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Hey guys, I am getting closer to figuring out my final configuration to order, and was wondering how people felt about the armrest. Is it worth it? After-market better?
I didn't have one in my '04 and I was fine. My '07 factory armrest takes some getting used to -- I keep sliding the top open with my elbow. It's ok...I could take it or leave it.
Whatever option you choose, you'll get used to it. If you like having an armrest, i recommend the aftermarket one. the factory armrest doesn't have much space in it.
I sold my factory armrest and put in the Euro one. Much nicer....more room, no more sliding top and the ability to put and empty 20oz soda bottle in the rear cupholder with the armrest up.
I like having an armrest and didn't want to have an aftermarket one. The stock one isn't great but for me it beats scrambling around for one after the fact. If you like this kind of modding, go for a more useful armrest in the aftermarket.
I haven't had trouble with mine sliding open inadvertently.
In test driving a 2008 mini cooper S, I found the seam where the top of the armrest meets the bottom to have hurt my arm as I reached for the seatbelt in the passenger side. The seam felt thick, rough and not comfy. OUR MCS will have one, and its just something I'll watch out for.
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"MYSTIQUE": 08 MCS/Conv/cold/sport/DSC/SS/LiB (black stripes/roof) w matching pacific black and blue interior! Ordered 04/30/08, made WEEK 23: 06/01/08 Picked up: 07/21/08
I got the armrest with the Convenience Package. After trying to live with it for a few months, I ripped it out. It was in the way while shifting, and wouldn't fold up far enough to get out of the way.
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Robin Casady Bombadil: 2007 MINI Cooper S, R56, Pure Silver, LSD, Wood Shift Knob, Rota Slipstream 16x7, NAV, HIFI...
I'll post some shots of my aftermarket armrest. About the only thing it comes in the way of is pulling the handbrake. That is easily remedied though but folding the armrest up a bit. Honestly, I got used to pulling the handbrake with the armrest so now i don't have to fold it up.
It is going to boil down to personal preference. I would go test drive one that has the arm rest. There some that are nearly violently opposed, and others that aren't.
I like the armrest, it is low enough to stay out of my way, but it is also there when I am relaxing. I don't understand the parking brake issue, since mine barely touches it. I also never have rear seat passengers, so the cup holder is used by ME!!!...and with the armrest in the normal down position, it works fine.
I also have no issue with it sliding open. And as far as storage goes...uh, it's an armrest, nothing gets stored in it.
__________________ Shamus: At Home 18Mar08!! Born 13Feb08!!
'08 MCS Dark Silver/B 6spd, Packages: Premium/Sport/Convenience/Cold Weather
As soon as folk see my face on the movie screen they know two things: First, I'm not going to get the girl and second, I'll get a cheap funeral before the picture is over. -- Lee Marvin
I have the arm rest, and read Robin's comments on it before I picked up my car. I don't find that it gets in the way of my shifting at all. Since Robin says it does and I say it doesn't, it would probably be best if you test drove one with the arm rest to see what you think. I like mine and I'm glad I got it.
I also never have rear seat passengers, so the cup holder is used by ME!!!...and with the armrest in the normal down position, it works fine.
the issue is sticking a bottle there period. Sometimes, when we're on a road trip, I'll grab two drinks. Putting a tall water bottle in the rear one and having a soda up front (or, a Big Gulp in the back....lord knows that won't fit in the two up front).
I don't have the armrest and don't miss it. I use the rear cupholder all the time and I would think it would get in the way... a big difference would be manual vs. automatic. Manual I wouldn't do it for sure. My 2 cents.
I have it, thought I needed it, and realize I sit so far forward that I don't really use it. I keep pens in it. And sometimes my sunglasses. And an emergency reserve pacifier for my son...
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Name of the Moment: Fitzwilliam Darcy: (FITZ)
08 MCa BRG/W, premium, driver's edge stripes (installed!!), white turns, rear fog, sport seats/cloth, arm rest, gotham gray, MFSW, iPod, roof rack .:.:. Ordered 2.18.08 .:.:. Production 2.29.2008 .:.:. Born 3.7.2008 .:.:. On the Trianon 3.13.2008 .:.:. VDC 4.7.2008 .:.:. Dealer 4.10.2008 .:.:. Delivered 4.13.2008 .:.:.
The factory arm rest is crap. It's flimsy, holds almost nothing, opens on it's own, is hard to close, does not move fully out of the way and is not much of a rest when it is in the way. I don't find it gets in the way of shifting, though. Definitely go after-market.
__________________ BlooMeeni - 2004 Mini Copper, Auto A/C, HK Stereo, Leather, 5sp.
Regarding the aftermarket armrest that I suggested you get. Please note that although it folds up, it does not stay folded up. In addition, even if it stayed folded up, it doesn't go far enough back to not be in the way for your arm. It's only meant to fold up in case you temporarily need access to the area under it.
I don't find the armrest to be flimsy and mine doesn't open on its own. It is hard to close with one hand (or by trying to scoot your forearm against it). It doesn't hold very much and there are better after market versions that should be considered if you want more storage.
I've got the factory armrest and a manual. I have had zero problems shifting or using the handbrake. I only use the armrest for putting my arm on while driving on the interstate and for storing small things in like my gate remote, pens, gum, etc in. I use the back "cupholder" for storing the ashtray, I use it to hold coinage.
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PS/B - Convienience pkg, Premium pkg, Anthracite Headliner, Brushed Alloy, Chrome Line int, Cloth Seats, Front/Rear Fogs
Invidia DP back exhaust, BC Coilovers, Whiteline 20mm rear sway bar, 16" Borbet LV4's
Regarding the aftermarket armrest that I suggested you get. Please note that although it folds up, it does not stay folded up. In addition, even if it stayed folded up, it doesn't go far enough back to not be in the way for your arm. It's only meant to fold up in case you temporarily need access to the area under it.
Shamus: At Home 18Mar08!! Born 13Feb08!! 
Name of the Moment: Fitzwilliam Darcy: (FITZ)
BlooMeeni - 2004 Mini Copper, Auto A/C, HK Stereo, Leather, 5sp.
My MCS is the first car I've had w/out armrest...and I've already adapted.
