i tried for about 2 hrs the other day and still cant figure out how to get the right arm off so i can add the cup holder. :impatient and since i know you guys do can you give me some advice please. thanks

 

There are two screws at the top of the downtube - you probably need to open the glovebox to get at both of them. I haven't mounted the factory '05 or '06 cupholder but I did remove mine. It uses these same two screws plus some double sided tape. If it is the MiniFini cup holder, the clamp pulls apart (after removing the screw) so the clamp can slide over the downtube (no need to remove the downtube). Hope this helps.

 

do you have a source for the 05/06 model cup holder bracket? I have an 04 and the holder is so low it interferes with the shift lever or passenger's knee

 

If you need to remove the arm, you are likely refering to the older Mini-Fini cup holder.
To remove the downtube, take out the two torx screws, then remove the small torx screw in the lower left of the middle dash piece (look up from the floor by the passenger seat.) With this screw out you just tug on the center dash piece, and it will snap away from the dash enough to wiggle the downtube out (pull toward you and then up.) Note that sometimes a few trim rings get dislodged in the process - they just snap back on.
Installation is reverse of removal.

 

morristownmini.com has the new cupholders for $42.08 - way overpriced for how flimsy the thing is. www.outmotoring.com has it for $49.95 I have the Mini-Fini one installed as low as it will go on the passenger side downtube - it is out of the way of the passenger at this level.

 

I have a brand new anthracite cup holder taken off an 05 MCS that I could sell you (in fact, I actually have three, but I'd like to keep two of them). How's $20 plus shipping sound?

As mentioned, it simply bolts on via the two torx screws on the passenger side downtube. Five minute install tops!