I am putting together a "want" list and believe it or not - Can decide on the armrest - tried a search and could not find what I was looking for... So, I ask here - For those of you that have the armrest - is it a good add/on or just another thing you would not do again?? Thanks

 

I don't like the factory arm rest.
This one was a cinch to install; just needed a T-40 bit.
The advantage to this type is that it opens clamshell fashion rather than slide fashion. Therefore it doesn't open unintended while shifting, etc.
click photo for link:

 

I thought I wanted it until I test drove a car with one. It's very flimsey, doesn't hold much, and it pops open easily.

 

The factory arm rest in the 2007 stinks. It is flimsy, it slides open unintentionally, it has almost no storage space and it blocks in-board seat controls. It's also too low down to serve as an effective rest. I have it and intend to replace it.

 

when i test drove an 07 i found the thing opened way to easily. like if you lean back and your elbow moves on it at all it opens. and it totally blocks the seat controls. i hated it with only 15 minutes in the car. but i can't imagine having a car with no arm rest either.

 

I hate it but I use it .

 

Me, too. And there are alternatives. I have seen them on several sites, including, I believe, Outmotoring. There is a MINI OEM one, with the MINI logo on it, that actually has some use and is super easy to install.

 

In every car made, there is always something that is crappy. In this case, it's the arm rest. In my last car it was the cup holder. Based on my other options, it came with the car. When it breaks, I will replace it with something else.

 

The 07 I tested had it... everytime I rested my elbow on it, it popped open.
I don't miss it in my current ride either.

 

I try not to post negative views.. that being said....I really looked at the armrest and thought it was poorly designed and looked "cheap". I don't think I'll miss it.

 

I went the bluetooth from the factory and the arm rest is a requirement. I intend to flip it up and out of the way most of the time.

 

Thanks to all that posted so fast here - really do appreciate your advice and It really goes to show - Users do have the best "real life" answers




and BTW - the post below gave me a good laugh - this is the same thing I said about "wife #1" right before I filed for divorce...lol

 

If anyone is keeping track, that's a NO from me too. The after market one looks a lot nicer and sturdier. I only got the armrest 'cause it came as part of a package, I didn't like it ever since I test drove the MINI.

 

Not not not not not not...

For me, it gets in the way of shifting and hand brake when down. To make it worse, it doesn't fold up far enough to get completely out of the way. It is also useless for Bluetooth because BMW provides cradles for only a very few outdated phones.

 

I don't have an Armrest .. But I most probably would've ticked the option if I was going to buy a new one. I guess I'm just used to having something there to lean on!

 

that made me laugh, too, espech when I looked back at what I wrote:
"looked "cheap". I don't think I'll miss it."

 

I found it folds far enough but I hate that you MUST buy it for the bluetooth. I have a charger thank you and could care less about integrating the phone with the car's antenna for better reception.

 

I'm in a similar situation--

Got it as part of the Bluetooth package.
Find it worthless. If they were giving them away I'd refuse one. More of an obstacle than a convenience.

 

Yes, but, it is too far down to be usefull to lean on and that's a good thing, because it isn't sturdy enough to lean on.

 

I'm super glad I saved my $200.

 

I had the Mini aftermarket one installed by the dealer when I picked up the car. It lasted about two days before I had them take it out. It's in the way of shifting and the hand brake. I doesn't hinge up all the way and won't stay in that position by itself. The vinyl on the top surface irritated my arm as well.

I wish someone made a good option but I'm not aware of one.

 

I took the one out of my R53, I found it more of a pain than a help.......

 

Guess I'll voice my opinion. I have an automatic so room for shifting is not an issue. I had MINI install one before I picked my car up so it's not the factory model that I've heard so many complaints about. It holds a lot of little things and my arm is usually on it whether driving or in the passenger seat. I wouldn't be without it.

 

Which one is it?

 

naffets - it looks like the one that Arnbut displayed above. Works for me. It's sturdy enough. I don't take the chance of putting my weight on it when I'm leaning into the car but it is certainly serviceable.