I found this for sale. He says he got it and it didn't fit his R53 but it didn't fit. It's for an R56. My question is, will the R56 fit an R53? I thought they were the same interiors. Here is the ad he posted.

Available is a OEM factory armrest for a Gen 2 R56 Mini Cooper 2007-13. The top pad of the armrest is a sliding door that holds small items. A nice feature is that the whole armrest pivots back to allow access to the rear cup holder. The armrest is in excellent condition.

For more info and photos go to: http://www.outmotoring,com/mini-coop...g_storage.html

I purchased this item on eBay advertised to fit my Gen 1 '06 Mini. Upon further investigation, he was wrong. Rather than going through the hassle of returning it, my loss is your gain.

Installation takes approx. 1 hour with step by step YouTube videos available.

NOTE: You will also require a handbrake bracket (not included) item 51-16-9-185-223 from BMW for $46.29 + HST.

For around $225 you can have a OEM armrest for your Mini compared to $332.50 + HST that I will now have to spend to fit my GEN 1.

 

No one has ever tried this? The seller wants $170 for it. Is this a good price. It's brand new never used. If I get it and it doesn't work would it be an easy item to sell on here?

 

Blayne, I am pretty sure it will not work with out some fabrication. They sell at least two different kits to install those armrests for a reason. I too am on a quest for a reasonably priced armrest so I keep looking to see if 2nd gen pieces will fit the 1st gen cars.

 

Ok awesome. Thanks for the info.