Can anyone share a picture of their stock R56 armrest? I want to see what it looks like and how it mounts. I have seen a few options and I want to compare with the stock. Also, if you have installed a stock or aftermarket, are you happy with it?

 

I have the stock one and are reasonably happy with it. No pics, I'll try to get some tomorrow if no one beats me to it.

 

Great, thanks!

 

The factory option ones are really not the best. We see them broken all the time, not very sturdy, and very expensive to replace.

I'd recommend going with the other MINI one that bolts under the seat rails. It's very sturdy, has large storage space, and works great. I have it in both my MINIs.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/center-...7-r58-r59.html

 

Here are some pics from a 2013. I like it but it slides to open and doesn't open very easily.

 

That looks just like mine, except mine is black. The sliding works OK for me. A hinge would probably be better. I don't know how the aftermarket ones open.

 

The one the Way posted is not an aftermarket, I believe that it is a genuine MINI part, just different.

Another note: I'm a small guy (125 lbs) so I don't have to worry about breaking mine.

 

Thanks very much, all of you! This was a big help! Adding lumbar support now, so next I gotta puzzle if either of these would even fit.