OK. I know most of you love your armrests and there are a couple of people (including me) that find they get in the way. If you feel like me then here is how to remove it.
This tread is incomplete till I figure out a way to patch the hole or if there is in fact a part that will do that. in the meantime (till the Mini parts departments get up and running I will make a plate to cover the brackets etc...



Step 1 - Remove the rear Cup Holder
- Pull the rubber insert from the center to expose the machine screw. Remove it and the 2 screws on either side (see pic) then pull it out. Reverse to replace.

 

Step 2 - Disconnect the power and antennas

After the cup holder has been removed these are clearly visible on either side of the back of the console.
There seem to be 2 antennas and 1 power/network cable. These pull apart by pushing in the same plastic release clips.

 

Step 3 - Remove the Armrest!


Snap off the lower covers - just pcarfully prey them apart and they break in two sliding back a forward.

Undo the 2 x 13mm bolts at the front and the back of the armrest.

 

Step 4 - Pull the Armrest clear of the console.


Pull it out and the cables will come too.


Done for now - now just have to figure out a way to plug that ugly hole!


I love the way that my arm does not feel cramped now when I change gear.

 

My F56 justa didn't come with an arm rest and I wish it did! Lol Do you know if the cars that didn't come with them can have them simply bolted in or is the center console different? And if it can be just bolted in, sell me yours!! Haha

 

IDNTFIT. I think that there are only 2 consoles.
1 has the armrest and the mini connected dial
1 has no armrest and a slot where the Mini Connected thing goes.
Send photos I would consider a swap.. :-)

 

My F56 is a justa, no options... Not sure if it will interchange

 

I looked on the European RealOEM site and they have a console that might work for me.
Part #51169266622
IDNTFIT - looks like you could fit an armrest you just need to dremmel out the shape that is in the console that armrest comes with - its basically the same with the cut out. Then you just need to order the brackets and the armrest and drop it in.

 

thanks for the write up! I'll have to see if I can find something to cover the hole

 

A contrasting piece will be best. I'll work on something in a week or 2.

 

There are 3 consoles listed on RealOEM, 51169266622, 51169262841, 51169262842.

51169262841 if you have an armrest
51169266622 if you have no armrest but have any of WIRED, Navigation system Professional, Radio MINI Visual Boost or MINI navigation system.
51169262842 if you have none of it.

What does that second one have that the third one doesn't?

 

Hammerhands. Thanks for the this - all good

 

Any pricing on the 6622 found yet? I just drove mine home over 100 miles and this could be in my future. Thanks.

 

My Dealer quoted me $200. Which seems cheap based on other prices I've be paying! that's in Canadian $ = $170 US :-)
He said the art wasn't available for a few weeks to order.

 

Hmm seems to me if you have a justa without MINI connect or navigation, and no armrest, you either have to cut into the base center console to add an armrest, or you can buy and install the center console with the MINI connect touch control option and have that area remain open. Both options to me are unacceptable and will not look pleasing:-( Guess I don't get an armrest until I upgrade to a S when my lease is up in 3 years...:-(

 

IDNTFIT. The cut-out in your existing console is covered by the armrest trim so even if you do it with a jigsaw only you and I will know! Look how the cut-out is in my car not pretty - looks like the robots had been drinking! :-) Not sure how this would affect your lease though :-(

 

Can we be sure that the mounting bracket for the arm rest is installed under my base model console?

 

I would guess that the bigger bracket required for the armrest will have to be ordered separately. There would be no reason for them to put that in a car without the armrest.

 

My assumption as well. I will have to decide how badly I miss having an arm rest...

 

Thanks.

 

Great write-up, Gregory! Interesting that you found the armrest to be a hindrance. Just shows that some features are loved by some and not loved by others. I absolutely love using my armrest, and it is never in the way when shifting. Without it I'd be occasionally wanting to rest my arm on something, only to find nothing but air. LOL. I understand why you removed yours, though.

 

3rd one has a hole for the mini connected controls.

Spoke to the parts guru at Sewell Brandon Martin about Part # 51169266622

He replied "It must be European models only.
I tried to order it and it comes back as “Not on File” and has Zero price available"

Thinking about putting the armrest back on facing to the rear. Not sure if it would fit or look. Will post a picture if I do it. :-)

 

Why not just put it back in normally and fold it up?

 

I bang my elbow and it feels constricting and cramped. Also don't like it visually. The car feels less cluttered without it.

 

I'd like to see the pic of it facing backwards, just for curiosity's sake