guides. More often appears in cold weather.
2. Sagging or play — weakening of the spring locking mechanism or breakage of the plastic retainer.
3. Does not lock in raised position — wear of the rack or breakage of the lock button.
4. Cracks in plastic - especially true for cars with leather trim, where the plastic is thinner.

The most common failure is wear of plastic guide bushings (art. 5E0 863 301). Replacing them costs 800–1,200 rubles per set, but requires complete dismantling of the armrest. If you ignore the creaking, over time it will develop into play, and then into breakdown of the metal guides (their repair will cost 5-6 thousand rubles).

Another common problem is heating mechanism failure. B Rapid 2020, it is implemented through a heating element, which over time burns out or the contacts oxidize. A malfunction can be diagnosed by an error in the comfort unit (code B1168 — open circuit of the armrest heating).

⚠️ Attention: If the armrest no longer locks in the raised position, do not try to fix it “on your knee” using superglue or electrical tape. This can lead to jamming of the mechanism and damage to the dashboard in an accident.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the armrest

Replacing the armrest with Škoda Rapid 2020 takes 30–40 minutes and does not require special tools. You will need:

• 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (PH2)
• 🔨 Plastic puller or flat screwdriver (for clips)
• 🧴 Silicone grease (eg Liqui Moly Silicon-Fett)
• 🔋 Multimeter (if heated)

Step 1. Removing the old armrest

1. Lower the armrest to the lowest position.
2. Remove the plastic plugs from the ends (pry them off with a puller).
3. Unscrew the 4 mounting bolts (2 front and 2 rear) using a Phillips screwdriver.
4. If there is heating, disconnect the power connector (it is located under the armrest on the left).
5. Gently pull the armrest towards you to release it from the guides.

Step 2: Installing a new armrest

1. Check the contents of the new armrest (there should be bolts, bushings and instructions).
2. Apply silicone grease to the guides and plastic bushings.
3. Place the armrest in place, aligning the holes with the guides.
4. Tighten the bolts (tightening torque - 2.5 Nm, do not overtighten!).
5. Connect the heating connector (if available) and check the operation of the button.

Step 3: Check and Adjust

After installation, check:

• 🔄 Smooth running (no jamming).
• 🔒 Fixation in upper and lower positions.
• 🔥 Heating operation (if any) - turn it on for 5 minutes and check the temperature.

Are all mounting bolts tightened|

Does the locking mechanism work in both positions?

Is there any play or squeaks when moving?

Is the heating connector connected (if any)|

Does the color and texture match the dashboard-->

If the armrest squeaks after replacement, apply additional lubricant to the guides or check that the bushings are installed correctly. In 90% of cases, the squeak disappears after running in (100–200 km).

Armrest tuning: modernization options

Standard armrest Rapid The 2020 is functional, but many owners want to add convenience. Popular tuning options:

• 🧊 Cup holders: you can install removable holders (for example, from VW Golf) or built into the armrest (art. 5E0 863 211 F with a compartment for glasses).
• 🔥 Heating: if it is not included in your package, you can purchase a heating element (art. 5E0 963 511) and connect to the standard wiring.
• 📱 Wireless charging: A Qi module is installed in the armrest (for example, Nillkin Magic Disk) with power output from the cigarette lighter.
• 🎨 Leather/Alcantara upholstery: Improves appearance and feel. Popular materials from Katzkin or Alcantara.

One of the most popular options is to replace it with an armrest from Škoda Octavia A7 (art. 5E0 863 211 G). It is wider (450 mm), has storage and cup holders, but requires minor modifications to the mountings. The cost of such an upgrade: 12,000–15,000 rubles for the armrest + 2,000 rubles for installation.

Suitable for lovers of minimalism carbon coating (carbon). Film or real carbon (from 3M or Hexis) transforms the appearance of the interior. Average cost of pasting: 3,000–5,000 rubles.

If you want to add backlight, use LED strips with a voltage of 12V (for example, Philips LEDstrip). They can be connected to dimensions or a separate button. The main thing is not to overload the standard wiring and use a 2A fuse.

DIY armrest repair: when possible

It is not always necessary to completely replace the armrest - many faults can be fixed on your own. Let's look at the most common cases:

1. Eliminate squeaking

The creaking occurs due to the friction of plastic bushings against metal guides. For repair:

1. Remove the armrest (as described above).
2. Remove the old bushings (they are usually white or gray).
3. Apply to new bushings (art. 5E0 863 301) silicone grease.
4. Reinstall the bushings and assemble the armrest.

2. Repair of the locking mechanism

If the armrest does not stay in the raised position, the problem is with the spring retainer. For repair:

1. Disassemble the armrest body (unscrew the 6 screws from the bottom).
2. Check the condition of the spring and plastic latch.
3. If the tongue is broken, replace it (art. 5E0 863 302).
4. Lubricate the mechanism with lithium grease (eg Molykote G-4500).

3. Heating restoration

If heating does not work:

1. Check the fuse F37 (10A) in the fuse box (located under the steering wheel).
2. Measure the voltage at the heating connector with a multimeter (should be 12V).
3. If there is no voltage, check the wiring from the comfort unit to the armrest.
4. If there is voltage, but the heating does not work, replace the heating element.

⚠️ Attention: When disassembling the armrest, be careful with the plastic latches - they are fragile and break easily. If the latch is cracked, it can be repaired using epoxy glue (for example, Loctite Epoxy).

How to check the heating operation without a multimeter?

Turn on the heating to maximum power and after 5 minutes touch the surface of the armrest. If it is barely warm, the problem is in the heating element. If cold, check the fuse and wiring.

Where to order a replacement armrest: prices and recommendations

If you do not want to replace it yourself, you can contact the service. The cost of work depends on the region and type of armrest:

Type of work	Cost, rub.	Lead Time
Replacing the armrest (without heating)	1 500–2 500	30–40 minutes
Replacing the armrest (heated)	2 500–3 500	1 hour
Repair of the locking mechanism	1 000–2 000	1–1.5 hours
Installing a tuning armrest (for example, from Octavia)	3 000–5 000	2–3 hours
Leather/Alcantara upholstery	4 000–8 000	1 day

Where is the best place to contact:

• 🏢 Official dealer Škoda - guarantee on work, but prices are 30–50% higher.
• 🔧 Specialized tuning studios — the best option for non-standard solutions (for example, installing an armrest from another model).
• 🚗 Universal car services — suitable for a standard replacement, but check your experience with Škoda.

Average cost of replacing a turnkey armrest (spare part + labor) in Moscow:

• Original (without heating): 12,000–15,000 rubles.
• Analogue (Febi or Hella): 8,000–10,000 rubles.
• Tuning (from Octavia with cup holders): 18,000–22,000 rubles.

Before contacting the service, please check:

• 📋 Is the required spare part available (sometimes you have to wait 1–2 weeks).
• 🔧 Do they provide a guarantee for the work (minimum 6 months).
• 💰 Is the cost of the spare part included in the final price?

💡

When choosing a service, give preference to those who specialize in the Škoda brand. This will reduce the risk of installation errors and ensure that you have the necessary tools.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about armrests Škoda Rapid 2020

Is it possible to install an armrest from a Škoda Octavia on a Rapid 2020?

Yes, the armrest is from Octavia A7 (art. 5E0 863 211 G) approaches Rapid with minimal modifications. You will need:

• Adjust the fasteners (drill holes for the bolts).
• Connect the heating wiring (if any) through the relay.
• The plastic dashboard trim may need to be modified.

The cost of such an upgrade: 15,000–20,000 rubles (including labor).

What lubricant is best to treat the armrest guides?

Suitable for armrest guides:

• 🧴 Silicone grease (for example, Liqui Moly Silicon-Fett) - does not attract dust, lasts a long time.
• 🛢️ Lithium grease (for example, Molykote G-4500) - withstands high loads.
• 💧 Graphite grease - a budget option, but requires frequent updates.

Do not use WD-40 or mineral-based oils - they dry out quickly and attract dirt.

What to do if the armrest is stuck in one position?

If the armrest is stuck, try:

1. Gently move it up and down to release the guides.
2. Remove the end caps and check that no foreign object has entered the mechanism.
3. If jamming is due to corrosion of the guides, treat them with penetrating lubricant (for example, PB Blaster) and let stand for 10–15 minutes.

If all else fails, you will have to remove the armrest and disassemble the mechanism.

Can the plastic of the armrest be painted a different color?

Yes, the plastic of the armrest can be painted, but for this you need:

1. Remove the armrest and clean it of dirt (use Autosol Plastik-Reiniger).
2. Sand the surface with sandpaper (grit 600–800).
3. Apply plastic primer (e.g. MOTIP Plastik-Primer).
4. Paint with plastic paint (for example, Dupli-Color Plastic Paint).
5. Cover with varnish to protect against scratches.

Cost of materials: 1,500–2,500 rubles. It is better to entrust the work to a professional, as uneven application of paint will lead to peeling.

Which armrest is better to choose for frequent use?

If you often use the armrest (for example, on long trips), we recommend:

• 🔝 Original with leather trim (art. 5E0 863 211 D 9B9) - durable and comfortable.
• 💪 Febi Bilstein 30310 — reinforced guides, less squeaks.
• 🚗 Armrest from Octavia A7 - wider and more convenient, but more expensive.

Avoid budget options from Topran — they quickly begin to creak and play.