Hey guys, I am getting closer to figuring out my final configuration to order, and was wondering how people felt about the armrest. Is it worth it? After-market better?

Thanks!

 

I didn't have one in my '04 and I was fine. My '07 factory armrest takes some getting used to -- I keep sliding the top open with my elbow. It's ok...I could take it or leave it.

 

I have it on order with convenience package. I like to rest my arm when cruising

 

Whatever option you choose, you'll get used to it. If you like having an armrest, i recommend the aftermarket one. the factory armrest doesn't have much space in it.

 

I sold my factory armrest and put in the Euro one. Much nicer....more room, no more sliding top and the ability to put and empty 20oz soda bottle in the rear cupholder with the armrest up.

 

I like having an armrest and didn't want to have an aftermarket one. The stock one isn't great but for me it beats scrambling around for one after the fact. If you like this kind of modding, go for a more useful armrest in the aftermarket.
I haven't had trouble with mine sliding open inadvertently.

 

In test driving a 2008 mini cooper S, I found the seam where the top of the armrest meets the bottom to have hurt my arm as I reached for the seatbelt in the passenger side. The seam felt thick, rough and not comfy. OUR MCS will have one, and its just something I'll watch out for.

 

I got the armrest with the Convenience Package. After trying to live with it for a few months, I ripped it out. It was in the way while shifting, and wouldn't fold up far enough to get out of the way.

 

I'll post some shots of my aftermarket armrest. About the only thing it comes in the way of is pulling the handbrake. That is easily remedied though but folding the armrest up a bit. Honestly, I got used to pulling the handbrake with the armrest so now i don't have to fold it up.

 

It is going to boil down to personal preference. I would go test drive one that has the arm rest. There some that are nearly violently opposed, and others that aren't.

I like the armrest, it is low enough to stay out of my way, but it is also there when I am relaxing. I don't understand the parking brake issue, since mine barely touches it. I also never have rear seat passengers, so the cup holder is used by ME!!!...and with the armrest in the normal down position, it works fine.

I also have no issue with it sliding open. And as far as storage goes...uh, it's an armrest, nothing gets stored in it.

 

I have the arm rest, and read Robin's comments on it before I picked up my car. I don't find that it gets in the way of my shifting at all. Since Robin says it does and I say it doesn't, it would probably be best if you test drove one with the arm rest to see what you think. I like mine and I'm glad I got it.

 

the issue is sticking a bottle there period. Sometimes, when we're on a road trip, I'll grab two drinks. Putting a tall water bottle in the rear one and having a soda up front (or, a Big Gulp in the back....lord knows that won't fit in the two up front).

 

I don't have the armrest and don't miss it. I use the rear cupholder all the time and I would think it would get in the way... a big difference would be manual vs. automatic. Manual I wouldn't do it for sure. My 2 cents.

 

I have it, thought I needed it, and realize I sit so far forward that I don't really use it. I keep pens in it. And sometimes my sunglasses. And an emergency reserve pacifier for my son...

 

The factory arm rest is crap. It's flimsy, holds almost nothing, opens on it's own, is hard to close, does not move fully out of the way and is not much of a rest when it is in the way. I don't find it gets in the way of shifting, though. Definitely go after-market.

 

Regarding the aftermarket armrest that I suggested you get. Please note that although it folds up, it does not stay folded up. In addition, even if it stayed folded up, it doesn't go far enough back to not be in the way for your arm. It's only meant to fold up in case you temporarily need access to the area under it.

 

I don't find the armrest to be flimsy and mine doesn't open on its own. It is hard to close with one hand (or by trying to scoot your forearm against it). It doesn't hold very much and there are better after market versions that should be considered if you want more storage.

 

I've got the factory armrest and a manual. I have had zero problems shifting or using the handbrake. I only use the armrest for putting my arm on while driving on the interstate and for storing small things in like my gate remote, pens, gum, etc in. I use the back "cupholder" for storing the ashtray, I use it to hold coinage.

 

Can you post the link to the aftermarket one?

 

here it is: http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...h_storage.html

available at your MINI dealers as well.
It doesn't come in the way of the cup holder. notice it doesn't fold all the way back...around 85deg or so.

 

russr...post some pic's plz

 

Wow...a whopping 12 pounds...I'll pass.


My MCS is the first car I've had w/out armrest...and I've already adapted.

 

It's not 12 pounds. It's like barely a pound. Perhaps that bracket for mounting it has some weight, but not 12 lbs.

 

That must be shipping weight then on the site, I guess? If so, my bad.

 

If you drive long distances AN armrest is a MUST!