Installed the armrest, but uhhhh...

daveonbass · #1 11-07-2009, 04:29 PM

OK, installed my Euro armrest today; the one with the feet that attach via the seat rail screws.

However, after tightening the bolts down as tight as I could get them with my Torx driver, the seat rails are still appearing to hover above the floor about a half inch in the back. Is this normal with the seat rails now sitting atop the armrest's footplates? I even hopped on each seat a little with my 200# self to try to ensure a full "seating" of each rail onto the foot.

Thanks!
Dave

ZippyNH · #2 11-07-2009, 08:17 PM

I installed it no problems a few years ago. It sounds like something is wrong.
I'll take a look at mine in the AM, but if I remember right, the feet only added a couple of milimeters to the seat rail height. One reminder...use lock-tite on the bolts when you reinstall the bolts.....the seat rails bolts is a safety critical item. I do remember turning the bolts were a pain in the a&$.

pilotart · #3 11-07-2009, 08:19 PM

Only contact with the rails and the floor is at the bolts locations.

I can slide my finger between the rails and the carpet at both front and rear portions of rail, except where the bolts are.

If you look at photos others have taken with seats out, you will see no imprint in carpet from seat rails.

daveonbass · #4 11-07-2009, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZippyNH

I installed it no problems a few years ago. It sounds like something is wrong.
I'll take a look at mine in the AM, but if I remember right, the feet only added a couple of milimeters to the seat rail height. One reminder...use lock-tite on the bolts when you reinstall the bolts.....the seat rails bolts is a safety critical item. I do remember turning the bolts were a pain in the a&$.

Thanks Zippy - I don't have any loctite but can get some tomorrow - and I might as well grab a T40 bit that I can add to my ratchet and socket set, because the manual driver I have really doesn't lend itself well to super-torquing of bolts.

daveonbass · #5 11-08-2009, 10:00 AM

OK, added loctite to the threads and tightened the bolts with a ratchet but the rails still float - I think I found why though; below each bolt hole there's, say, a flange? pedestal? either way it looks like there's a bit of a puck of metal on the bottom of the rail holding the rail up off the armrest foot. They're tight and the seat feels OK though, so I'll have to assume this is normal.

ZippyNH · #6 11-08-2009, 10:09 AM

Sounds like it is ok. I glanced at mine, and I think due to the shape of the foot/floor the fit is not perfect for an oem piece, but very tolerable. As long as you got it tight with the threadlock, I think it good.

WildThang · #7 11-08-2009, 10:51 AM

I just put the armrest from Mini in our 2004 a couple weeks ago.

On the bottom of the rails is a small bump that must be reseated to get the rails flat on the floor.

Maybe that's why you have extra space.

pilotart · #8 11-08-2009, 04:46 PM

As long as the Torx Bolts are through the holes, the 'bump' would be seated.

If the armrest frame and seat rails have no movement, you are Ok.

This Photo shows the raised pads that the seat rails ride on.

There are two versions of the Euro Armrest, pre and post 2007, no idea what the difference would be,
but the one that was on eBay is a 2007 (and later) version.

The Torx bolts go through (with the 'bump' ) the large holes in armrest base 'feet' that insert under the rails.

Here is the PDF download of MINI's installation instructions for the Euro Armrest.

daveonbass · #9 11-08-2009, 05:31 PM

hmmm, I ordered mine from Minspeed, and as with other parts they made sure that I got the R52 and not R56 version, or at least I hope so.

I'll try to get a photo of what's up with mine. Feels sturdy, but I do want everything to be "right".

pilotart · #10 11-08-2009, 06:45 PM

You can be certain that Minspeed sent you the correct version!

ZippyNH · #11 11-08-2009, 06:52 PM

If you got it from Min-speed I think you are fine. I find the only negative with this armrest is, when you use your handbrake when parking, you need to move the armrest a bit, or use a odd underhanded grip to push the button and pull up...other than that, it seems most people like this one better.... It is sturdy, fit in well with the interior, the leather is beautiful, and it is positioned pretty nicely....it is also easy to install in comparison to the second version that requires a new, updated e-brake console!!

I did not know that there was even a model for gen2 till I say the post for the evil-bay sale!!

Anybody that is thinking of getting this arm-rest...here is an old motoring file article on it...from way back in
Oct 22nd, 2004
http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/10/...rest_reviewed/

The newer armrest version, more expensive....harder to install
Jun 20th, 2005

http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/06/...rest_retrofit/

ricbow · #12 11-08-2009, 07:44 PM

there is a locating donut on seat rails that fit into holes on floor borad . make sure you have the same on arm rest......good luck

pilotart · #13 11-08-2009, 09:31 PM

The Angle of the Euro Armrest was lower than I wanted for comfort (I drive an Automatic).

The 'fix' was super-easy, I found a 'shim' (a hard 'rubber' wine-cork was perfect) and contact cemented it to the backside of the armrest 'bin' inside the hinge area.

This has remained cemented in place for over a year now and completed the install for me.

My Gallery has a photo showing the 'cork' dangling on tape while I was experimenting for size.

daveonbass · #14 11-10-2009, 04:16 PM

you know, I'm taking my Mini in for service tomorrow morning - should I just have the dealer check out and fix the install if need be?

daveonbass · #15 11-12-2009, 04:41 PM

The dealer had a look, and confirmed that I got an R56 armrest, apparently, instead of an R52/53 version. I've emailed Minspeed about it but haven't heard back yet and it's been 24 hours or so.

Does anybody out there have a picture of the shape of the FEET of the 1st gen vs 2nd gen euro armrest? I looked at the feet of a 2nd gen in a 2010 Cooper, and it does indeed seem to match mine.

So frustrated!!!!

daveonbass · #16 11-14-2009, 11:55 AM

OK, now Minspeed is telling me there is only one armrest for both generations, no difference in part number! but I swear that i've seen pics of earlier euro armrests with very flat feet, instead of the ridged feet mine has.

Anyone? Bueller?

ZippyNH · #17 11-14-2009, 12:23 PM

Perhaps the seat rail shape has changed?
I was not even aware there was a armrest for the gen2 till I saw this thread....minspeed has a good reputation, so think you can trust them. I think you are fine if the bolts are tight, thread locked, and the seat is secure. IS it at the right height?
Since this item was never realy sold by us dealers, I would not expect them to be a good place for info.

pilotart · #18 11-14-2009, 04:46 PM

I only have experience with one, on my R56. Minspeed website says:

Quote:

For the R53, R55 or R56-specify which when ordering, please.

but when you "Add to Cart" the question of model is not mentioned.

The other source that I am aware of:
http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...h_storage.html
also lists the same (SKU 52160429935) for all the MINI's.

This site shows p/n 52160429935 for R56: (and R55, R57)
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...=51&fg=95&hl=3

This site shows p/n 52120154307 for R52: (and R50, R53)
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...=51&fg=95&hl=3

When you slide your seats to the rear, do they 'tilt' towards the outside?

ZippyNH · #19 11-14-2009, 05:10 PM

Interesting...out motoring show them to be the same SKU for gen1 and Gen2.