Reading with interest as I'm prolly buying a new F56 that will see track time......is it possible to just remove the armrest itself (i.e. the pad part) w/o removing the entire assembly leaving "the hole"?

Thx--
Gary

 

The armrest got in my way a little bit until I got used to it. It is the perfect place to keep my garage door opener so I have to keep it.

 

I contacted FCP Euro to see if they can get it. I also wrote MINI Corporate raising my case. I just picked mine up today and that thing is a menace. I don't know if I'm an odd size or something, but I can only drive comfortably with it flipped up (ie. in pointless position) and can't reach behind me with it that way.

How stupid to force everyone to get this in 2017s. Horrible decision MINI...just awful.

--Matt

 

Could not agree more. I'm about to pull mine from my JCW..so bad in a standard.

 

Well, FCP Euro says the part is listed as compatible with US models but isn't available to purchase in the US because of "market restrictions". Seems it would have to be ordered from an overseas dealer.

--Matt

 

Can you get the latest part#. I had a# back in 2014...but it was not in production.

 

It still appears to be 51 16 9 266 622

 

I found another possible option. After some digging, I found that the F57 was available with visual boost and no armrest at some point. The part number appears to be 51169262842. I see pics of it on the web that look promising, like this one:




I've never heard of them, but this place seems to have it available: http://www.allmagautoparts.com/produ...98591-f55-f56#

ECS seems to list it too: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...e/51169262842/

I see conflicting info on whether or not that part number has an armrest, so I'm digging a bit on it. The pics at that first link seem to make me think it is really a 51169266622 (see the serial number in the pic). Seeing it pictured like that, in the flesh, seems promising though!!

--Matt

 

Matt. You are like a dog with a bone on this one. I wonder if the f57's arrest part number is the same as our car.
You might bee on to something!

 

Man, I sure hope so. I made 5 fresh contacts trying to get one of these things tonight. Let's get this thing sorted!!!

 

Watching this thread!

 

After doing some research on our end, it looks like there was 3 versions of this center console. The one we have available seems to be a part that cannot be found in the U.S.

Let us know if we can be of any further assistance Matt!

- Chris

 

Here is the part: 51169266622

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51169266622/

Has to come from overseas.

 

Well, of the several contacts I made last night two seem to have been fruitful. I snagged the one that ALLMAGAutoParts had, and it seems like ECS can get more of them.

I can't wait to be rid of this stupid thing!

Thank you ALLMAGAutoParts and ECS Tuning!

Here's a good pic of the real thing:




--Matt

 

So this would fit as a replacement for the center console with armrest on the 2017 I'm about to order?

 

Sweeeeeeet! It's here! Has some small scratches, but they're in inconspicuous spots and won't be visible.



It seems to have a couple snap clips underneath that hold it down shortly behind the shifter in addition to 5-7 screws. The e-brake handle seems like it'll probably have to come out. Anyone know what's involved? Seems like the boot on it is held in by a couple of clips. This makes it sound pretty simple: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ke-handle.html

--Matt

 

Jackpot! This seems to cover everything I need to do!

http://www.nm-eng.com/media/attachme..._NM.668846.pdf

--Matt

 

Ordered mine from ECS. I can't believe it is only $80- I paid more than that for my secret compartment cover!..long wait but then again I've been waiting for 2 years for this part!

Thanks Matt.

 

My pleasure. Glad to see that more could be made available! Nice work ECS! I hope to get mine installed tomorrow. *fingers crossed*

--Matt

 

The e-brake boot unclips and can slide through when pulling out the console. The shifter pops right off basically. I pried the sport ring up and the **** pulled off with a little force.




The i-drive control plug pulls right out. The rest of it came out how the PDF I linked says. When they say pull the parking brake to its highest position, they mean it.






Taking a brief break to get my toddler down for his nap, then I'll get the new one in.

--Matt

 

Ok, picking right back up. Take the clip that is in the center of the spot previously occupied by the bow-tie of "the hole". Be careful doing this, it is a pain to dig out if it falls through.



At this point, installation is essentially the reverse of removal. Make sure you fish the i-drive and sport ring cables where you need them before seating the new console down. Thete are two trim clips south of the shifter to seat, one T-25 screw beneath the i-drive control, the 2-T-20 screws that hold the i-drive control in, and the trim ring pops back on. The rest is as you'd assume.

When you finish, you should find more comfort and something looking a bit like this.






Cut the lawn, have a beer, or whatever you like after. Just don't be bothered by that annoyance ever again

--Matt

 

Thanks, welcome.

 

Ordered - thanks Matt and ECS.

 

OK, OK - I'll bite:

Just what the he77 is a "VISUAL Boost" radio??

-Oly

 

Visual Boost is the radio with the 6.5" color screen instead of the 3-line orange monochrome display.