OK, so after a few weeks wait my RSpeed Armrest was delivered and installed today.

It's a nice piece of equipment, well made - but - it's too short!

My arm doesn't "rest" comfortably on the armrest when the unit is slid backwards to cover the fairly large storage compartment. (The storage space is the bonus!).

However, unless you pull the armrest forward and then gently nudge it back to the friction point (but not quite shut) it is impossible to actually "rest" your arm on it. If you leave the unit slid all the way forward, it will slide of its own volition, or by the weight of your arm, back to the friction point.

Hhhmmnnnnnn - should you buy one? It looks good, and at times your arm will "rest", but, frankly, I dunno.

 

that's a bummer...was going to order one, but now not sure, could they have made it longer or would have it interfered with the shift or brake? The better design IMO would have been to have a small folding arm rest on the seats. I think BMW focused so much on trying to create the nostolgia and interior look of the original mini, they overlooked the practical side of the interior....yes, I realize the original mini had toggle switches which are cute, but eliminated any sort of pop out cup holders, the small storage area in back of the cup holders was eliminated also for the look, but understand there is an aftermarket attachment one can buy.....the only thing on the original mini interior that was really nice was the storage pockets on the doors which has been carried over....having had an original mini, I could have lived without a retro update on the interior for more practicality.....the tach and speedo retro is cool though IMO

 

Did I read somewhere about an armrest that was basically a pillow-type-thing that you squished between the seats? No hardware. No install. Anyone?

 

I was wondering if the RSpeed et, al armrest was too short. Take a look at this new one just coming out. Looks to be more useful. Click here for info. Each of the smaller pics can be enlarged by clicking on them.

 

There has been a LOT of discussion on this topic here on MCO and on MINI2:

#1 Here on MCO

#2 Here on MCO

#3 Here on MCO

#4 On MINI2 with lots of photographs.

#5 At the manufacturers web site with photographs.

The installation involves drilling 3 small holes in the rear cup-holder to anchor the unit down. Takes about 15 minutes.

Hope this helps -- Tom

_________________
Tom Clark, Clarksville MD: Chili Red 2002 MCS

 

i ORDERED THE ARMREST AND HAVE IT IN BLACK LEATHER AND BLACK BASE. DRIVING MY CAR A FOUND OUT THAT I DONT NEED IT ....TRYIN TO SELL IT ..STILL IN THE BOX ANYONE INTERESTED CAN EMAIL ME AT MJC1880@AOL.COM