I searched through all related threads on swapping out the factory armrest and installing the Euro Fliptop one so I can rest more than just my elbow. Also it opens with a light breeze.

My question is the exact parts required to make the change. I have ordered everything that ECS Tuning recommends in this post: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...09-post45.html

This includes the actual armrest, a cup holder for the rear section, a chrome trim ring for the cup holder to match the interior, and the handbrake bracket center console (http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Site...52947/ES81890/).

I feel like there is a part missing from that post. Shouldn't there be a new upper center console cover to go along with the lower bracket such as this?: http://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2006-C...nsole/ES82386/

If anyone has any experience with this mod, your knowledge would be greatly appreciated.

 

That last part linked is the one for Gen 1 , but I know what you mean , the center console of the R56 Gen 2 at least is used for MINI with and without the factory armrest, its that rear section and #2 that the conversion section . Unlike Gen 1 MINI where you have to change the whole cover.




What you are doing is taking it back to the NON factory armrest and then adding the Euro Flip top that connects and mounts under the seat rails.

Thanks

 

It is a 1st gen R53...

 

Thanks that makes sense , thought you were a Gen 2 R56 MINI in the gen 1 forums. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...09-post45.html which is linked above is for Gen 2 MINIs ""North American Motoring > 2nd Generation MINIs > Stock Problems/Issues "".

You have a Gen 1. Just let our customer service know you ordered the wrong ones by mistake, thinking its gen 1.

Here is the R53 set up. Factory Armrest to Non armrest, then Add the flip top,

FlipTop Center Armrest Console - Black Part # 51120430469 Gen 1 MINIs make sure you have the right one this is the one for Gen 1 MINIs R50 R52 R53

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51120430469/




From Factory armrest to non factory armrest R53:


Going from this : Diagram #1




To this : Diagram #2





Re fit the e-brake cover, and all the other items over, of course removing all the center armrest parts and mounts.

Diagram #2 Center Console Handbrake Holder NON Factory Armrest version.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51167131830/



&

Center Console - Panther Black NON Factory Armrest version ( newest version )

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51166958571/



&

Replacing the matching drink ring trim.

Silver Drink Ring Holder - Rear

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51167132798/




OR

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51167132797/




OR

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51167127912/




Thissis thr rubber disc that goes into the new rear cupholder

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51167131183/



And

Rubber Mat front section, if you don't already have it.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51166950147/




And

#7 diagram #2 if you are missing the covers. One side is for the TPMS sensor button, the other side is blank.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51167127913/



Thanks and the diagrams above will help with what to take out and you can see how the console are different.

 

Ugh I hate when I miss those kind of details. No wonder something didn't seem right. The other order is already on it's way so I will call your customer service line about returning it.

Thanks for the revised list. Luckily I had already gotten the actual armrest so I just ordered the rest of the correct parts based on what you laid out here. You have been a great help.

Since I hadn't been able to locate one on here when I was researching this, I will try and put together a DIY with pics. It sure seemed like many were keen on getting rid of the factory armrest so I may as well help them out while I am going through the process.

 

EDIT: Duplicate post

 

Sorry you made the mistake.

Glad I could help. Yea make sure the Euro flip top armrest is the right one. There is a Gen 1 version R50 R52 R53 51120430469 and a Gen 2 Version R56+ models 51162752947 .

You will need the 51120430469 for your R53. Compare yours to the pics, just to make sure.

Gen 1 version R50 R52 R53

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51120430469/

Good luck and thanks.

 

Looks like you guys made a mistake yourselves...

This bracket you had me purchase:



is not needed for this swap. In fact, it cant be used due to the controller that the flat tire reset button plugs into. Here is a picture of it with the center console disassembled:



If you look at the diagrams you have above, you will notice that the original bracket has a large space to accommodate it. The new one does not and will cause people the extra headache of needing to remove the bracket, attached wires, and the straps that hold the wires in place. The new console cover fits perfectly over the old mounting bracket and looks quite nice:




It really just snaps right on with the original four plugs, the two tabs slide underneath the seat warmer console and you reuse the screw underneath the rear cup holder.

To mount the Euro armrest, remove the two inner torx bolts on the driver and passenger side seats in the rear and loosen the two outer ones in order to give you some room to lift the seat up and slide the armrest legs underneath.