I ordered my MINI and then decided I wanted the armrest, so it was too late to change the order and have it factory installed. The dealer installed it recently but it doesn't raise high enough to really be out of the way for shifting. Has anyone with a factory-installed armrest encountered this problem?

Also, does the factory-installed armrest consist of the rest mounted on a black painted metal frame that attaches to the seat bolts? The dealer-installed armrest is and it seems kinda' cheesy to me.

 

Can you post some pictures of this alternate style armrest?

 

I can tonite after work.

 

My arm rest came from the factory... and I still think its cheesy! Slides open all the time and feels like I could break it if I put too much weight on it. I'll probably get a after market one if I can find one that is more robust. I have seen others on NAM with the same complaints.

 

I think that the factory r56 arm rest sux, but that is my opinion, it is just very flimsy and the top keeps opening. :(

 

There are several other post re; this if you do a search.

I bought my R56 off the showroom floor and asked if they could put an arm rest in it. I assumed it would be like the factory installed one. When I picked it up it has the one you got. I tried if for a few days and hated it. I made them take it out and refund the money. It wouldn't stay up, wouldn't go up far enought be out of the way; the vinyl on the top irritated my arm; it was in the way of the parking brake......

No one seems to be crazy about the factory one either. FYI

 

Great idea! I'm on it...

 

i have one, factory installed, and the only thing its good for is throwing my change into. My elbow doesn't even rest on it because I don't put my seat all the way back, it slides open all the time, it's flimsy, and probably cost about $5 to make.

 

From what I've read and seen the ones installed after delivery are better (I have one of these). I put all kinds of small stuff in there. It's very handy for me and I have my arm on it most of the time whether I'm driving or a passenger.

 

Useless option #1. Too small to be of any use, and in the way of normal driving.

 

The armrest is worthless for storage and not functional at all. But as a "armrest" for me it seems to be adequate and it does not bother me. A better overall design, maybe a little deeper would help.

 

It isn't properly closed. You need to push slightly down as you slide it closed. I noticed this right after it was opened the first time (it was very tight). If you look when you go to close the slide cover you will see a slide gromet at the back of the panel, if you don't apply pressure it doesn't engage. Problem solved.

 

Looking for a good after market arm rest. for my john cooper works 2009
any suggestions

 

15-cd jewel case from Target. Functional. Nice anthracite/silver color. Fits between the 2 seat belt latches perfectly atop the e-brake boot, and you can move out back of your way if needed. Have had the same one in my 05 and 09. $8.99 last I looked.

MINI armrest = most worthless and dopey option EVER! How do they expect us to perform effective handbrake turns with that thing in the way??

 

sequence's jewel case is no-doubt, 'most-for-the-money' and best for handbrake spins.

I love my Euro Armrest version:



This is the "Black Steel Frame" (sturdy mount) mentioned by OP.

I have added 'Memory Foam' padding and shimed to higher angle.

Best and Lowest cost supplier is Minspeed eBay had one for $10 less, but that ended.