HELP! Can't get armrest off door panel!

MINIBee · #1 12-30-2007, 02:20 PM

I'm attempting the install of my new checkered door handles and have carefully read many threads with information on how to do it. But I am currently stuck trying to get the armrest off the first door panel. I know I have to slide something in and release a hidden clip but no matter what I have tried I can't get it to release. And actualy, I'm not sure how the clip works. Am I tring to pry it away or push it flush to release the armest?

I have been working on it for over an hour. I can pry away the armrest and see the clip with a flashlight, but I can't get it to move.

**OctaneGuy** · #2 12-30-2007, 02:24 PM

Isn't it held on with a recessed screw?? Not sure, but I just ordered some replacement armrests for my MINI--going from cloth interior to leatherette--so I wanted the matching door arm rests in leatherette too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MINI_Bee

I'm attempting the install of my new checkered door handles and have carefully read many threads with information on how to do it. But I am currently stuck trying to get the armrest off the first door panel. I know I have to slide something in and release a hidden clip but no matter what I have tried I can't get it to release. And actualy, I'm not sure how the clip works. Am I tring to pry it away or push it flush to release the armest?

I have been working on it for over an hour. I can pry away the armrest and see the clip with a flashlight, but I can't get it to move.

CR&PW&JB · #3 12-30-2007, 02:26 PM

I can't wait to see the answers to this one because I had the SAME problem.

After 45 minutes, 6 different "tools" under the padding, and a tiny scratch on the door bar, I gave it up for the good of my own sanity.

I think I uttered 9 cuss words during that 45 minutes. Not too bad, really.

**OctaneGuy** · #4 12-30-2007, 02:32 PM

Here ya go, check this out

http://gbmini.net/G2/v/General/GBMIN...reo/?g2_page=3

CR&PW&JB · #5 12-30-2007, 02:35 PM

Thanks, OG... but I used those instructions. Trust me, this is a case of easier said than done. Maybe it's just a matter of some of those push-tabs being more stubborn than others.

That looks like a paint stir-stick in the pic. Way too thick to stick under my door rest, I assure you.

MINIBee · #6 12-30-2007, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OctaneGuy

Isn't it held on with a recessed screw?? Not sure, but I just ordered some replacement armrests for my MINI--going from cloth interior to leatherette--so I wanted the matching door arm rests in leatherette too.

On the R52 and R53, it is slides off after releasing a plastic spring clip that is built into the plastic part of the armrest. I have tried screwdrivers and plastic knives. I can see the clip but I don't know how to release it. It's freaking aggravating. Here's a take-apart but I still don't understand how to release that clip.

http://www.motoringunderground.com/f...ead.php?t=8000

rkw · #7 12-30-2007, 02:39 PM

Credit card worked for me

**OctaneGuy** · #8 12-30-2007, 02:41 PM

I would try one of those plastic pry bar removal tools. They have beveled edges and are used for removing trim pieces. Essentially they are smooth plastic popsicle sticks with beveled edges. Think I'll go try this right now just for fun, lol.

Richard

CR&PW&JB · #9 12-30-2007, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkw

Credit card worked for me

Credit card ?!? That clip feels like it's way too far back to be reached by a credit card. And a credit card also seems like it would be too wide to slip under there. But hey... whatever worked for you !

ImagoX · #10 12-30-2007, 02:44 PM

I used a narrow flat-head screwdriver. The tab is plenty strong and I had my arm rest off at least half a dozen times and it never even came close to cracking or breaking. You need to slide the arm rest towards the upright piece as you push in with the screwdriver- it only needs to be depressed about 1/8" tops to release, so be careful the arm rest doesn't pop unexpectedly loose. The first time I did it, I shot the armrest across the garage and bounced it off the wall.

Sin MINI · #11 12-30-2007, 02:44 PM

Here's a picture I lifted from a M|U post.
http://www.motoringunderground.com/f...ead.php?t=8000

Note you the slide the tool of choice in this picture from right to left to depress the clip. The armrest will slide forward (left to right in the above pic) about half an inch and then just pop off.

First I taped a thick piece of paper on the sliver bar to protect it . Then I used a loooong thing screwdriver to slide under the armrest. First hint, the clip is lower than you think.

Second Hint: although the post I linked suggest unclipping and removing the lower door light, I found it easier to just remove the light from the door panel leaving it connected and lay it inside the door. Helps provide light on the work inside the door.

CR&PW&JB · #12 12-30-2007, 02:48 PM

That's a different clip than in this pic:

Appears to be smaller to me.

CR&PW&JB · #13 12-30-2007, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImagoX

I used a narrow flat-head screwdriver. The tab is plenty strong and I had my arm rest off at least half a dozen times and it never even came close to cracking or breaking. You need to slide the arm rest towards the upright piece as you push in with the screwdriver- it only needs to be depressed about 1/8" tops to release, so be careful the arm rest doesn't pop unexpectedly loose. The first time I did it, I shot the armrest across the garage and bounced it off the wall.

One of these days I'll give it another try. I think I was sliding the armrest back instead of toward the upright piece.

Thanks, Richard.

Sin MINI · #14 12-30-2007, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CR&PW&JB

That's a different clip than in this pic:

Appears to be smaller to me.

Nope, same clip, just the other door.

**OctaneGuy** · #15 12-30-2007, 02:51 PM

Just for kicks I went down and removed the arm rest. Took all of 10 seconds. Using the tool I mentioned. I just slid it underneath the arm, heard a click, then slid the arm rest back towards the tool, and it came off. Reinstalling was just the oppose. I'll post a pic of the tool I used. FWIW, I've got an '05 R53.

rkw · #16 12-30-2007, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CR&PW&JB

Credit card ?!? That clip feels like it's way too far back to be reached by a credit card. And a credit card also seems like it would be too wide to slip under there. But hey... whatever worked for you !

Yes, credit card. I just went down to the car to check again. The credit card only needed to go in about half its length and it wasn't too wide.

I did have to push it in with considerable force, causing the card to bend a bit. Use a card you are ready to discard.

Sin MINI · #17 12-30-2007, 02:53 PM

First one took me 30 minutes. Second one took me about 30 seconds. So I'm a slower learner than OG

**OctaneGuy** · #18 12-30-2007, 03:01 PM

Thanks to the GBMINI.net Stereo install photos for making this so simple to do for my first time.

Just slide the tool down the middle of the bar until you hear a click. Have to force it pretty hard. I pulled the armrest away from the bar to allow more room to slide the tool. Once I could tell the clip was pushed in, I just grabbed the armrest and slid it back towards the inserted tool and off it came.

MINIBee · #19 12-30-2007, 03:02 PM

First, I appreciate the quick repsonses. I have done everything you have all described. Long, thin screwdriver, credit card, wood shim covered with tape...everything except the tool Richard is describing. I can see the screwdriver between the armrest and clip with a flashlight. I hear the initial click. But that damn clip is not moving enough to release the armrest.

**OctaneGuy** · #20 12-30-2007, 03:03 PM

Haha well the GBMINI photos helped a great deal! I've been wondering about this same thing for a long time, glad it wasn't as hard as I thought!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sin MINI

First one took me 30 minutes. Second one took me about 30 seconds. So I'm a slower learner than OG

**OctaneGuy** · #21 12-30-2007, 03:04 PM

The tool should be the same as a screwdriver without fear of scratching the paint. Once you hear the click, just grab the armrest pad and slide it firmly back towards the screwdriver. It slides off the bar like its on rails.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MINI_Bee

First, I appreciate the quick repsonses. I have done everything you have all described. Long, thin screwdriver, credit card, wood shim covered with tape...everything except the tool Richard is describing. I can see the screwdriver between the armrest and clip with a flashlight. I hear the initial click. But that damn clip is not moving enough to release the armrest.

rkw · #22 12-30-2007, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MINI_Bee

First, I appreciate the quick repsonses. I have done everything you have all described. Long, thin screwdriver, credit card, wood shim covered with tape...everything except the tool Richard is describing. I can see the screwdriver between the armrest and clip with a flashlight. I hear the initial click. But that damn clip is not moving enough to release the armrest.

Perhaps it's not that clip but one of the upper or lower fasteners is jammed. Try using more force sliding the armrest forward.

MINIBee · #23 12-30-2007, 03:29 PM

I got it off. I used a cutting torch and it came right off. Of course, now I have to replace the door panel.......

It's dark now and harder to see so I'm going to take a break and try it again in the morning. I'll let you know how it turns out. Thanks again everyone for the quick reponses.

MINIBee · #24 12-31-2007, 10:22 AM

OK, I shaved down a piece of a nylon wallpaper smoothing tool and slid that in on the driver's side. Heard the click and the armrest came right off. Ten seconds, just like Richard described. But the other one still will not come off so there is some kind of issue with it. I used the same tool and slid it in, but the clip wil not move. Gonna go to the dealership and beg them to take it off for me.

**OctaneGuy** · #25 12-31-2007, 10:42 AM

I just tried removing my driver side armrest and had a little more trouble but with some determination I jammed the stick in further and with both hands slid the armrest side to side while jiggling the stick and sure enough it came free. This probably took more like 60 seconds but its off. Hmm doesn't look that hard to wrap this in some custom fabric lol.

Richard

Quote:

Originally Posted by MINI_Bee

OK, I shaved down a piece of a nylon wallpaper smoothing tool and slid that in on the driver's side. Heard the click and the armrest came right off. Ten seconds, just like Richard described. But the other one still will not come off so there is some kind of issue with it. I used the same tool and slid it in, but the clip wil not move. Gonna go to the dealership and beg them to take it off for me.