I think the OEM armrest would look a whole lot better (and be more comfortable) with leather. Anyone know how the two halves of the sliding top part come apart? I know how to take it off, but specifically, how you break down the two pieces of the top? It seems that you can't move the individual pieces enough to allow the tabs to disengage. Any ideas? If you can get them apart, it would be very easy to put a piece of leather on and tuck it under and snap back together...

 

The same thing was done in this thread, ask him.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=121374

 

Ok, I figured it out. There are 3 horizontal clips on the front end and 5 vertical clips holding the middle and back of the armrest together. If you start at the very back one and apply slight pressure under the insert while pushing the vertical tab away from the slot, the clip will loosen and then proceed with the remaining 4 clips. Then slid the insert forward with a little downward pressure and the insert come free of the the top (the padded portion that is covered).

I wanted to keep it simple and dark (I have the anthracite liner and leatherette seats), so I started to use some black cowhide (left from another interior project on another vehicle), however, it was much too thick and impossible to keep from getting gathers at the ends. Off to the leather store where I found a piece of lamb (bahhh) that was black and much thinner. It was a snap. Used 3m adhesive and made a few relief cuts at each end to reduce andy bunching and it went together well. Simple and low cost and improved the look over the very cheap looking battleship grey cover. I have attached a couple of shots.

 

I just noted in the pictures that it looks as if there is a "lump" on the lower right of the armrest. It is the light reflection and the leather covering is smooth and very professional looking.

 

I got my MCS R56 a few months ago and just couldn't take the armrest color anymore either. I have tuscan beige seats w/the anthracite headliner and the armrest just looked totally out of place. I did basically this same mod, but instead of leather I used a plaid fabric that is black and beige and matches the seat color almost exactly. I want to do the shifter boot in the same fabric but can't figure out how to disassemble it (the R56 auto shifter is a though nut to crack!). Will post a pic soon of the armrest. It's a very easy modification and looks great.

 

I've had my mini for about 6 months, and got tired of the arm rest sliding backward every time I sit my arm on it. So I superglued it shut. lol. I hate that thing.

 

I ripped mine out completely.

 

Finally got around to taking a couple pics of the plaid armest mod I did.

 

i think this looks great. maybe i should buy an armrest?

 

I sent a bunch of photos and commentary to Redline for center and door armrest installs. Redline has decided to use them at their site. Both are fairly easy.