Okay, I've had Ornery for a week now... I'm still finding myself saying Wow allot. I love this CAR!!
Anyway, just wanted to write down only real flaw I find ANNOYING about my MCS... THE STUPID FREAKING ARMREST!!
I'm about two more shifts away from ordering the flip top. That stupid slide one opens all the time. Anyone else have this problem?
I also figured out that I'm not cut out to put my boot stipes on... I ruined the pair I ordered from AC. Have to reorder and find a pro to install them for me.
Sorry had to vent and get someone else's opinion on the armrest.

 

I don't have my MCS yet, and didn't order the armrest. But I can tell you for sure that you aren't the only one with that complaint! Sorry to hear it.

 

I had my doubts about the arm rest as well. In the end, I am finding myself really enjoying it. For putting my arm on while I drive, that is. As far as storage, I agree. Pretty limited. But my elbow is nice and cozy & supported while I take off like a bat out of hell!!!

Oh yeah. Try pushing it forward a little more. Mine seems to lock into place a bit more and doesnt slide open while resting on it.

 

I give it a 5/10. Mine stays shut though. I put my arm on it but could easily do without it. If it would hold more small things it would be more useful.

 

Its not too bad...not as good as other car armrests I've had before. But I find myself use it alot to rest my arm on.

 

It seems to be about seating position. I am tall, and my elbow gently rests on the end of it which is nice for long drives.

The thing is worthless for storage though. Something I intend on correcting in the near future.

 

Don't get me wrong, I like having it there and it does what it's supposed to do... but mine doesn't want to stay closed all the time. It's just annoying me right now.
My blue interior LEDs are installed and looking sharp . Dan and Mach V rock!

 

I got the armrest as part of a package (with Bluetooth). Since there isn't an adaptor for my phone, it is useless for its intended purpose of housing the phone, charging, and connecting it to an antenna.

For me, it gets in the way of shifting and I don't use it to rest my arm. I wouldn mind if it folded back all the way, but it doesn't.

If I can't figure out how to remove it, I'll probably pay the dealer to.

 

I have the exact same problem. Funny thing is I was going to post about this today as well but you beat me to it. 2 words: Crazy Glue.

 

The armrest was the item that I deleted from the configurator design after I actually visited the dealership and tried it out. You are verifying my opinion of it! Very happy to hear that you are enjoying your Ornery otherwise!

 

I had the same frustration with the armrest and after messing with it for about a week, sliding open, sliding shut..etc.... ARG!
I finally figured out the trick!
When you open the top the back end of it actually slips off of the track.
You can actually feel the back end of the top of the armrest when "closed" and feel how it is not quite "snapped" shut.
In order for the armrest to stay closed do the following:
Open the top, grasp the back of the top and slide it shut so that it grabs the track properly. You have to actually lead the back end of the top into place on the track.
Once it is seated properly it NEVER slips open again. Until you manually open it that is, and then once again you need to follow the same procedure.

Seeing as I never open it, I never have to worry about this once I have it closed properly!

 

I was inclined to get this, but the cars I test drove had the arm rest, and I had to fold it up because it was just in the worst possible place for me. Everybody is a different size and shape and sit in a different spot in the car - it works for some, not for others.

 

Dude,

I feel like an idiot for never noticing this myself. It works perfectly now. I no longer have the urge to rip the arm rest out of the car and throw it over the fence into the neighbor's yard

-JL

 

Any guys around 5'6-5'7" that sit properly? And hate it?

 

Hmmmm...I wonder if this works for the 2006 MCs too because Im also irritated by my arm rest cover sliding open....

 

I didn't like MINI armrest.

 

This doesn't do it for me. With it on track it still slides open too easily.

 

Ditto.. The armrest is my only real complaint.. I tried the remedy mentioned above w/o any improvement. I intend to swap it out for the aftermarket flip-top in the near future.

 

I agree that the armrest is less than perfect. Mine too slides open all the time, plus it is to low. I picked up a small pillow sits on top and stays put. It may be cheesy but it works for now.

 

I open mine about halfway, pull up on the front part until you hear it click, and then slide it back into place while holding up on the front. It will still open if you use enough force, but it is much harder to open than it was.

 

Robin,
who is selling the aftermarket armrest?
Thanks Bob

 

I think I remember reading a thread complaining about the dealer installed flip-top armrest as well. Seems as if there's not really a good armrest solution, not from Mini anyway.

 

I have a flip top that was added at the dealer. I love it. It's at the right height and stores a decent about of stuff.

 

I was a little concerned about the armrest because I had read negative things about it from day one, even before the R56, but since it's a mandatory component of the bluetooth I was stuck with it.
Since taking delivery I haven't had a single issue with it. It stays locked, never slides open, doesn't get in my way (i'm 6 foot with a fairly normal driving position) and when pushed up it stays there.
Seems to me that this is one of those MINI quirks, sometimes you get the version that engineers intended and sometimes you don't.

 

I have the arm rest and usually fold it up to keep it out of the way until I am situated since I feel like I will lean too hard on it and break it if I lean on it while I am getting into the car. It stays closed and up as it should. Great for sunglasses, but that is about it.