The MINI-FINI Armrest

Sections: Uncategorized Aug 19th, 2003 28 Comments

MINI-FINI, maker of some seriously cool upcoming official MINI accessories will soon be releasing the first decent MINI armrest. I was lucky enough to get a sneak peak at a prototype of the armrest lastnight and can say with confidence that it should go a long way in solving the missing armrest equation for many of us.

I was immediately impressed at the quality of the piece. The leather seems soft enough for comfort yet gives the impression it will be durable throughout the life of the car. The lifting mechanism seems very bulletproof – definitely engineered to last the life of the car.

The entire piece is secured very well into the rear cup holder. I have yet to see an actual installation happen but I'm told it installs into exsisting points just under the cup holder. The entire armrest was very solid, totally confidence inspiring and is actually made in the US.

Overall I think this will be a hugely successful addition for those looking for a little more comfort while motoring.

Note: The photos show a prototype of the armrest – the final piece may be slightly altered.

Written By: MF Staff

GJR

Gabe- that armrest looks great. Any word on when it will be released? The MiniFini site says “Summer 2003,” but with summer in its final stages I wondered if you might know anything more specific.

Also, their website shows a “deluxe” edition armrest under “future products.” It features a folding top with a storage compartment. Did they tell you anything about this too? Thanks in advance!
http://bridger.us/mini Gabe

Yes we did discuss this. They're aiming for it to be about the same overall size as the current unit. I think it's still in the design engineering phase but they are planning on releasing it, I would assume, next year.
http://revorg.org/mini.html Scott

It's a shame that all of the armrests I've seen make full use of the one good cupholder. I guess we're supposed to drink our coffee or rest our arm, but not both. My vote is for coffee and the cupholder!
GJR

Scott- I think it may be a ploy to make us buy the “cup-link” system shown on their website too!
Frank

Gabe, just wanted to clarify that the armrest is upholstered in Leatherette or Vinyl, not real leather. This is per the MINI FINI site.

I think it looks great otherwise. How much for the part?
http://bridger.us/mini Gabe

Well it frankly felt like real leather to me. If it was leatherette it's very impressive in it's feel and texture. Of course this was a prototype.
Frank

The MINI”s factory Leatherette seating material is pretty impressive and I would not be surprised if MINI FINI is using the same high quality material for the armrest.
http://revorg.org/mini.html Scott

GJR, you're probably right. And the Cup-Links is a neat device. Pricey but neat. Now if the armrest matched the door hardware AND included Cup-Link….
Vanwall

Gabe – I called my dealer out here in CA, Long Beach MINI, and they have some MINI FINI cupholders. I'm gonna pick one up Saturday, and I'll let you know how it looks, with pics I hope. I e-mailed MINI FINI to find out if the armrest was available in different colors AND in leather about 2 months ago, but never got a response. Hmmm. I don't use the rear cupholder if I can help it, so the armrest might be good for me. BCNU, Rob in Dago
http://bridger.us/mini Gabe

Rob – the armrest will be available in just black initially but they are looking into other colors and fabrics for later release.

I'll actually have a MINI-FINI cup holder review up tomorrow with pics.
http://home.comcast.net/~sfconnell/mods/ scooterboy

Thanks for the armrest pics. I really like my cuplink, but I'll pass on the armrest as I was hoping it would NOT use the rear cupholder.

I had already purchased the aftermarket armrest with the sliding top and storage but hadn't installed it yet because I was waiting to see if this one used the seat-rail bolts instead of the cupholder. So I'll just install the one I have. Oh well.
dot-scott

do you have a link for the one you purchased scooter boy?

thanks, S-
scooterboy

Here you go: http://www.mossmini.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=36759
http://www.t-bear.org Chris H

It is a shame there is a single sturdy ( I'm a big guy) armrest out there that doesn't usde the cup holder..
http://............ tomorthway

i have the armrest with the sliding top no good for me as i am 5'7 and the seat isforward so my elbow does n ot rest on the arm rest..how long is it???? thanks yumyumth
davidac

Whatever happened to that nice looping brushed aluminum finished armrest. Two side by side downward opening aluminum arcs topped with a leather pad. Anyone know what I am talking about.
Wolt

David, the armrest is made by Design Parts GMBH http://www.tt-designparts.de/productsen/miniarm.php They list MiniMania as their US mini retailer. I read on another message board that minimania will have the armrest available in about 3 weeks.
http://www.michiganmini.com Meenee.coopah

WOW. That TT-Design armrest looks great. I wonder how functional it is. I have to sit with my seat all of the way back, so I'm wondering if the armrest would work for me. Nonetheless, IMO it looks a lot nicer than the MiniFini
grafiksguy

The TT-Design armrest is cool, if only you could buy the darn thing. I've tried endlessly to get in touch with their US rep who is extremely hard to get ahold of and claims their stock is caught up in customs and they have no idea why or when they'll get 'em.
Greg

You can get the TT-Design armrest at minimania.com unfortunetly the price is a bit high:$249.00.
Mr Chrome

I saw a new armrest that mounts on the tunnel…. not the cup holder. It has a sliding armrest pad and a storage compartment. It's put out by a new co. called Cooper Concepts.
http://bridger.us/mini Gabe

I've actually been testing that armrest for the past couple of weeks and should have a full review soon.
Mr Chrome

Thanks Gabe, I'll be looking forward to your report. I found Cooper Concepts now has a website http://www.cooperconcepts.com from what I can see, this looks like the way to go.
rinos69

would like to know if there's the possibility to have a non leathered armrest (i.e. Kaleido cloth) i'v searched everywhere but never found it… why????
WCS

I just ordered the Fini arm rest from Classis Auto fpr $220 which also includes shipping,
John L. Olmo

I have purchased this arm rest and I'm wondering if you have the installation instructions. I would really like to install it and start using it.

Thank You.
Blue Brummie

Gabe,

A couple of posts previously, you mentioned that you'd post a review of the armrest. Have you posted this review, or am I just having a brain cramp?

BB
http://bridger.us/mini Gabe

BB – I have reviewed the armrest in it's final for and actually it looks like I'll just be linking to a review from someone else.

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