The Saga of the Official MINI Armrest

Sections: MF Feature | New Product Jan 11th, 2005 27 Comments

Based on what a few sources are saying it seems MINIUSA has been having issues getting the new Official MINI armrest approved in the US. Word has it the supplier of the intended armrest was unable to meet MINI's quality standards. This was also verified in a recent MINIUSA bulletin that referenced the new armrest. Interestingly the part number that was listed didn't match the new oem version we were expecting but the MINI-FINI version that has been out for over a year (seen here ). So it's not entirely clear what armrest will be showing up on cars in a month but it seems that it won't be what we had thought.

Interestingly a photo of another new armrest from MINI showed up in my email box recently. It appears to be similar to the bluetooth armrest we wrote about a few months ago but with a storage compartment where there would be the phone port. Typically I wouldn't even make any mention of it but in the description file from MINI it listed that the product was intended for the US market. Could this be MINI's eventual solution?

You can see a couple pics of this new oem armrest below:

[ Photo 1 ] [ Photo 2 ]

Written By: Gabe

http://www.geocities.com/jaw0012/beetlemain.html MrV

Now THAT armrest I might buy. I didn't really care for the other one so I passed on it.
Adam Emanoff

SWEET – Now i can carve those corners with my left hand and talk on my cell phone with my right elbow rested confortably!!

Is the rear cupholder still in place, or is that gone?
http://jamesday.net/mini James

I guess those MINI armrests from Germany will remain rare here in the US.
TJKonarski

Much, much better looking design. I like it's functionality, too. Now this I will most likely buy. I wonder how much it is…
05DSMCS

After living with mine for a few months, I have been considering taking it out. It seems to be a bit flimsier now than when I first installed it. Plus it really just seems to get in the way of the handbrake and the belt buckle. This design looks much nicer, although the storage space seems to be less. I wonder how easy a retro-fit for this would be, as the “armrest formerly known as OEM” was a pretty simple install.

Also wonder if you can fold it up out of the way, which is a nice feature of mine.
joelz

The next question is will it be retrofittable to an '04?
Involved ByStander

No disrespect to MiniFini, but that new armrest fits perfectly in the styling of the MINI and is a perfect compliment to all things MINI. The MiniFini one is too angular for my liking.
Avitor

I would really rather have the bluetooth armrest. Not only would it be a nice armrest, but it's a far superior bluetooth solution compared to the current US offering.
Larry

You mention “…it's not entirely clear what armrest will be showing up on cars in a month …” Does that imply that those cars will be equipped with an armrest as standard equipment? I have an order in for the March build but I also got in on the group buy for the OEM armrest a couple months ago.
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

The armrest is standard on convertibles with the premium pack built after 1/1/05. Take a look at the specs on 2005 models we recently postd for more info.
Marcus

Gabe, I noticed the electric folding mirror button on the console with the mirror controls. Do you know which market this MINI is for?

Also any news on the bluetooth with this armrest?
Larry

Thanks Gabe for the clarification.
http://www.ratpackmini.com karatay

hi, you always show some armrests but i couldn't reach any of them for bought it.. and i'm asking that question,when and where can i buy this ?? :)
nevin musgrave

I know the folding mirrors are for at least the Japanese market as they get I believe a tax break depending on the width of the car…something like that.
http://www.jwardell.com/mini/ Josh Wardell

Interesting. It does look nice. It doesn't look like it folds up. A big reason why I would never buy it (along with others similar) is the silver plastic, it wouldn't match in mine which is anthracite and chrome. Perhaps it will be offered in anthracite as well, much like other parts. But I still can't imagine what in the world the issue is with the original one. It's certainly not quality, mine has still been working great.
Mark

Are these available in the uk at this point? I have a friend living there and can have him ship one for me.
MiniLifeCrisis

Not worth spending $100-$200 to hold my pocket change… and there isn't all that much space for that.
Nervous

Man, I totally love this site (as much as I love my car) – where else could you find a bunch of people drooling over rumored armrests & passionately debating the merits of automatic transmissions… my friends & family think I'm nuts, but I feel perfectly normal in here.

THANKS, GABE!
HJ

I have the “MINI OEM” ?? armrest I got from Germany installed in my car and have no problems with it. It looks good, comfortable, easy install and good storage. I think I'll keep it.
PF Flyer

Hi Gabe – You say the armrest is part of '05 MINI convertible's premium pkg. My cool blue baby is on order, but no mention of it on the list. My sales advisor says they're “having a problem” and it is NOT part of the pkg. I was charged the overall $500 price increase for '05, and the premium pkg price remained the same $1350. Should I get pushy about an armrest being included, rather than paying additional $ for one as an aftermarket addition? Thanks so much – love this site!
minivt

Well Flyer, I can understand being bummed about the arm rest… I just purchased an '05, and took delivery in September. I paid the same $500 price increase and an armrest was not on the list of available options. I would say 90% of the time I don't miss it. However when I do think about an armrest it is typically on those longer trips back and forth to school. Just get yourself a passenger who doesn't mind you resting your hand on their leg… of course depending on who it is, it may be more expensive in the long run.
cct1

Flyer, double check with your dealer–they should have gotten a bulletin in late december about the arm rest issue being resolved (at least mine did); it was my understanding that it would be included/available after the first of the year.
Avitor

MINI USA now has the MINI FINI armrest pictured in the build you own section.
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

They put that there this fall in the accessory section. It's actually been available from MINIUSA for almost a year however. The big question is, what will they put in the premium pack… that's there this new armrest was to go.
tx51210

No, Thanks. I liked the offical mini version but the storage, styling and operation of this arm rest do not interest me.

Anyone know how to smuggle some of the euro versions into the US?
ninjamini

Does it open to reveal some storage?
http://- Harry Alexandre

When is this armrest coming to the UK?? If anybody finds out please post asap. thanks

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