Did a test drive of the new MINI S. Unfortunately its seems to be more BMW than MINI. Brakes, handling, power.

But we did like the rear view mirror and the center console rest. Or is there a aftermarket mirror with compass or armrest?

 

My stock '13 MINI S has a compass in the mirror. If you have the auto-dimming mirror, it is built in. IF you don't, it can be retrofit.
Also, there are several different 'stock' armrests available for the R56. I'm getting ready to remove the one with the false bottom and the stupid iPhone 4 cradle and install the 'larger' one. Mine has a storage area inside, but it doesn't hold enough - and it's pretty 'flimsy' feeling.

 

I agree with you; the stock armrests are too small. I'd like a significantly deeper one that still looks and functions well. My stock one feels flimsy to me and what few things I can put in there rattle—keys, pocket knife, etc.

Would you kindly let me/us know what you find out? I have 2010 MCS.

 

yup, both of those things are available as OEM retrofits. ECS sells them all (there's actually 2 different styles of armrest - the thin oval one with sliding top and a larger flip top version with a slightly less "OEM looking" mounting bracket). I don't mind the smaller one, but I agree it is less than ideal if storage is your main concern. There are a few different mirrors available, with various combinations of garage door remote, compass and autodimming. I don't think MINI sells the installation wiring harness anymore though, so you'd have to look up how to make your own.

 

Here ya go:
http://www.waymotorworks.com/center-...7-r58-r59.html
(Way was the first retailer I could think of who would have the OEM part)

OR ...
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=r56+arm+rest

Just found this in the classifieds on THIS very site ... if you don't mind aftermarket ...
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...e-console.html

 

maybe it's because mine is still relatively new, but I've never had the much noted issue with my armrest accidentally sliding open. It probably also depends on your driving/sitting style. I like the look of the smaller sliding armrest better, but I can see why some would like the alternative version too. I've also added the Redlinegoods leather cover and extra cushioning to mine, which I think helps.

 

Thanks for all the great tips. Did see some arm rests from Italy - a little pricey but yes, even new the OEM one was toy-like and gets sillier as it ages.

Must not have put on auto-subscribe before. Just read all these.

The mirror doesn't have auto dim but there must be a way. Auto dim and compass would be nice.

 

OK - HOW did you do that??!!! Its so cool.

 

As it ages it does slide open on its own. The catch is very suspect and flimsy. If you added padded then that helped a lot.

 

Will this mirror work?

 

Its here:

R56 R55 R57 R58 R59 ( Gen 2 MINI ) without the factory armrest.

FlipTop Center Armrest Console - Black . Also called the Euro armrest . Part # 52160429935


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/52160429935/