I bought a one-owner 2015 F56 with a manual transmission that does not have an armrest and would like to know if anybody has any experience (good, bad) with aftermarket ones.

Thanks.

 

There is one, but you can also install the oem one.

I can't find it now, so I will see if I can find it later, and I will add it here.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MINI-F55-F56-3d-generation-from-2014-Adjustable-Armrest-Premium-storage-/321851891021?_trksid=p2141725.m3641.l6368
this is the link to the one I found earlier, it is made in Italy but I still can't find the name of the company.
http://www.car-accessories-italy.com...egory=14098111

 

In my neck of the woods, the OEM is close to $1000 (installed). That's why I'm looking aftermarket. I found one (about $120) that is attached to the rear of the center console with four screws. Just wondering if it is sturdy enough and won't damage the console over time.

Also: As I have a manual, does it get in the way when shifting?

Thanks again.

 

From my understanding, it is really easy to pull off the console, it is just time consuming, hence expensive at the dealer.

I cannot comment on aftermarket armrest, but I love the way the oem armrest sits as it can be angled downward, and I have the pistol grip carbon fiber jcw shift ****. Don't know if I am a good test on the subject as I seem to be the literal dimensions the Germans design all their cars around, 6 ft and 165 lbs. So everything fits just so for me. My girl on the other hand is a few inches shorter and is very curvy, and she finds the sport seats restricting when driving, (it's alright as passenger) and her arm rest at a slightly weird angle with same set up. It also depends because I grew up with a armrest in my 94 manual 325iC, so I am used to it, people with different life experience will give you totally different views.

 

For the center console diagram see here :

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=51_9672


DIY here:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-part-1-a.html

 

Thanks DunkM. That one looks pretty good as it installs via the rear cupholder. I found a similar one for around $200.

I was looking at this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-Cooper-...-/391379404967

I looks a little nicer, not as boxy. But I don't like the fact that you have to drill holes in the console. So, if I want to remove it in the future, it will leave holes.

Thanks again.