[SIZE=2]I am contemplating getting the Dealer installed armrest and I wanted to hear some thought on it. My 2009 clubman S (manual) does not have the factory installed one and I wanted to hear some thoughts on the dealer installed armrest. It appears to be a bit larger with more storage. My biggest concern is if it will get in the way of driving stick?
[/SIZE]

 

Do a search lots of talk about this issue - here is one thread to start you off:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...e-armrest.html

And my two cents -- http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?ur...rmrest&x=0&y=0

This is best buy on a OEM factory armrest and the one I like the best (installs easily with loosening the front seat bolts and removing and reinstalling the rear seat bolts -- takes about 15 minutes).

 

I have the dealer installed armrest and like it a lot. I don't know if it is supposed to but it is angled slightly down towards my stick shift (maybe it needs adjusted). It does not get in the way and is soft with decent storage.

 

I had the same issue with my Euro Armrest. Just posted my solution on another thread of this board:

CLICK HERE (for angle adjustment and photo)

No need to pay Dealer price for a simple DIY with a T-40 Torx tool, :20 minutes maximum install time.

Loosen four front torx bolts a little, then remove rear four, inset armrest steel legs under rails and bolts and tighten back down.

 

That's awesome! I have the same issue with my factory armrest angling down.

To the original poster, don't pay the stealer to install the armrest. Like Pilotart said all you need is a ratchet and a T-40 Torx bit available at any auto parts store (I think I paid $4.99 at O'Reilly's/Murrays Auto Parts) and half hour tops, and you are good to go.

 

To all of you please note there is large difference between the "Factory" and the "Euro" arm rests.

The "Euro" arm rest is easy to install and only needs removal of a few torx bolts.

The "Factory" arm rest is NOT an easy install and may require a different plastic surround for the rear cup holder and e-brake. Also there is no adjustment on the "Factory" arm rest for angle.

EDIT: Either car be Dealer Installed.

 

I think if you check there are two options from the factory armrest (defining factory as those provided by MINI). The Factory MINI installation sheet on the unit I have can be found here:

http://www.minimania.com/pdfile/R56_Center_Armrest.pdf

It shows .2 hours as estimated installation time or 12 minutes.

For me this unit is the easiest install and best functioning armrest.

 

That is the "Euro" arm rest.

If you order the car with an arm rest from the factory it looks like this. And the top cover slides back, not flip up. It mounts completely differently and has to have a different center console plastic.



Also the Factory armrest is set up to take the cell phone cradles and has the ability to power the phone and also has a passive antenna in the arm rest as well.

The "Euro" arm rest is not set up to have these abilities.

 

I much prefer the Euro Armrest over the Factory unit. Mine didn't come with an armrest and it drove me crazy. I called the dealer to find out how much they would charge for the part and they wanted over $300 for it. I thought they were nuts.. I constantly browsed the marketplace here and fleabay for one, and after about a month of looking found someone on fleabay that offered one at a good price and promptly purchased it. Installation took all of 15 minutes as well.

I just checked the site and see the person is still selling them on eBay, it is a BMW/Mini dealer as well: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MINI-...ltDomainQ5f100

Get 'em while they're cheap!

 

^^^^^^^^^^^^Yes, that's the best price I've seen this year on the MINI Euro Armrest.

There were two price increases from MINI on this Armrest early 2009 totaling 36% over 2008's price.

 

Thanks alot everyone, I am going to buy the EURO Armrest, it looks very sturdy and by the looks of it, is getting plenty of good reviews. I hope I dont have a hard time installing it myself.

Thanks alot !

 

Does anyone know off-hand what size torx driver bit I will need for the Euro arm rest installation?

 

Yes, it is the T-40 and you can get a 'bit' for your socket set or a 'stand-alone' that looks like an Allen Wrench.

First, just loosen a little the four front ones. but allow room (over the torx heads) for the seats to then slide full forward to remove the rear Torx bolts.

Easy install, but you will find the Torx bolts quite tight, MINI installation sheet recommends 'Lok-Tite' on bolt threads,
but I did not use any and they have remained tight for a year and a half.

 

T-40

 

you guys are the best, thanks alot!

 

I had the dealer add an armrest to my car, and I LOVE it.
I find that it's in the perfect place for both, me and my husband. We've both mentioned how glad we are that we added it at the last minute.