When I ordered my mini I chose the armrest option. Since then, I've seen a few places where drivers are saying that it can get in the way of shifting. Can someone with an armrest in their R56 tell me if this really is a problem.

 

The armrest has never gotten in my way and is very comfortable when driving a distance.

 

Never in the way couldnt live without it.

 

With a manual its in the way, no doubt about it and its too bad because its actually pretty nice

 

It's not in my way at all when I shift. I just did a long roadtrip and am very happy I had it. I was having a problem w/ my arm sliding it open during normal driving, but it seems to be locking better now w/ the rubber cellphone holder tray removed. You can always tilt it up and out of the way for daily driving, if you prefer that, and fold it down for trips.

 

all right! sounds like I made the right choice then, thanks guys

 

This really depends on your build. For me its always in the way and I can't get comfortable with it and had to pivot it up and out of the way. I tried it in an R50, R53, and an R56.

 

For me (5'9 160) it doesn't get in the way. However, I believe it should be standard with the car, also feels to be of "cheap" quality.

 

My first R56 MCS (Feb.'07) had the armrest and I decided to NOT order it on my second R56 MCS (due in May) for the following reasons:

1). It is CHEAP in appearance, when compared to the rest of the car, and "flimsy" if you place any stress on the front of it. This was immediately noticed by everyone seeing the interior of the vehicle.

2). With the bolsters on the sport seats, it has minimal functionality.

3). Although not entirely practical, the rear seat cup holder and access were compromised by the design of the armrest supports.

4). The seat back adjustment levers are difficult to access with the arm rest in position. Likewise with the seat belt clasp.

5). The armrest top would slide open at unwanted times with minimal pressure from my arm/elbow.

6). It can get in the way with aggressive shifting...but you can adjust your style to minimize this situation.

While the R56 MCS is fine for highway driving, this vehicle really asks to be DRIVEN, so the influence of this style armrest will not be missed. I chose to spend the $200.00 on window tinting (very much needed).

 

I wouldn't drive without it. It never gets in my way ( I have a manual transmission) and is great for long drives. I didn't have one in my last mini and made sure to get one this time.

 

6'2'' 195lbs here...I would NEVER drive without it.. it works great in the car and I don't even notice any detrimental effects even when doing some spirited motoring..

 

Same here

 

Im a girl with a short arm so no, it doesnt get in the way of shifting at all. Driving without it would suck

 

During my test drive of the demo mcs, the aremrest seemed to have a flimsy feel to it. The top portion seemed to always be sliding back, did not feel solid, and most annoying it creaked at the slightest movement. The MA said there is an after market armrest available that was built much stronger and preferred by his customers. But the price of this was something like $450.00 installed, which I thought was a lot. But I chose not to order the factory armrest, and do something aftermarket if needed.

 

I went through the same hand wringing, and finally ordered the armrest. I'm glad I did. It does not get in my way while shifting.

 

I did test drive a car with the armrest and found it to be a little flimsy and it got in the way when trying to adjust the seat. Shifting was fine I suppose.

Is there any way to add it later (or similar) if I don't get it?

 

Holy smokes, I would disagree. I throw a lot of gear, and it's never an issue. Fantastic addition -- should be included by default.

 

I didn't think the cost of the armrest was worth it and will just take along a pillow on longer trips if I find it's needed. The pillow is adjustable and should fit between the seats pretty snugly.

 

It does when making out

 

This is true. For me, the armrest is actually to low and my arm has to kind of wrap around the front of the bolster. I'm still glad I got it, though.

 

I find it can get in the way whilst changing gears and definitely gets in the way when applying the handbrake.

 

When you say the bolsters on the sport seats, are you talking about the edge of it that sticks out a little to cradle your body on turns. If thats what your talking about I guess I could see how they may get in its way

 

I listed the reasons for my not ordering the arm rest on my new MCS, after having it included on my previous R56 MCS - it proved largely ineffective, and the "cons" outweighed the "pros" IMO. I suggest that you sit in the R56 MCS w/Sport Seats to see where the arm rest interferes with the front seat back rest adjustments and access to the rear cup holder. The comfort aspect of the armrest is diminished by the side bolsters (the area that you have identified) on the Sports Seats - the driver/passenger elbows barely touch the armrest.

Aside from the fact that the armrest really appears CHEAP, diminishes the quality of the interior, and reduces the available area between the seats - I will not miss it on any extended drives. Another member noted that a pillow would suffice as an alternative, and I would tend to agree.

This is my personal view, after having experienced the armrest on the R56 w/Sport seats - note that the seat back adjustments on prior years MCS did not have this problem.

In any case, the comfort of your decision is paramount. If you are in Texas, I strongly recommend that you have the windows tinted, which would be a better use of the $200.00.

Whatever you choose, I am sure that you will LOVE driving the R56.

 

My dealer told me that adding the armrest later is expensive - about double the $200 option cost. Its installation requires unbolting a good part of the dash area I understand. I'm glad I ordered an armrest and recommend it.

 

The arm rest is between the seats. Why would you have to take apart any of the dash? Yes, it can get in the way. But, it's also nice to be able to rest you arm there.