Fredo -- it IS removable but it requires more oomph than would seem necessary. First, open the panel and fold it back on top of the other half. Then, using the far edge of the folded panel, pull the whole assembly back (toward the back of the CM) with one hand and pull while guiding it up with the other hand. You may need to perform this ballet with a sudden jerk to unseat the tightly fitting arms in the side slots.

My FLF was almost impossible to remove when we first got the CM. That was mainly due to the lack of finding a technique for its removal, but was also made harder by the newness of the rubber "doughnuts" on the arms of the FLF. I just put a tiny touch of white grease on the rubber pieces and let the FLF stand overnight. It's still tight, but removal is much easier.

Congratulations!!!!

 

Thanks for the info. MA said it was screwed in! I'll mess with it over the weekend but I am glad it is a removable flat load floor (RFLF - another acronym )

BTW, the first gen MINI forum has a sticky thread for 'things you did not know about you MINI'. Anyone know how we get one for the CM? I looked in the manual and I don't recall the RFLF removal procedure being covered.

 

now ive been given the date of january 5 for my CM ....to see others who placed their order after me and get there CM before me kinda stinks (for me).

 

I know exactly how you feel, bostonterrier.
I ordered my ALL4 on 3 August and just found out that my boat docks tomorrow. It has been a very painful almost 5 months but I'm hoping I can fly to Atlanta next weekend. Enjoy your new ride.

 

hey gator, did they tell you why your cm has taken so long...that is crazy. last week, my dealership asked me to payup in full today so they can book the sale for 2011, i politely declined.

 

Got my car today, so excited. They forgot the flat load floor. It was on the order and the bottom part is there but it's missing the floor and hooks on the side. No worrys they will either take from another car or get the parts from mini. So if you ordered the bench seat with flat load floor defiantly double check!

 

I ordered from a BMW/Mini military sales in Germany and I don't think he really deals with mini much. My baby is already paid for too, it was the only way they would put it on a boat. I'm just glad I found an old mini van to drive or the last 5 months would have been really rough. The worst part is that no one understands, I'm not obsessed with my car I just can't stop thinking about it.

 

good luck...the good news is...we will definitely get our CMs in 2012

 

What a wonderful perspective.

 

I took my dealership up on it once they offered to reimburse my first payment and it ensured my Motor-tober discount. My car should be here Monday.

 

500 mile update. Took the Mini to San Diego today for the New Year's festivities. Had 5 people in the car and a boot full of luggage. Was zipping thru since there wasn't any traffic... had the a/c on (believe it or not, it's low 70s here in So. Cal.) and upon arriving, checked what I was getting as far as mileage... 31 mpg. This thing is just so fun to drive and gets great gas mileage too. Cheers....

 

So I guess I have the correct flat floor. I was under the impression that the floor would be similar to the four seater. Obviously no need since it is a bench but i thought the upgrade would be better protection. This was before I found out it was required.

 

Thanks for the tip Theo, I checked how this contraption was rigged then followed your intructions and it pulled right out.

Anyone else pick up their bench seater over the past few days?

 

Well we Finaly picked up Wini. Tomarrow she'll go off to get tint Stiped and clear bra'd. SWEET!!!!

 

My CMSa is a bencher as well.

 

Congratulations ovi!!!

 

to mellowmcs and oldvintageiron! Let the farkle-ing begin...

 

Corduroy has arrived at the dealer! Now I am the hold up since I won't be able to get there until Wednesday. I already have my rear guard and shorty antenna though!

 

Congrats! Now count the hours until Wednesday!

 

It'll be worth the wait...but, how frustrating, huh?

 

Congrats, Signelf!!! Did you pick up Corduroy yet?!

I finally got to take Elf out in a real snowstorm yesterday! She took to it like a sled dog! Unfortunately, I broke off the rear wiper removing snow this morning, but the Scot at the service department showed me how to reattach it. Whew! It was a good opportunity to pick up some rubber mats, anyway.

By the way, I will be selling my RAV4 this weekend, and was looking over my registration(s). Did you know that, in WI at least, the Countryman is considered a station wagon?!!

 

I love Corduroy! My daughter gave me the 5" bear to put in the car. I need to figure out where he can ride safely. I am really enjoying curves and corners! Might have to get off the interstate alot as we drive from NJ back to NC. :D

 

The curves are totally awesome! Kinda glad I have a circuitous ride to work, even if the gas mileage suffers from it. Maybe you could put the bear in the net pouch on the passenger's side, although he won't get much of a view from there. Perhaps in a harness strapped around the headrest, facing rear, like the rubbish bag?

 

We just placed an order today and we went with the bench seat. If there is a child seat mounted in the middle, will 2 normal size adults fit on both sides in the back?

 

It's going to be a tight fit. If the adults are narrow in the hip and shoulders and the child seat isn't too wide you might have a shot at it. Better yet, bring your car seat and two adults to the dealer and do a "test sit". This is big money we're talking about spending, you want to make sure your expectations are met -- or, at least, readjusted.