I have had my MINI for 5 months now. One thing I am missing is "ARMREST." I feel very weird without it. I'd like to know your opinion as to whicn one you recommend. I want to get either one of them.
Option A: http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...g_storage.html

Option B: http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...h_storage.html

 

i have option a, its not to bad, the storage could be bigger, and the rear cup holder is a plus.

 

based on what ive heard, people dont like the sliding armrest... but this is a ymmv type of thing.

 

I have option A. It came with the Bluetooth package. You can have mine if you'll pay to have it removed and shipped. If you haven't guessed, I hate it. Gets in the way of shifting and doesn't fold back far enough. It is supposed t hold a cel phone and connect it to charging power and an antenna. However, in needs a cradle specific to the model phone and MINI/BMW does not provide the right cradle for many, if any, contemporary phones.

 

id say go for option b

 

I have the Bluetooth arm rest (option A in your post). I like it except that the back portion (where the cupholder is) blocks rear passengers from easily sliding from one side to the other to enter or exit the car. I have not had any problems with the top sliding or it interferring with shifting. Hope that helps with your decision.
Happy motoring!

 

Without a doubt - go for "B". I have A - it pretty much sucks. It's too low, the top slides open, and it's nearly useless for storing much of anything in.

 

I have B:
http://www.mini2.com/forum/2nd-gen-i...5-armrest.html

 

Jeez, I think I'm the only person alive who actually likes the factory arm rest. It's the perfect size to hold my cell phone, iPod, and a pack of gum, and it is in just the right position for my arm to sit on while motoring.

Mine only slides open inadvertantly occasionally. Not really a big deal, I just slide it closed again.

Some people crack me up how big a deal they make out of the smallest things.

 

I didn't order the armrest thinking I'd order "B" afterwards, but after getting the car and continually using the steptronic stick/paddle shifts, I found I didn't really need an armrest in this car. Both hands are always on the wheel with the occasional one hand shift. Sooo much fun.

 

Same here. I'd read so many negatives about the factory one that I thought I'd just order something after getting the car. I find that I'm fine without it so far. We have a trip coming up to The Dragon in November. I'll judge during that long ride (9 or so hours one way) just how much I may or may not need an arm rest.

 

I have the factory armrest. It's OK. Holds a pair of sunglasses, I could easily do without it to be honest. I wouldn't go out of my way to buy/install one if it didn't come with the package.

 

I have option B. It is at a great height and carries a good deal of stuff. I dont think the plastic and vinyl are the highest quality (definitely not original Mini material)... but its not that noticeable.

-s

 

has anyone tried this one:http://www.qualityautointeriors.com/...p?idProduct=66

 

That one didn't seem to have any storage. Just a straight forward armrest although I'd like to have seen a bigger, better picture. But on that same sight, there was also these but no mention of year models they're compatible with. Judging from the seats, though, it looks like for r53 models only.

 

Like rattmobbins, I have the factory armrest and a stick shift and I like it. I also had an armrest on a Honda w/stick and I've never had any trouble with shifting.

I only wish it were padded a little. But I use it constantly, even when driving in town.

gl

 

I have option A....really disappointed with it. Mine is now sagging just to add to all the other irritations listed above. When I pull the brake, it actually bottoms out on the armrest. Hopefully, I can get it repaired/replaced under warranty.

 

just because your honda is stick and has an armrest doesnt have any reflection on the functionality of the MINI armrest with a stick shift... the geometry in the MINI is significantly different than most cars. the model i test drove was auto with the armrest and i think its kind of annoying how the E-brake is so far underneath the armrest. I didnt order an armrest with my MINI and intend on keeping it like that unless i feel its totally necessary.

 

I have a) and it sucks big time: when it's down it slides open and you can't yank the handbrake on without contorting my whole upper torso and hitting the arm rest; when it's up you can't put the seat belt on! It may suit you if you like to keep you self busy, or like puzzle solving, while you're throwing your mini around twists and bends... but I am thinking seriously about amputation (of the arm rest).

 

I have A and i find I need to constantly slide it closed as it is sliding open all the time. Seems trivial, but it gets annoying when it slides open so much that there is no pad under your elbow when you are expecting it I think I am going to replace it.

 

We have both A (in our new 2007 R56) and B (in our 2005 R53)...

Version A totally stinks. Each time I get into the car I put my weight on it and it feels like it's going to break. It constantly slides open (CONSTANTLY!!!), and is waaay too small to hold anything worth while.

On the contrary, version B is AWESOME! I LOVE it. I've had it for years now (one of the first ones to custom order it from Germany) and use it on a daily basis. It is very strong, never pops open, has a very large storage compartment, and it's the perfect height and length to make it usable. I wouldn't want to be without it.

 

Is option B the new armrest that Mini developed in response to the fact option A is horrible?

 

I have have the OEM armrest. No problems with it. In the right place and stays shut.

 

Will option B fit 2007 convert?

 

@LaserBlue07MCS,

No. The option B armrest is actually the original armrest made by MINI way back in 2004. However, it was never factory installed (at least not in U.S. spec MINIs AFAIK).

@djn151,

Yes, it sure will. It actually bolts down to the back of the rear seats. You simply remove the two seat bolts (i.e. one from each seat), slide the medal support bracket under the seat rails, and then bolt the seats back down. Very secure and strong.