Mystery solved. The hole in the armrest frame that catches the slip was broken, causing all the tools I was shoving in there to get caught before reaching the clip. It was either broken when I started or I broke it on an early attempt. Pat Wallis, lead MINI mechanic at Ferman MINI and Sunshine MINIs member, used a panel tool to get it off for me. So I'm in business.

I had the same thought about recovering the armrest with custom fabric Richard, and now may be on the hunt for some checkered leatherette material. Or maybe the good folks at Redline can do something.

On to the door handles. More challenges await!

 

They already do: http://www.redlinegoods.com/MINIarmrest.shtm

Also some nice things for the R56: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=122417

 

I had a helluva time getting one off the first time, also. Glad you got yours off, Jack.

In my case, using a wide flat-blade screwdriver actually "cut into" the clip and buggered it up a bit, so then things wouldn't slide up the clip as it depressed, instead they dug into the clip and kept if from retracting... so anyone else reading this, beware - I think the WIDE tool approach like credit card may be preferable to prevent that...

 

Yeah, now I'm all full of wisdom since I can actually see how it works. But hey, that's why they call it a hobby, right? You're right Paul...wide, flat and thin is the way to go. And the tool you need needs to be stiff enough to push the clip in because it's pretty strong.

I got the the passenger door panel off no problem. Just discovered I do not have a 5mm hex bit for my mini socket, and the Harbor Freight ones I bought are not long enough to go through the hole in the panel. So off to Home Depot I got to try and get the tools I need.

 

OK, got a nice set of T-handle, ball-end hex wrenches that are very long at Sears. On the passenger side door both bolts are out. On the bolt farthest from the edge of the door there is a black fitting where the bolt was attached (you can see it in the upper left of the photo below). That fitting seems to be keeping the handle tight to the door (unless there is another bolt I can't see).

I keep getting closer! Help!

 

that fitting is part of the door handle. did you disconnect the cable that connects to the actuator? if so you can just tug on it from the outside.

 

That's what I thought but it will not budge. I guess I'm jinxed or something. I read somewhere that for some people at least, the passenger side has three bolts. But I can see an extra bolt there. I'll go tug on it some more.

 

yeah, i had a third bolt myself. i think i posted that in the m|u thread...

anyhow, when i got the bolts out mine wouldnt budge either. it actually took quite a bit of force but use your own discretion... i almost fell over when mine came loose. by the way, dont close the door until after the cable's back on

 

OK, some wiggling and firm tugging got it off but it came off quickly so I didn't see the routing of the cable. There is a triangular hole at the bottom of the white nylon fitting. Does the cable go through there?

 

i believe so... i cant recall exactly. put it up to the handle and see if it fits correctly.

 

OK, the first one is bolted in and the cable is routed through the white piece. Now I just need to get it connected at the bottom. I wish I had taken a picture of that before I took the cable out because I don't remember how it fits in there. And yes, I remembered to no close the door until the cable is connected. Thanks!

 

I DID IT! WOOHOO! I'm on my way to saving $400 worth of install money! I'm going to clean the inside of the panel and door tomorrow before I put everything back together, and I'll do the other door too. Photos when I'm all done. It's looking great!

Thanks to all who helped me through this. I owe you beers at the Dragon!

 

congratulations! i hear the 2nd gen guys have to remove the window to complete this mod

are you going to amviv? you can buy me a beer there

 

Hey guys,

While you have the arm rest off take a little Mothers Mag to the flat painted plastic. It will turn it into a smooth polished finish. I used to do this on golf shafts when I used to make clubs. I had a custom club business for a couple years.

It looks great when done.

Longboard

 

OK, thanks to help from many of you and my own determination, the handles are installed and the MINI is back together. The second door only took me 35 minutes because I knew what I was doing and had the right tools. It turned out great! Here are the photos as promised:





And here are my new JCW checkered floor mats too:

 

SuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuWEET !!

 

Yeah, what he ^ said.

Proud member of the Maximum MINI Bling Mutual Admiration Society.

 

Say Octane,

Can you please share with us where you got the plastic pry bar trim removal tool?

Many thanks, and Best for 08.

Stephan

 

As old as this thread is I am bringing it back.

Everything I have read is related to the 05 and up door panel. I am trying to remove the pad from an 04 panel and there is no clip in the front. I can pull the pad back far enough to see there is no clip in there at all!

how in the world do these things come off?!

 

Nevermind

 

Now I see how the armrest comes off but i have a brand new one and it doesn't seem to want to go back on. Any tips on getting the armrest back on?

 

can the door panel arm rests easily be added to an 03 r53 door panel which does not already have the arm rests?

 

very late hope I can get a reply, but have the same issue as MINIBEE has. No possible way of taking the armwrest off and I have tried every damn tool possible. So if I broke it there is no way to release it now or what? I tried 5x just to see if it wasn't dumb luck on the other side and the armwrest panel came right off. Tried exact same tool on the other side and nothing, I give up idk what to do