Hi all,

I'm planning on putting in the OEM armrest in my 2003 Mini Cooper S. I have checked around on multiple sites but have yet to find a how-to on installing it. I would love to install it myself and save a buck or two, but unless I can find a nice step-by-step, I'll have to have the dealer install it (I'd rather not go "exploring" in my car as to how to install it ).

So, anybody have a link or a walkthrough (pictures make everyone happy )?

- Matt

 

 

Thank you.

- Matt

 

Before you put the OEM armrest in, check out the Euro armrest. It's much easier to install, costs less, it's more functional and it looks great too. The OEM looks real nice but it 's not very functional at all. I had one and changed to the Euro. Minspeed sells them.

http://www.minspeed.net/MAR.htm

Here's mine installed:

 

mm. that arm rest looks pretty nice. much cheaper than the us oem one.
when i get more money i may end up gettin it.

 

Wow thanks for the tip, it looks like an easy install and is not so expensive.

 

The install is very easy. You just remove the inside, rear seat bolt on each front seat. Then slide the metal legs of the armrest under the rails of the seat and put the bolts back in.

Installing the OEM armrest requires you to get the armrest and a different center console piece. And like I said, it's not as functional and it makes the rear cup holder pretty much useless.

 

The install is very easy. You just remove the inside, rear seat bolt on each front seat. Then slide the metal legs of the armrest under the rails of the seat and put the bolts back in.

Installing the OEM armrest requires you to get the armrest and a different center console piece. And like I said, it's not as functional and it makes the rear cup holder pretty much useless.

 

If you’re feeling adventurous, then you might want to consider doing the install yourself. Though I chose the Mini-Fini arm rest, I found the directions almost 85%-90% accurate for installing into my 06 MCS and, more importantly, was tremendously satisfied with having done the job myself. With only a few household tools, some time and my son holding the camera, I was able to do the install with no major problems. Though I realize that the installation and construction of the OEM vs. Mini-Fini arm rests are completely different, take a look at my gallery and you’ll see how easy this job really was. Good luck.

Cheers!!

 

Thanks a bunch to everybody who responded.

I decided in the interests to durability (stability) and functionality (flip design, keeps rear cupholder), I'm going to order the Euro style armrest.

Thanks again...you guys are awesome.

- Matt

 

How hard would it be to take out my OEM and put in the Euro?

 

take a sunday with the kids and it would be fun i bet ^^^^

 

It's not hard if you have the exploded diagram and the right parts:

You need to remove the armrest and this center console.



Then you need to replace it with this center console piece and the frame underneath (Parts 10 and 5). And don't forget to get a trim piece (part 2) for the rear cupholder because it's not included.



The instructions for the Euro armrest are HERE.

Somewhere I have the instructions for the OEM armrest too. You can follow them backwards to do the removal. I'll post that when I find it.

 

Nice MiniBee ! Youve convinced me to get one of these from Minspeed

 

I have to say that after only a week with my Mini, I really really hate the OEM arm rest. Every time I shift, my arm slides the top back. Looks like there's no way to lock it? Time to plan for something like the above.

 

I went into my Mini dealership today and asked the guy about putting an OEM armrest that I bought online in my Mini. He said it wouldn't fit because armrests weren't available until Jan/05. Is this true??

 

They weren't available, but that doesn't mean you can't retrofit it. I am confused as to where the availability date (in the past, at that) should affect your installation options.

I went with the Euro armrest anyways. LOVE IT, despite having to slightly modify my seat rails.

- Matt

 

Mini_Bee showed me his armrest at MSSD - I love it... I need to see if I can find some dark blue vinyl for it to match my dark blue leather seats (the armrest is black or dark grey) - but I've had the OEM armrest for 25,000 miles and am NOT in love with it... it's too low and too narrow to be comfortable, the one Mini_Bee has is MUCH better IMHO (though not as high-tech looking).

 

Yeah, that's the Euro one. Single most comfortable investment I've put into the Mini. Even with the seat completely lowered, arm level is perfect for shifting.

- Matt

 

I'm having a hell of a time trying to remove the T 40 bolts. I even tried to heat the bolt and watched the carpet start smoking. I don't want to strip the bolt ANY TIPS??

 

Try to tighten them slightly first. I know that sounds counter intuitive, but I've gotten dozens of stuck bolts out by that method.