I'm not sure if this is the correct forum for this model but I'm really trying to help my brother out!

My brother just got a 2005 MINI Cooper Hardtop S. The car runs perfectly and the only problem was the center arm rest which looked terrible. I took the screw off from the center thinking it could slide simply slide out but was I wrong. Here are some pictures of what it looks like. Not sure how to resize them on here so I put them on imgur instead.

https://imgur.com/a/Y9qvC9x

 

doesn't that attach via 2 screws in the bottom of the rear cup holder . . . .

pretty sure that is not a MINI part ... but a third party accessory from a supplier long gone ...

 

Holy moly! That "arm-rest" looks like some medieval torture device!

Pry the e-brake boot with a plastic pry tool (or an old credit card). Squeeze the sides of the e-brake boot and move it out of the way. There are several screws you need to remove.
Finally, pull outward on the sides of the center console and lift upwards (if you pull directly up without relieving the tensions on the sides, you run the risk of breaking the locking tabs).

Be careful when pulling and flexing the plastic trim. They're thin, weak, and difficult to repair.

Btw, this video is of 07-13 Mini but its similar to the 05.

 

Holy moly thats the old MINI FINI armest I think.

 

Here's a PDF of the installation.
​​​​​​https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...t-install.html

 

 

My god, that's fugly. I can see why he wants it outta there.