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I ordered my MINI and then decided I wanted the armrest, so it was too late to change the order and have it factory installed. The dealer installed it recently but it doesn't raise high enough to really be out of the way for shifting. Has anyone with a factory-installed armrest encountered this problem?
Also, does the factory-installed armrest consist of the rest mounted on a black painted metal frame that attaches to the seat bolts? The dealer-installed armrest is and it seems kinda' cheesy to me.
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2007 MINI Cooper S, all metal parts painted, steering wheel, rubber tires, sideways mounted motor, Italian leather racing shoes, diminutive stature.
Can you post some pictures of this alternate style armrest?
I can tonite after work.
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2007 MINI Cooper S, all metal parts painted, steering wheel, rubber tires, sideways mounted motor, Italian leather racing shoes, diminutive stature.
My arm rest came from the factory... and I still think its cheesy! Slides open all the time and feels like I could break it if I put too much weight on it. I'll probably get a after market one if I can find one that is more robust. I have seen others on NAM with the same complaints.
__________________ 2007 R56 Cooper S - JCW Stage I - Lightening Blue/Black Options: Prem Pkg|Sport Pkg|Conv Pkg|Cold Pkg|Sport Suspension JCW: Stage I|Brake Kit|Door Sills|Strut Bar|Grill Trim|Shift Knob|e-Break|Leather Boots|Mirror Caps Mods: MINI iPod|Alta 2'' Ant|Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2 Blk|No-Yokes|CF Side Scuttles|GPS Mount
There are several other post re; this if you do a search.
I bought my R56 off the showroom floor and asked if they could put an arm rest in it. I assumed it would be like the factory installed one. When I picked it up it has the one you got. I tried if for a few days and hated it. I made them take it out and refund the money. It wouldn't stay up, wouldn't go up far enought be out of the way; the vinyl on the top irritated my arm; it was in the way of the parking brake......
No one seems to be crazy about the factory one either. FYI
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2007 MINI Cooper S, all metal parts painted, steering wheel, rubber tires, sideways mounted motor, Italian leather racing shoes, diminutive stature.
i have one, factory installed, and the only thing its good for is throwing my change into. My elbow doesn't even rest on it because I don't put my seat all the way back, it slides open all the time, it's flimsy, and probably cost about $5 to make.
__________________ Tess & Toro
Be happy, drive a MINI!
From what I've read and seen the ones installed after delivery are better (I have one of these). I put all kinds of small stuff in there. It's very handy for me and I have my arm on it most of the time whether I'm driving or a passenger.
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'07 BRG/W MCSa White bonnet stripes & mirror caps, Premium, English Oak, Bridgespoke
Useless option #1. Too small to be of any use, and in the way of normal driving.
__________________ Babaganoosh:2007 MCS Lightning Blue|White roof w/ Union Jack |Cold Weather|Sport Pkg|17" Web spoked wheels|Performance Run Flats|LSD|PDC |Comfort Access|Xenons| Rear Fogs|Punch Carbon Leather|Dk gray color line
Ordered: 07/20 | Born 07/28 | Shipped 07/30| Delivered 09/01||JCW Tuning kit Aug 2009|
The armrest is worthless for storage and not functional at all. But as a "armrest" for me it seems to be adequate and it does not bother me. A better overall design, maybe a little deeper would help.
It isn't properly closed. You need to push slightly down as you slide it closed. I noticed this right after it was opened the first time (it was very tight). If you look when you go to close the slide cover you will see a slide gromet at the back of the panel, if you don't apply pressure it doesn't engage. Problem solved.
15-cd jewel case from Target. Functional. Nice anthracite/silver color. Fits between the 2 seat belt latches perfectly atop the e-brake boot, and you can move out back of your way if needed. Have had the same one in my 05 and 09. $8.99 last I looked.
MINI armrest = most worthless and dopey option EVER! How do they expect us to perform effective handbrake turns with that thing in the way??
__________________ I say, boy, you dont seem to be apprehendin' the general gist of what I'm tryin' to convey here. Maybe you oughta take a second, let your head catch up to your tongue before it gets all sunburnt. That was a joke, son, I say - a joke! Nice boy, but he's about as sharp as a sack o' wet mice.
This is the "Black Steel Frame" (sturdy mount) mentioned by OP.
I have added 'Memory Foam' padding and shimed to higher angle.
Best and Lowest cost supplier is Minspeed eBay had one for $10 less, but that ended.
__________________ 28April2008, 'Trixy' Cooper Automatic+Sunroof+AutoAir+HiFi+CruiseControl+15" Rotator Six Spoke
Mods: European Center Armrest+Wet Okole w/Lumbars over 4" Memory Foam(see Gallery)+XM-Radio+ScanGauge II
I say, boy, you dont seem to be apprehendin' the general gist of what I'm tryin' to convey here. Maybe you oughta take a second, let your head catch up to your tongue before it gets all sunburnt. That was a joke, son, I say - a joke! Nice boy, but he's about as sharp as a sack o' wet mice.
28April2008, 'Trixy' Cooper Automatic+Sunroof+AutoAir+HiFi+CruiseControl+15" Rotator Six Spoke
