Having an issue with removing the armrest on a 2006 R53 MCS , all the videos show using a nylon clip removal tool , which I have but, no luck on tripping the release ? Do all the Gen-1 Mini’s have ( four )T-30’s securing the door panels or is the 2006 R53 model just have (three ) ? Had the driver’s side off a few years before and don’t remember removing the armrest prior to the door panel removal and Bentley Manual does not reference armrest or door panel removal?

 

If I remember correctly there are the three larger screws in the armrest surround, one being covered by the facelift armrest pad but visible on the pre-facelift, a screw under the reflector, and a screw behind the door handle. Just need to remove the tweeter/door handle trim. Then use the trim tool to pop the clips around three sides, lift the panel up, then disconnect the tweeter and courtesy lights.

To release the armrest pad to get to the third screw I tape up the silver trim in front of it so it doesn’t get scratched while using a flexible pallet knife to slide under the pad to release the tab, then slide the armrest towards the dash to remove.

The pallet knife looks like this:

 

Check this out ...

 

Thanks for the tip on using the pallet knife because both the nylon Swaben & Craftsman are too thick and the knife did the trick…