We are both tall, and our elbows hit the armrest in both the up and down positions. So we definitely didn't want to have an armrest. But...when we went to order the navigation system, it automatically put in the armrest. Dealer called Mini, and we couldn't get the navigation system w/o the armrest. We're ticked off. So many additional pieces of crap added, that we didn't want, but apparently navigation is lumped in with the phone docking station that's inside the armrest. Can't have one w/o the other. Just not right, HAVING to add in other things you don't want, just to get a basic thing you do. They also couldn't find a way to remove the armrest when it was delivered, or a way to plug the hole, so we didn't get it. That's the problem with ordering new generation, so new, staff doesn't have answers for everything. HOWEVER, we can't wait until it gets here, in California, on June 26! Woo hoo. Thanks for the post.

 

It seems the new MINI option system will leave lots of profit making oppurtunities for the aftermarket...

 

I pulled mine over the weekend and the ergonomics improvement is substantial (6'3").

Greg, did you figure out any good ideas for covering the ugly gap? It's a pretty irregular shape. My wife is playing around with some ideas for me with some scrap black leather.

 

Pennengr. I have Sewell trying to bring in the correct ( non armrest version) from Europe. Black plastic will work if the proper option fails!
It's so much better without :-)

 

3D printer! I want one.

 

I was exploring this idea via PM with another user, but have no idea how to even start with the measurements. It's pretty angular and irregular.

 

I'm trying to remove my armrest too. The cup holder came out easily, but the lower cover is not cooperating. Did you use any tools to help the pieces pry apart, or just by twisting and turning with your hands?

 

I may have had to pry it a bit with a screwdriver. It was pretty ornery.

 

The front pulls off the back. Just pop it off...from the top. See my pic of the tabs,
It's pretty strong and wont break. Good Luck!

 

I had my 2014 Hardtop in for some recall work last Friday and the loaner was a 2014 Hardtop, but it had an automatic transmission and the armrest. I really liked the armrest but did not have to shift since it was an automatic. Mine is a manual.

I was looking and it seems that I can purchase the parts and install it myself with some hidden trimming on the console plastic.

I am not that tall overall, 5'10", and my seat is pulled forward more than shown in the photos on this thread. Perhaps it will not be an issue with me, and if it is it will probably be okay when the armrest is up. Anyone else around 5'10" have issues with armrest clearance when shifting?

I was more concerned about operating the parking brake with the armrest down. Can anyone comment on this?

Thanks for the removal info.

 

I'm 5'10"
we have manual
the armrest gets in the way

 

Same. That's why I started the tread....

 

The armrest comes up when you pull up the brake lever. There's about four or so adjustment stops you can select lowering the rest down, but it doesn't lock going up. I always use the lowest position and like it, but have to lift it to latch the safety belt.

 

Thanks for the great advice. I will not add the armrest to my manual MINI.

Thanks again!

 

I'm 6'4" 250 pounds. I love my armrest. Such an improvement over my R56. In the beginning it was a little tight hooking the seat belt, but since I've gotten used to it that doesn't pose a problem any more.

 

I have the armrest and also have a manual. I just keep it flipped up because it's useless.

 

I ran my car without the armrest for a year. I never got around to figuring a way to plug the hole it left. It would be possible though. A piece of textured black plastic bent to the right shape. Unfortunately they never made the console for a loaded car with the armrest. Although there was a part number....
I'm getting a manual JCW next week - job one pull the arm rest!

 

Greg
I've been building on the Mini site and find an arm rest delete option.

 

Are you saying you found an option?

 

Looks like the delete option on the website is only available for the new Clubman.
The armrest on that build has the armrest as standard and under Interior you can delete it.
In the JCW Hardtop build, if you try to delete arm rest, you must delete the entire package.
Looks like the options are changing as a result of customer feedback.

 

Just yanked out my center armrest with your tips. Thank you so much. It took me longer to find my tore bits. So much more comfortable now.

 

Anyone else have any luck on this? I ordered a 2016 JCW without any of this malarkey, but it ended up getting bumped to a 2017 and includes (no choice) the color screen and armrest now. Reading through this, it seems like there is some sort of European unicorn that can accommodate the controls for the screen but without the armrest hole. Anyone ever have any luck finding it or something to fill that hole?

I'm 5'7" with big arms, and I've never encountered an armrest that hasn't gotten in the way. My current R56 has one and it's definitely in the way, but fortunately this one is an auto....JCW not so much though.

--Matt

 

Matt. According to my parts guy they never made that part. Although there was a part number. I think a piece of bent plastic is the best fix.
I've been driving my JCW with the armrest up. It pinches my skin on the back of my arm and the odd time someone has put it down it has scratched the hand brake.
It is IMHO a bad idea for a manual transmission car.
MINI's the completely customisable car should have the part number we mentioned available for the standard transmission cars. It just makes sense.

 

It must have something to do with whether or not your car has the visual boost radio or not. I opted to not get the visual boost on my 2015 JCW so I don't have the control on the center console...just a spot to lay my key fob or nothing....my arm rest is perfect not a problem whatsoever! There are advantages to going Spartan with gadgetry....hidden compartment, side visor, std radio with HK Sound, armrest....Perfect! ;-)

 

Unfortunately, visual boost is not optional for 2017 models. I don't want it, but I'm apparently stuck with it.

--Matt