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Update: The armrest in this story has since been withdrawn by MINI due to several concerns. They have now released a new armrest which will be available on all Us spec MINIs with the Convenience Package and as a standalone option. You can find information on the new armrest here.
Alex (from newmini-technik.de) has just finished fitting the new official MINI armrest that should be available in the US for 1/05 builds.
Here’s what he has to say about it:
It was very easy and took about 15 minutes! The good thing is that you (a) can continue using the rear cupholder and (b) that you have some space for your purse, cigarettes and that sort of stuff!
Update: The part number is 52 12 0 154 307 and is on MINI’s system, however none show on order at at this time. There appears to no timetable on delivery. The list price is $195.00 for the US market. For those wondering how Alex got his hands on one the answer is, he’s in Germany 🙂
<p>Does anyone know if it can be purchased to match your interior colors?
I must say, that's the best armrest so far.
MCINI</p>
<p>I agree. Can't wait to get one, especially if it matches different interiors.</p>
<p>Hi !
The armrest is available in panther black leather only but that actually fits all interior styles !.</p>
<p>Best regards</p>
<p>Alex</p>
<p>Right on. Thanks!
MCINI</p>
<p>Is this an option for the 1/05 builds or is it going to be standard?</p>
<p>It will be option number <a href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2004/06/20/complete_miniusa_2005_pricing_lists">473</a> for 1/05 builds and on.</p>
<p>Bad link on the second photo. Show me more!!</p>
<p>Can it be an add on to my '05 MCS. It is being built right now and will come without the arm rest.</p>
<p>Thanks,
Matt</p>
<p>Any idea on cost to order from the UK?</p>
<p>No it cannot be added to your MCS now. Only builds after 1/05.</p>
<p>Hi !</p>
<p>Here is the full link:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.newmini-technik.de/viewtopic.php?p=9279#9279" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.newmini-technik.de/viewtopic.php?p=9279#9279</a></p>
<p>Enjoy!</p>
<p>Alex</p>
<p>….ops 🙂 !
forgot that you have to register in order to view all the pix 🙂 !</p>
<p>so here are the full links once again:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.newmini-technik.de/images/armI.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.newmini-technik.de/images/armI.jpg</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.newmini-technik.de/images/armII.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.newmini-technik.de/images/armII.jpg</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.newmini-technik.de/images/armIII.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.newmini-technik.de/images/armIII.jpg</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.newmini-technik.de/images/arm4.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.newmini-technik.de/images/arm4.jpg</a></p>
<p>Alex</p>
<p>Thanks Alex. </p>
<p>Actually those should be the same ones that are posted in the story as well.</p>
<p>I know Gabe 🙂 !
Wasnt sure if you had fixed the dead-link yet 🙂 !</p>
<p>Alex</p>
<p>Oh okay – yeah it should be fixed now.</p>
<p>Excellent! Translating the web page says it's official MINI imitation leather, so it will match my leatherette perfectly.</p>
<p>Just when my parts manger thought he was done hearing from me he now has a new email in his inbox!! Waiting to hear on the price. I want an armrest, I liked the outmotoring one the best until now, this is what I was waiting for!</p>
<p>Anyone else think it looks a tad bit cheesy? The MINI logo on the front is sort of unnecessary, and the inside trim is a bit hokey, IMHO.</p>
<p>Aesthetically I'm more drawn to the OutMotoring Arc Armrest… but this will be a big seller becuase it's (a) from MINI (b) has storage space (c) doesn't eliminate the rear cupholder.</p>
<p>Does anyone know if this armrest interferes with getting to the seat back lever and lumbar support adjustment knob ? I had installed an aftermarket armrest in my 03 MCS and had to take it out since it rubbed on the lumbar adjustment knob and it was almost impossible to adjust the seat back with it installed.</p>
<p>Storage! I love it. Definitely the best choice so far.</p>
<p>“Does anyone know if this armrest interferes with getting to the seat back lever and lumbar support adjustment know?
GOOD QUESTION!!</p>
<p>Looking forwad to putting it into my October delivery MCSC!</p>
<p>Alex –</p>
<p>You mentioned it's only available in 'panther black'… isn't the one pictured in the photo 'grey'?</p>
<p>Also, do you know if the suurounding parts will be avail;able in other finishes? I have the “Space cloth/anthricite/gun metal” interior and it'd be great if you could order the armrest in a matching color scheme.</p>
<p>Does the ez install mean that the retro fit to a pre 1/05 '05 will be “ez” for me too?</p>
<p>Any reason why this couldn't be retrofitted to '03, '03 and '04 MINIs?</p>
<p>Those are definitely panther black leather seats. I have them and they always look grey in photos. I'm having my sources in Germany check out the price of the armrest. I definitely want one.</p>
<p>James – as reported above the price is $195 USD.</p>
<p>Hi !</p>
<p>I could make a big order for those armrests if you want me to and my dealer simply ships them over to u guys in the states – how about that ?.</p>
<p>Just let me know 🙂 !</p>
<p>Alex</p>
<p>ALEX,</p>
<p>Does it flip up out of the way? It seems to have a hinge in the rear.</p>
<p>…………………………………………..</p>
<p>My wife is thinking about getting an '05. She spent 3 days in MY MCS while I had to drive the '67 VW, her 320i was being repaired.
She did not want to give it [MINI] back!</p>
<p>One complaint she had was lack of storage. I'll show her this as she did not like any of the other arm rests.</p>
<p>If we do buy an '05 I may take you up on that offer Alex.</p>
<p>…RB</p>
<p>I may want one too.</p>
<p>I placed my MC '05 Convertible order yesterday. The sales manager said that even though the Premium Package is the same money now vs. 1/05, they can't put it in for free if I take delivery before 1/05 (but I've already sort of paid for it). Anyone else asked sales if they can comp it after January?</p>
<p>Anyone know if this is a dealership order only, or if this will be available aftermarket?</p>
<p>Hey, you've got a really sweet site. You're totally up to the minute. But, I keep getting bad links. Thanks for fixing the picture of the armrest, but what's up with the rest of the site??</p>
<p>What links are you talking about? If you ever find anything in the way of a bad link always feel free to shoot us an email in the contact section.</p>
<p>Looks similar to an armrest I had for my '85 BMW convertible. Way cool armrest and storage makes the most sense… too bad itrwon't make it into my new HyperBlue 2005 MCS slated for Oct delivery :)</p>
<p>If the new armrest can not be retrofitted to early 05 builds, what else has changed to make that true. Is the center console different? The seats? Are there attachment points molded into the center console or something?</p>
<p>Looks like a great solution to the armrest and storage problems. Very nice, but I must echo a few earlier sentiments – I hope MINI offers it in a few other colors. I'm not sure how this Panther Black model would look in a Cordoba Beige interior . . .? I guess I'll wait.</p>
<p>Please let us know if it will fit in '02-'04 MINIs.</p>
<p>It's the most integrated looking armrest I've seen and would REALLY like to get installed. Next MINI accessory….</p>
<p>We have a WINNER!!!</p>
<p>” could make a big order for those armrests if you want me to and my dealer simply ships them over to u guys in the states – how about that ?.</p>
<p>Just let me know 🙂 !</p>
<p>Alex”</p>
<p>Hey there's an offer I can't refuse!! Where do I sign?!!? :)</p>
<p>Gabe, Please do a 1 time MOTORINGFILE special buy!!</p>
<p>Don't want to sound overly negative on my first post but in photo 4, does that interior look like the plastic underside of an OfficeMax waste bin? The unit looks pretty sharp in the other photos, so I hope I'm wrong.
Please Alex tell me I'm wrong
(fingers crossed).
BTW: I love the sight!</p>
<p>Sorry all. It's photo #3.
The inside view of the armrest that is.</p>
<p>Definitely my favorite. Alex, I'm all over it. How do I get one from you? </p>
<p>Also, how many CD Jewel boxes would you say the armrest holds? </p>
<p>Finally, just how hard/easy is it to install? What tools are needed? Pretend I'm an idiot when considering the level of difficulty to install. :o)</p>
<p>G.</p>
<p>I love the new armrest. Alex, Can the armrest hinge up like the MiniFini or is it fixed? If you get enoough people in for a group buy, I'm in!</p>
<p>hey, in picture 4, is that a tic-tac on the left?</p>
<p>I'm totally IN on the new armrest. Can't wait to get one. : )</p>
<p>It looks great! Still the 2 unanswered questions: 1) Will it fit to 02-04 MINIs? 2) Does it fold back via a hinge (similar to BMW armrests)?
Alex, if you are going to organize a big shipment to US, please count me in as well.
Thanks!</p>
<p>I too am very interested in this armrest and in the Group Buy (Alex, me too). </p>
<p>This is ofcourse assuming that this armrest will fit in the 2005 MCs currently being produced – mine is waiting at the dock in Southampton.</p>
<p>Gabe, my first post here… this site rocks!</p>
<p>Thanks,
MediocreFred.</p>
<p>i agree gabe – the outmotoring armrest keeps much more in line with MINIs focus on design. the 'official' armrest just looks like a little bread or shoe box between the seats.</p>
<p>Hey, put me down for one as well! Does the liner on the inside come with it, or was that added?</p>
<p>Still finding broken links. Mostly under 'Reviews'.</p>
<p>JC</p>
<p>MediocreFred – the photos show the armrest installed in a 2005 MCS so it will fit in a 2005 MC no problem.</p>
<p>JCSS – found one issue and fixed it. Please let us know if there are any others through the contact link at the top.</p>
<p>Thanks for the clarification Gabe.</p>
<p>How do I sign up for the “group buy” – I ask because I've never been in one before. Who initiates it? Gabe? Alex? And where does one go to sign up for it?</p>
<p>Apologize for the rookie questions, but, I really don't want to miss out on this one.</p>
<p>Thanks,
-MediocreFred.</p>
<p>Gabe, I am interested in the group buy also. Please let me know if you put one together. thanks</p>
<p>joerick</p>
<p>For everyone interested in a group buy I'd recommend contacting Alex directly. Alex – you may want to post your email here so people let you know if they're interested. </p>
<p>Also as a reminder for those that can wait a few months, this armrest should be out in the US around the 1/05.</p>
<p>I see that everyone loves it, blah-blah-blah. </p>
<p>So does it fit 02-04, anyone? I don't see why not, but can anyone confirm for sure?</p>
<p>If it does, I'm in group buy too then.</p>
<p>Comments/Questions:
1) Does the hair on the underside of your arm get pinched between the padding on top and the plastic bezel around the sides ? I can see the plastic frame around it being irritating and leaving an impression on my arm/elbow.
2) It looks rather short. Does it extend far enough forward for the average man ?</p>
<p>A mini doesn't need an armrest. You drive a Mini with both hands on the wheel. It's not a Lexus or a Mercedes for christ sake!</p>
<p>This is the best Yet!</p>
<p>ther should be one in all mini's standard or as a recall type item, and send to use all at no cost.</p>
<p>mini at times forgets to do things, then make use buy it as on option did you notice
that, Dont get me wrong l lve all my min's</p>
<p>This is the best Yet!</p>
<p>ther should be one in all mini's standard or as a recall type item, and send to use all at no cost.</p>
<p>mini at times forgets to do things, then make use buy it as on option did you notice
that, Dont get me wrong l lve all my min's</p>
<p>does anyone know if this item is easy to install? i am interested on this and my MINI dealership is chrging me $100 to install it. i am wondering if this is money well spent! thanks.</p>
<p>Back again 🙂 !</p>
<p>Just came back from my vacation and read all your comments 🙂 !</p>
<p>Anyone who is seriously interested can contact me via email and i will make a big offer for “the armrest-interests” 🙂 !.</p>
<p>Maybe Gabe can put a note one his board for it as well ? 🙂 .</p>
<p>My dealers adress is:</p>
<p><a href="mailto:info@rp-mini.de">info@rp-mini.de</a></p>
<p>Every single mail will reach me though 🙂 !.</p>
<p>So…….lets get you folks armrest-happy :)</p>
<p>Take care</p>
<p>Alex</p>
<p>Hi !</p>
<p>I will talk to my dealer about the price for the armrest including postage&packing today!.</p>
<p>After recieving that information I will open a thread for all the important info u need in my forum cause there are some interests as well ;)</p>
<p>Talk to you later!</p>
<p>Alex</p>
<p>Alex, just sent you an email.</p>
<p>Can you please post the link to the new thread (on your forum) here as well – it's a lot easier for folks like me that are linguistically challenged. We can use 'babblefish' to translate the one thread – a lot easier than searching through the complete forum.</p>
<p>Ofcourse, if there is an English version of your forum, …</p>
<p>Thanks,
MediocreFred.</p>
<p>Hi !</p>
<p>I have made a request of 25 armrests at bmw this morning. The retailprice for it is way below the $ price in the us so expect a real nice offer!.</p>
<p>I will have the final price tomorrow and after that I will link the thread right along :)</p>
<p>Alex
(macmini)</p>
<p>Hi there!</p>
<p>Simply check this link:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.newmini-technik.de/viewtopic.php?t=1063" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.newmini-technik.de/viewtopic.php?t=1063</a></p>
<p>All the important infos will be posted in this thread! All you have to do is register on/in the forum 🙂 !</p>
<p>Anyone who is interested in the armrest can get this via the link posted above!. I will try to set up a real good price for the rest!.
Expect further details shortly!</p>
<p>Take care</p>
<p>Alex
(Macmini)</p>
<p>So does anyone know if it extends any further forward than shown in the photos?</p>
<p>If not, than it's useless to me (and probably anyone else shorter than 5'8″).</p>
<p>Can I still get on the wait list for the official MINI Armrest?</p>
<p>If not, will there be another opportunity to purchase one?</p>
<p>ALEX- Please contact me <a href="mailto:drbader@morelove.com">drbader@morelove.com</a>. I want to purchase new armrest for my 05. Thankyou!!!</p>
<p>Alex, I would like to get a armrest however I could not reply to you on your site. I am in Maryland and very interested in buying a armrest. Thanks for your help. Frank</p>
<p>Any more armrests comming to the states?</p>
<p>I am also interested, if their are still spots available or another order is going to be placed. </p>
<p>I tried a translation of the thread, but since one of the lines came through as: Do you come out of Hamburg?
if yes, can bring along I it you namely because I become in the foreseeable future the master masterful cucumber… I decided not to go that route. Please email me if they are still available. Thank you,</p>
<p>Mike</p>
<p>I'm sorry — I've seen several people ask, but I didn't see a definitive answer… will this fit a 2004 build?</p>
<p>Thanks,
Gina</p>
<p>Can you tell me if the armrest w/ storage, part # 52 12 0 154 307 option# 473, will fit my '05 Mini Cooper Cabrio?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>Stephen Hansen</p>
<p>Excellent arm rest. As everyone else WILL IT FIT A '03 MCS? if so put me down for one next time you do a group order.</p>
<p>Shaun</p>
<p>this is the best are rest I have seen. I want to buy one but cant figure out the German web site please send me an english link to order one. thanks Mark</p>
<p>does it gets in the way when shofting gear on the manual?</p>
<p>Does anyone know where you can order one of these? I talked to my dealer in Cincy OH and he told me that they would not be getting this one in. I really like this one since it has the storage.</p>
<p>Any help would be appreciated.</p>
<p>Steve</p>
<p>I just found this-so Alex, you seem to be the go to guy about the armrest-how can I get one. I like the look, the only other one I have liked is the euro model which is not available for the 2005 mini.</p>
<p>I just got to have me one of those. I keep leaning over because I have a long drive every day.</p>
<p>How can I get one?</p>
<p>I reserved one at my Mini dealer in the US, but they wanted top dollar for it… does anyone discount these?</p>
<p>Will this Arm rest fit a 04-04 Cooper S model.</p>
<p>My dealer just told me that BMW won’t ship them to US. After I waited for 6 weeks. How can I get one?</p>
<p><em>Update: The armrest in this story has since been withdrawn by MINI due to several concerns. They have now released a new armrest which will be available on all Us spec MINIs with the Convenience Package and as a standalone option. You can find information on the new armrest <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2005/02/09/the_official_mini_armrest_revealed">here</a>.</em></p>
Hi, can I still get the armrest now? Please reply me <a href="mailto:onki0115@yahoo.com">onki0115@yahoo.com</a> Thank you very much.
Please kindly reply, as I did log into your web however, I can’t find the armrest item and I don’t know Germany.
Sorry…thanks again. please reply me cause I do need the armrest for my 2002 mini. <a href="mailto:onki0115@yahoo.com">onki0115@yahoo.com</a>