Has anyone installed the after-market armrest (MINI-Mania has them, as do others- $169, I believe) w/ the storage compartment? Thinking seriously about getting one, and wondered if it's truly out of the way when driving, or when using the parking brake.Just found out my MINI (silver w/ black top, all packages) is status #160, waiting for transport :razz: :razz: :razz: The production date was supposed to be 1/10- so we're a bit ahead. Of course, being in Oregon means that's still probably 6 to 8 weeks or more out. Waiting is so hard!! :cry: :cry:

I got mine from r-speed. It was easy to install, looks great, is functional and doesn't interfere with the hand brake or shifter. It does make adjusting the seatback more difficult, but it only is a problem if you are constantly changing the seatback angle. R-speed handled the transaction well and quickly. :grin: :grin:

Anyone have any experience with the TVA Padded Center Armrest . It looks like it just wedges between the seats but otherwise looks fairly nice and only sells for $80.
I foud it on GotMini.com

I ordered from RSpeed - and am now waiting for the black to be in stock and delivered. Reviews of the arm rest on other threads at MCO have been positive.

You do lose the rear cup holder.

>>Has anyone installed the after-market armrest w/ the storage compartment?

:roll: I got one for Xmas and it's installed in my MCS. The ONLY problem is that there is barely enough clearance between the large lumbar adjust knobs on my leather sports seats when the back seats have been flopped forward for rear seat access.

The instructions have you marking three holes to drill in the rear cup holder. To do this you have to be in the back seat. Be sure to put both driver's and passenger's seats in the rear access position before marking the three locations.

The armrest works quite well. For me, only my elbow touches it, but it makes driving more comfortable for me.

:mad: Negatives -- My wife has a bit of a problem inserting her seat belt tab and has uttered some Chaucerian expletives when buckling in since the arm rest was installed. Since the mounting bracket goes into the rear cup holder, it is still OK to hold change or a cell phone, but becomes even more useless as a cup holder.

Tom