Just purchased a 2015 thunder grey F56 S. First MINI and having lots of fun. Been into antique, classic, muscle and VW air cooled cars for 20+ years. Just decided to step out and do something different for that special driver! Pretty well equipped but doesn't have a center armrest ! Dealer quoted $860.00 for a retro-fit ! Has anyone seen or has the aftermarket one that's made in Italy? It sells for $219.00 and would be a quick install! Just wondering on the quality.

 

Welcome to NAM.

If you have not already done so, can I suggest you check out the Gen3 section to see if there is any talk on the arm rest? I did not have one in my R53 but do have one in my R52 (same basic interior). On the R53 I rolled up some towels, sowed them shut and away I went. Function over form and worked quite well for a daily driver.

 

Welcome, have to love the Grey since it's the same as my GP

 

Yes I do like the grey

 

Welcome to NAM from Wisconsin!!

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome to NAM! Big fan of Thunder Grey! If you ever need anything for your MINI please don't hesitate to let me know.

 

Thank you for the welcome! I'm going to pm you a few questions.

 

check out the FB Group Sunshine MINIS

there's a bunch of 'local' groups in Florida as well but this is a decent starting place.

for historical data see http://www.sunshineminis.org/forums/index.php

I've done MINI 101 for many new owners if you want to take a drive to I-95 exit 188

 

Just a thought (my 2 cents worth). Had a center rest on my 07 MCS vert and hated it. Had to prop it up with a couple of books after it lost its "support." Now have an 016 MCS with JCW exterior and interior. "Had" to get center armrest in order to get other options I really wanted. The day my Mini came in and I took delivery, the first thing I did was raise the armrest up level with the seatbacks and never looked back. Like the cockpit without the armrest showing...and the armrest interferes with the **** controlling the center display screen.

 

Thanks for the info I'll check the sites!

 

I probably wouldn't use the armrest around town but I have a few long hauls (2000mi trips) planned and the armrest is a can't live without it item. Dealer was saying that he had lost a few sales due to the cars not being equipped with an armrest so everything that they get in has an armrest. Of course when you are buying used it's a toss of the coin. My car had everything else that I wanted, navigation, paddle shifters and the chrome exterior package. I'm working on a solution. Thanks for sharing your personal experiences - much appreciated!