I also keep mine out of the way.... my wife uses it the most.

 

My seat is back far enough that folded back is not out of the way.

 

I agree. It isn't nearly as bad as I was led to believe, based upon other people's evaluations. I shift with my hand on top of the shifter and the armrest isn't in the way at all. Maybe others shift down on the shaft.

Mine became more useful today. I received the Razr insert so I can now charge my phone and take advantage of the built-in antenna.

 

I wish I could say the same. Mine comes open at the slightest bump from my elbow. I'm looking to replace it for this reason. It doesn't get in my way at all, it just seems cheap, looks cheap (I hate the plastic silver trim), and won't stay closed.

Probably so if yours stays closed. Or maybe it's just the way I come into contact with mine...I'm sure driver height, habits getting in and out of the vehicle, etc, alter how well the armrest performs (though you could argue this should not be the case.)

 

I'll try.

 

It's safe to say armrest problems are only manual transmission right?

 

Yeah no problems with mine as of yet... it firmly locks into place... a goo place for the sunglasses...

 

Not staying closed, and not folding back far enough could affect all. Getting in the way of shifting would only be a manual trans issue.

 

You guys must have long arms. I'm 5'8" with "normal" arms. The armrest in my Mini is in the exact spot I need it, never opens by itself and doesn't get in the way of shifting or using the parking brake.

 

Some of us are a touch bigger. That being said, my wife's R56 is an automatic and the armrest is pretty comfortable to use on longer trips, even for me.

 

Hmmm. I was thinking of ordering an aftermarket one from here:

http://www.armrest-autoaccessories.c...33166718744157

About half the cost. But, some of you have indicated it gets in the way of shifting? This model flips up, and stores more than the OEM model. Any thoughts?