The factory arm rest has worked well for me too. I'm 6'1 and the placement for resting my elbow couldn't be better. It does occasionally slide open when i put too much pressure backwards. I would buy it again today if ordering all over.

 

Center Armrest? Only if you have an automatic or a semi-trailer attached to the rear.

 

I’m shocked no one has mentioned this about the armrest yet. It’s completely in the way of the seat recline lever! Drives me nuts since I have to adjust the recline angle pretty much every day as I get my son in and out of the back seat…I have to reach around with my left hand to use the seat recline lever on the right hand side of the seatback. I also have to contort my hand in an odd manner in order to recline the seat. I wish MINI placed the seat recline lever on the left side. This would’ve solved a lot of anguish.

 

+1 to the seat recliner contortions.

 

Had mine put in today. I picked the flip top model. Really nice to rest the 17 inch python while I'am driving...brothers

 

Armrest is useless and annoying in a MINI.

Use the extra money on upgrading the RIMS from the basic 15".

or

Heated seats.
HiFi Radio.
Checkered Scuttles.
Checkered Mirror Caps
Checkered Door Handles
Checkered Rear View Mirror Cover.
Checkered Sunroof or Roof Graphics.

 

My "armrest" that I bought for my 2005 S and held over to my 2009 S is a 15-jewel CD case from Target that fits perfectly between the sports seats, and does not intefere with the eBrake. Best thing? $7.99.

Ive always thought the OEM armrest was cheesy, cheap, and overpriced.

 

I paid attention to the armrest during my test drives after reading reviews on this forum... I agreed that the armrest seemed flimsy and in the way (for the driver). I decided I really didn't want it and ordered the items I did want from the convenience package a la carte - which was expensive and somewhat frustrating (I left out a few things I would have enjoyed having due to the a la carte expense.)

After three months of driving my clubbie, I've never missed it. The comfort for my shifting arm is just fine and the extra space gives me room to tuck a hat or book if needed.

cheers,
Alan

 

My MINI did not have an armrest, so I purchased one from the dealer and installed it. Two weeks later after many, many comments from my wife about how annoying it was; especially setting and releasing emergency brake and adjusting the seat back - I removed and sold it. After observing the factory installed arm rest, since removing ours, it seems much more user friendly. My recommendation do not purchase the Dealer Add On.

 

When driving I never use an armrest, but for a passenger I think one would be a good thing. I have an Elbow Landing Device in my 03, and we had one in our 05 Cabrio, which I took out and put in our Clubbie, but it is to far back. So I'm now looking to either mod the ELD, or finding something aftermarket.

Mark