Center Armrest
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1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Parker, CO
Center Armrest
Hi -
My Mini is almost here, and I am considering adding the center armrest from the dealer (not the "slider" one from Mini with the problems, but the one that lifts up to open). I would like to know from those who have it:
1) Does it interfere with your ability to shift.
2) Is it comfortable as an armrest? This is mostly what I want it for, and I am used to having something to rest my right elbow on.
3) Is it durable? Kids might end up climbing into the back seats by stepping on the armrest.
4) Is it easy to uninstall, should I hate it?
5) Overall yes (get it now), or no (not worth it) vote.
Thanks!!!!!
My Mini is almost here, and I am considering adding the center armrest from the dealer (not the "slider" one from Mini with the problems, but the one that lifts up to open). I would like to know from those who have it:
1) Does it interfere with your ability to shift.
2) Is it comfortable as an armrest? This is mostly what I want it for, and I am used to having something to rest my right elbow on.
3) Is it durable? Kids might end up climbing into the back seats by stepping on the armrest.
4) Is it easy to uninstall, should I hate it?
5) Overall yes (get it now), or no (not worth it) vote.
Thanks!!!!!
1) Does it interfere with your ability to shift.
No... but I have an automatic....I know very demanding manual drivers who have this armrest and love it.
2) Is it comfortable as an armrest? This is mostly what I want it for, and I am used to having something to rest my right elbow on.
YES! At least, it is for me... a little higher than the "sliding" style, which is good for my anatomy.
3) Is it durable? Kids might end up climbing into the back seats by stepping on the armrest.
Durable and sturdy... but I'm still scared that my 80lb kid will break it if he steps on it...
4) Is it easy to uninstall, should I hate it?
Easy to install and uninstall... remove rear seat bolts and it goes in and out.
5) Overall yes (get it now), or no (not worth it) vote.
Yes... excellent armrest IMHO.
No... but I have an automatic....I know very demanding manual drivers who have this armrest and love it.
2) Is it comfortable as an armrest? This is mostly what I want it for, and I am used to having something to rest my right elbow on.
YES! At least, it is for me... a little higher than the "sliding" style, which is good for my anatomy.
3) Is it durable? Kids might end up climbing into the back seats by stepping on the armrest.
Durable and sturdy... but I'm still scared that my 80lb kid will break it if he steps on it...
4) Is it easy to uninstall, should I hate it?
Easy to install and uninstall... remove rear seat bolts and it goes in and out.
5) Overall yes (get it now), or no (not worth it) vote.
Yes... excellent armrest IMHO.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Texas!
My $.02
Hi -
My Mini is almost here, and I am considering adding the center armrest from the dealer (not the "slider" one from Mini with the problems, but the one that lifts up to open). I would like to know from those who have it:
1) Does it interfere with your ability to shift.no, not at all, and I'm in a regular Cooper Cabrio
2) Is it comfortable as an armrest? Not especially - it's so far back I never even use it, unless I make a conscious effort to. I have an '03 Honda Odyssey that I've just about worn the arm rest out on - it's connected to the side of the seat, where the Mini's is in between the two front seats.This is mostly what I want it for, and I am used to having something to rest my right elbow on.
3) Is it durable? Can't really answer that - I make my kids flip the seat forward to climb into the back. I'm a freak about that - I don't like their icky shoes in my front seats. Kids might end up climbing into the back seats by stepping on the armrest.
4) Is it easy to uninstall, should I hate it?I have no idea - mine came installed
5) Overall yes (get it now), or no (not worth it) vote. My vote is meh. I use it to keep a pen and about 2 dollar bills in (in case the need for a Coke hits!). Mine is (obviously) the kind that slides open. I will tell you, too, that oftentimes mine ends up open and I don't realize it - I guess moving around in the car I must hit it, and don't know unless I happen to reach down to it.
Thanks!!!!!
My Mini is almost here, and I am considering adding the center armrest from the dealer (not the "slider" one from Mini with the problems, but the one that lifts up to open). I would like to know from those who have it:
1) Does it interfere with your ability to shift.no, not at all, and I'm in a regular Cooper Cabrio
2) Is it comfortable as an armrest? Not especially - it's so far back I never even use it, unless I make a conscious effort to. I have an '03 Honda Odyssey that I've just about worn the arm rest out on - it's connected to the side of the seat, where the Mini's is in between the two front seats.This is mostly what I want it for, and I am used to having something to rest my right elbow on.
3) Is it durable? Can't really answer that - I make my kids flip the seat forward to climb into the back. I'm a freak about that - I don't like their icky shoes in my front seats. Kids might end up climbing into the back seats by stepping on the armrest.
4) Is it easy to uninstall, should I hate it?I have no idea - mine came installed
5) Overall yes (get it now), or no (not worth it) vote. My vote is meh. I use it to keep a pen and about 2 dollar bills in (in case the need for a Coke hits!). Mine is (obviously) the kind that slides open. I will tell you, too, that oftentimes mine ends up open and I don't realize it - I guess moving around in the car I must hit it, and don't know unless I happen to reach down to it.
Thanks!!!!!
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 5
From: Florida, South Gulf Coast
MINI's European Version Armrest
I got this one, not sure if it would be available from the MINI Dealer though.
Mine is Auto, but would not think it would interfere with shift or handbrake, also does not interfere
with seatbelts or seatback adjust lever and rear cup holder is still completely usable.
Was very comfortable and I added Memory Foam under Okole's MINI Seat Cover Kit and did the same for door as well as center armrests:
The install was an easy 20: minute affair with a T-40 Torx, the support arms are heavy gauge steel and go beneath the seat rails,
would take a lot more than 80# to bend anything.
Uninstall would be the same :20 minute job and unlike the MINI-USA Slide-Top, would leave no trace of ever being there.
Below is a view of it folded up as far as it will go:
(The yellow tape is holding a rubber wine cork I added to raise the angle and give a 'springy' feel to it.)
Would highly recommend this European Armrest for your MINI
Mine is Auto, but would not think it would interfere with shift or handbrake, also does not interfere
with seatbelts or seatback adjust lever and rear cup holder is still completely usable.
Was very comfortable and I added Memory Foam under Okole's MINI Seat Cover Kit and did the same for door as well as center armrests:
The install was an easy 20: minute affair with a T-40 Torx, the support arms are heavy gauge steel and go beneath the seat rails,
would take a lot more than 80# to bend anything.
Uninstall would be the same :20 minute job and unlike the MINI-USA Slide-Top, would leave no trace of ever being there.
Below is a view of it folded up as far as it will go:
(The yellow tape is holding a rubber wine cork I added to raise the angle and give a 'springy' feel to it.)
Would highly recommend this European Armrest for your MINI
Just for clarity - the one discussed by iamhollyb is NOT the one deepscuba is asking about. The one discussed by me and pilotart IS the one you're asking about.... the difference between the two is night and day - i removed the "sliding" OEM one and installed the "flip up" "euro" one. Here's mine....
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Parker, CO
Thank you so much for the answers, and pictures too. The dealer didn't have any for me to try, other than the "slider" one which they quickly steered me away from due to known problems. The one they showed me they would install (was mounted inside their shop) looked like the ones in the picture (except for the coloring).
That brings me to another question (sorry)... Would it match OK with Leatherette seats and Anthricite headliner?
Thanks again for all your advice, I think I am leaning Yes on this one.
That brings me to another question (sorry)... Would it match OK with Leatherette seats and Anthricite headliner?
Thanks again for all your advice, I think I am leaning Yes on this one.
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