Hello all -
Wondering if anyone has a link to instructions on how to install the MINI armrest into a 2007 Mini. I've found instructions online for the 2006 and prior mini's, but not the 07. I am thinking about buying the armrest from our dealership and installing it myself, but I want to know what I will be getting myself into first. Any help would be greatly appreciated! I used the search function and could not find any answers.

 

You can request a copy of installation instructions at dealer. Good luck!

 

Well worth it! I got one with my mini when i picked it up in march. It is not the STRONGEST, i wouldnt jump on it, put you can push on it to help you get in the car and it flexes just a little, and is great for those long rides, or about to shift.

 

I'll have to give this a shot, unless anyone comes up with a link.

Has anyone on here installed the authentic MINI armrest themselves in a 2007 yet?

 

I don't know if there are any yet, but it may be worth looking into/waiting for an after market armrest. I think the MINI one is less than fantastic. It's small and somewhat flimsy. The sliding top can slide open unintendedly. I would say I'd rather have it than not, but I bet a better after market one is, or soon will be, out there.

 

Some where, maybe on mini2 I saw the installation instructions for the R56 armrest. It was pretty involved and needed the replacement of the entire gearshift cover assembly including swapping over all the switches etc. As this is part of the armrest assembly. I would wait for the aftermarket ones which attach to the seat rails.

 

Installation is simple.

1. Loosen front seat rail mounting bolts (next to the tunnel)
2. Remove rear seat rail mounting bolts (next to the tunnel)
3. Lift up both rear seat rail about 10 mm.
4. Slide Armrest into position from the rear with the armrest brackets under the rear seat rail (align bolt holes).
5. Apply loctite to rear seat rail bolts and install.
6. Tighten front seat rail bolts.

Good luck!

 

My wife and I just installed one exactly using the directions provided by kenatminimania. I will add that I had to go to Sears to buy the proper torx bit for my 3/8" ratchet (cost about $6) to loosen the bolts. Having a second person help line up the bracket was helpful as it did not align exactly. I ended up slightly spreading the bracket to help the alignment. The bracket needs to snap in place around the rear of the rail -- you know when it is correct as the rear bolts will not go in far enough to catch otherwise. One final note, do it outside in the shade as it is darn hot and cramped in the back seat, even with the seats forward (especially when you are 6'1" and 280). It was worth the effort -- the armwrest adds comfort on trips and has an enormous amount of storage space compared to the factory ones on the older MINI's.

 

Which armrest did you install?? I saw another post somewhere on this site where someone installed the 06 armrest in an 07 with the same method as you described. Do you have a part number and where did u get it, and how much.
Thanks,
jerrypare

 

It's really this simple? I'm wondering why the dealership charges $250 for installation then, I feel like it can't be this easy.

Are these instructions for installing the R56 armrest into an R56? do you happen to have the part number for the R56 armrest assembly?

 

I would assume that is if you don't have/want the phone cardle and integration. My dealer wanted $400+ to install mud flaps, so I don't see $250 as too steep. Minspeed has an after market arm rest for the 2007. I have only seen pics, but I can't imagine it being flimsier than the OEM.

 

Coopo, this is the R56 armrest into the R56, p/n 52.16.0.416.589. The installation instructions call for an install time of 0.2 hours, 'but may vary depending on the condition of the car and the equipment in it'.

cheers,

 

I got my armrest from outmotoring.com. I live near his warehouse in New albany, OH so was able to handle the stuff and avoid shipping costs. Also bought a trunkmat and coinbox mat. He is good guy--totally commited to MINIs personally and professionally and is involved in Midohio MINI activities. I paid a little over $200 and instructions came with it.