If you wanted the blue tooth prep with it, then it might involve the dash.

 

I'm 6'2" and 210lbs. When I did a test drive I found the arm rest, in the lowered position, to be in the way when trying to buckle and unbuckle the seat belt. When it was up I kept hitting the back of my arm or elbow against it.

I also noticed, as did several others, that the cover slides rather easily, even when you are not trying.

I, for one, hope that the arm rest can be deleted from the build sheet.

JOHO

 

I've noticed the problem with the armrest coming open when shifting. Hopefully I'll get used to it being there and over time I won't make it do that anymore. That said, I think it'll be very useful on long trips.

I have noticed that it does get in the way of adjusting the front seat tilt. But, since I'll be the one primarily driving the car, I don't think I'll be changing the tilt all that often. My only real gripe with it is that the top is a black rubber, which seems to not go well with the lounge leather interior (ohh well, I guess that's the price I have to pay for going all out on my new baby...)

 

The one is the flimsy silver-y thing that comes from the factory. However - that gets much less in teh way of operating the brake and/or shift ****. The DIO MINI one is much more sturdy, completely black, and can be installed - literally - in 10 minutes (2 torx screws). The part number is 52 16 0 416 589 and MSRP is 209$. Also - buy the rubber inlay - a rectangular piece of rubber that tapers the bottom of the box - it's like 3.5$. (P/N 52 16 0 418 651). You can get the parts online with about 160$ (check the dealers section for discounts whatever).

You can see the difference in shapes at MotoringFile or at page 31 in the MINI motoring accesories 2007.

Install procedure at:

http://motoringfile.com/files/mini_armrest.pdf

MMM

(so - when talking about the armrest - the different opinions come from teh two VERY different armstyles - one is with pivoting lid, silvery, and the other one is with flip lid - black and twice the size).

 

Will that armrest fit in an 07 with automatic?

 

MC non-S Auto/Manual. Still very comfortable in using manual gear changing (albeit I am used in changing with the stick - I want to change with the paddles more and more). But yes - mine (Auto/Man) came without the armrest and I installed 2 weeks after I bought th ecar.

MMM

 

I looked in the dealer section and did not see anyone offering discounts on accessories. Where did you get yours for $160
Thanks,
JP

 

I found the same thing to be true and will be surprised if it isn't chipped in no time from the seat belt! When your bring the seat belt around the trim is so close to the seatbelt recept. you can't help but slam it into the armrest!

 

6'2", have an armrest, shift a lot, never gets in the way and I leave it down all the time. Note, however, that if you are tall and slide the seat back much, if you put the armrest in the up position it will rub against your arm--uncomfortable.

And, yes, the lid does sometime slide back a bit. The simple fix is to employ "MINI elbow". Just drop your elbow back slightly behind the armrest and slide it back into place!

 

No problem with shifting...its all in wrist!!

 

Both reliable and very fast. They give discounts for NAM users of 20% off MSRP. Taking that and no tax - easily you get 25% off the price you get from your dealer.

I bought about 1200$ worth of accessories from them - quite a happy customer.

MMM