Update: The armrest in this review has since been withdrawn by MINI due to several concerns.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.
MINI has never included an armrest, and many have argued against the need for one. That may be true during spirited driving, but for many of us much of our time driving is spent sitting in traffic or on long straight drives on the highway. During these times I have always found my right arm wanting an armrest. There is a wide selection of aftermarket armrests out there, but many are poorly designed and very expensive.
I was about to purchase the Outmotoring Arc Armrest, which has a great design and is not as expensive as the others. But when MotoringFile premiered the Official 2005 MINI armrest I knew it would be my choice: exact match to interior material, continued use of cupholder, and interior storage, all for still less than most aftermarket armrests.
When the MINI armrest was featured in a group buy for MotoringFile readers at a discounted price, I immediately jumped on board. After a long wait with no news of anyone else in the first group receiving theirs, one day I returned home to find a big box from Germany on my doorstep. I was the first in the US to receive the armrest and I wasted no time and immediately installed it.
Installation is very simple. The armrest is one piece, with metal legs that extend down and slide under the seat rails on the floor. Simply loosen the front, and remove the rear seat bolts and install it. It took me only 15 minutes. Once installed, it is very secure. You can easily put your weight on it without bending anything unlike most of the other armrests out there.
The build quality is excellent. The body is strong plastic, the same charcoal color as is used throughout the MINI. The top panther black leatherette is the same material used in the MINI seats. The padding may feel thin when pressed with a finger, but when your arm is resting you’ll find it feels as if is is much softer–exactly the right amount for comfort and support.
The large button on the front features the MINI logo, and when pressed the lid pops open. It includes an antislip webbed foam sheet that surprisingly works very well. During several hours of spirited driving with a 9v battery inside, I only heard it bounce around once (my tires did not exibit as good traction!). The storage is a perfect spot for cell phone, ipod, head unit face, etc. Unfortunately it is not large enough to hold CDs, but given the small space between seats in the MINI, that can’t be expected.
The armrest is positioned at the perfect height for shifting, the arm is level and feels natural. It does not interfere with the rear cupholder, and there is still space to access the inside seat levers. This brings me to the armrest’s one downside: it gets in the way of the e-brake handle. I find I usually grab the e-brake from the very top now, and if you pull up all the way, the grip will hit the armrest. It may be possibly to tighten the e-brake cable to avoid this. But then again this can be defended by the surprise I found shortly after installation: the entire armrest is hinged and can be lifted up and out of the way! None of the initial reports had mentioned this, and is not a feature in most aftermarket rests.
Overall I am very happy with the MINI armrest. Its look and position are perfect, it is highly functional, and it enhances your motoring experience instead of getting in the way. In my opinion it beats all the aftermarket armrests in all these categories and most importantly in value. The MINI armrest can be ordered from your dealer’s parts department, part number 52 12 0 154 307, $195.00 USD retail. The part should be available very soon, and starting January 2005 as a factory option or available as part of the Premium package on both convertible models. Feel free to add comments if you have any additional questions and I will try to answer them.
Rating: 4.5/5
Josh Wardell
www.jwardell.com/mini
<p>A big thanks to Josh for contributing this. I'm much more impressed by the official armrest after reading the above review.</p>
<p>Also a big thanks to Alex for organizing this group by from Germany.</p>
<p>Nice review Josh.</p>
<p>It is hard to believe that the official Mini arm rest is as useful as is seems to be at that price point. Have a 40 socket torx ready & cannot wait for the day my big mangled box from Germany arrives.</p>
<p>Chris</p>
<p>how about another group buy?</p>
<p>“”the entire armrest is hinged and can be lifted up and out of the way!””</p>
<p>Does it stay erect during fast driving?</p>
<p>My wifes Audi A4 armrest also is hit by the handbrake lever – must be a German feature ;)</p>
<p>Nice review, Josh.</p>
<p>Any word on if it'll be available in other colors? I have the dark blue leather interior — even the plastic of the doors and sidewalls are all a dark blue. It would look like a mismatched after-thought if I installed a charcoal & black armrest. With as much as MINI pays attention to detail, I can't imagine that they'd send out '05 MINI Convertibles with an armrest included in the Premium Package that doesn't match the interior of the car. Anyone have any insight on this?</p>
<p>… Then again, they only make the floor mats in black, gray and beige… </p>
<p>Oh well.</p>
<p>I second the idea for a 2nd group buy. I missed out on the first and have been waiting for another chance.</p>
<p>Does the rest lock in the up position like my wife's A4 does?</p>
<p>If it does, I asked Alex that question and never got an answer, I would go for a group also.</p>
<p>Nice review. Any extra storage is a “Goodthing”.</p>
<p><em>*</em>RB</p>
<p>robert and RB, it should stay up due to friction, I don't think hard braking would cause it to fall. I can test that this weekend at the autoX.</p>
<p>I have an arm rest too from Alex. When I fold it up, it doesn't go up all the way. it stays down a little bit. I dont' want to force it up any more, as it feels like it will break.. I would like to be able to fold it away from time to time though.</p>
<p>I'm probably 1st to get that armrest in Chicago, so I'll do my MINI review :)</p>
<p>1st off, box did come mangled as hell. Unfortunately one of the legs was tearing the box all the time since there was nothing in the box to hold armrest securely. But that's how it comes officially from factory.
So unfortunately one corner of one leg got paint scraped off, but that's no big deal, can barely see it anyway. </p>
<p>Installed in no time, all OK there. </p>
<p>Usually I just point out things noone else point it, so that's what I'll do:
It does swing, but doesn't lock.
It doesn't have any position locking, meaning no higher-lower settings. I like to sit higher so it's a bit too low for me, had to lower the seat.
Plastic is smooth, I wish it could be the same as on hand brake handle (textured, if you will). Open button is on non-movable part, not on top – so when you open first you press the button, then you open the top, not like in other cars I had you do it in one motion (like toyota, for instance). Of course doesn't really bother, but still.
That foam inside the armrest is not secured and a bit too long so it's weavy inside – probably have to put more stuff in armrest to even it out over time.
Those metal legs do look weird from back seat – again they probably didn't have any choice as MINI was designed without armrest to begin with.</p>
<p>All in all I don't think quality is up to MINI's standarts, plastic is kind of cheap and again from the back it doesn't look “factory”
But hey, $154 shipped, best price around. </p>
<p>I hope I can make to Sunday's drive in Chicago, so Chicago MINI motoring club members can check that out for themselves.</p>
<p>I forgot to add that it does interfere with seat adjusters, no matter up or down it is.
And if you want to use hand brake not for parking but for “spirited” driving, you have to put armrest up. But it's true for most manual trans cars anyway.</p>
<p>WOW, there are some major opinion differences between these reviews.</p>
<p><em>*</em>RB</p>
<p>Then again I'm a picky guy :)</p>
<p>I got in on the second round fo the group buy and mine should arrive shortly. Great review. How much does it interfere with the lumbar adjustment? Is it fully blocked, or just harder to get to?</p>
<p>For many, many years I have driven with an armrest and was certain I would need one. I even thought about delaying my order until Jan 05 inorder to get it in the premium package. But after picking up my MINI last week, I am finding I don't miss an armrest. I think it has something to do with the confort factor of the seats. But, if I ever do decide to get one this would be the design for me. Very nice!</p>
<p>I too missed out on the group buy and would very much like to see another one sometime soon!</p>
<p>I'm waiting for mine from a friend in Germany. It's great to see a factory armrest. Glad to hear it is easy to install and that it flips up. Thanks for the information.</p>
<p>I agree with Kelly. I was going to wait till Jan 05. Glad I didn't. Have had my 05 MCS since late August–have not missed the arm rest at all. I actually like the less cluttered look. Thanks for letting me share.</p>
<p>GROUP BUY! GROUP BUY! GROUP BUY!</p>
<p>Will there be another group buy of these armrests? Please let us know if one is in the works. Lots of us motorists are interested!!!! :-)</p>
<p>Remember everyone… this armrest will be available at US MINI dealers within a month or two.</p>
<p>I JUST CHECKED WITH MINI PARTS DISTRIBUTION. THESE ARM RESTS ARE HERE IN THE USA BUT ARE FROZEN BY MINI COOPER FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON THAT NO ONE AT MINI COULD GIVE ME AN ANSWER FOR. THE FOLLOWING WHAREHOUSES HAVE IN STOCK:
ONTARIO 17
SENATOBIA 06
JACKSONVILLE 10</p>
<p>Guess Josh has a loose e-brake, mine installed and does not make contact with the e-brake. In fact, the e-brake I have possibly is tight, it is quite hard to pull all the way to touch the armrest. :)</p>
<p>Overally, I give 95/100 on this armrest, color, size, height and rigidness are right at the point. Only thing is the seat back lever is a bit hard to access, though accessable and it's no problem to access the back support knob. I need to pull up the armrest to adjust.</p>
<p>I received mine the other day and am very pleased with the quality and design. It seems quite comfortable – now if only my '05 MCS would arrive so I could install it!</p>
<p>I posted some pics of mine pre- and post-install on mini2:</p>
<p><a href="http://mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=69953&onlybyuserid=0&page=5&pp=15" rel="nofollow ugc">http://mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=69953&onlybyuserid=0&page=5&pp=15</a></p>
<p>I would second Frankie's comment that it's difficult to hit the armrest with the ebrake. That may be b/c I have an '05 with slightly different dimensions. Also, I believe the '05 has a larger rear cupholder, and the back of the armrest sits about 1/4″ over the edge of the cupholder. But this would only slightly block a really large drink.</p>
<p>As for up/down adjustability, it's the same height as the armrest on the door, so from that standpoint it works well ergonomically.</p>
<p>My top doesn't pop open when the front button is pressed – have to press the button and pull it up.</p>
<p>I agree with the comments regarding the rear legs – they look a bit out of place straddling the center console. But what can you expect from a retrofit? It certainly is sturdy.</p>
<p>Overall I'm very happy with the purchase and big thanks again to Alex for organizing the group buy.</p>
<p>While I have not missed not having an armrest in both of my MINIs, the “official” retrofit from MINI appears to be one of the best attempts to date.</p>
<p>However, I have a hard time coughing up $200 for what essentially is a plastic box with a lid. If there is ever a group buy and the price significantly drops I might be interested.</p>
<p>So since MINI is now issuing thier own cupholder, armrests, etc solutions, what will happen to their relationship with MINIFINI??</p>
<p>Is it over between MINIUSA and MINIFINI? Any insights?</p>
<p>Dami my box was mangled too, but then again it was a thin box and came all the way from germany…no issues though, and others who will be buying from their dealer won't have to deal with that.</p>
<p>Yes the rest swivels to about 80 degrees instead of 90 but I don't see that as a problem, I wouldn't normally drive with it up (with the exception of some fun in the snow for a few minutes).</p>
<p>I don't think the build quality is worse than then normal. MOST parts of the MINI are plastic. Not sure what you are expecting. And it is strong, not cheap plastic.</p>
<p>GW I don't have lumbar adjustment. It does not interfere at all with the inner seat levers, if that helps. Folding it up may clear a better path to the adjustment.</p>
<p>Yes the legs may look out of place from the back (the back seat hardly gets used anyway) but I would rather have that for sturdiness than others' that attach to the plastic console.</p>
<p>Hard to believe a functinal item like an armrest is a purchased option. Perhaps we can soon charge extra for a steering wheel?</p>
<p>Tom – many enthusiasts prefer not to have armrest as can interfere with shifting action among other things. In fact outside the US it's commonly looked at as something not appropriate for a sporty car.</p>
<p>I can guarantee you that it was the US market response that prompted this accessory. </p>
<p>But don't take this the wrong way all you armrest fans out there…I don't mean to pass any judgment… just stating what some believe.</p>
<p>Can someone confirm that these arm rests are compatible with all minis? I'm particularly concerned about a certain 2003 Cooper.</p>
<p>The below is not true.. they only IMPORT these colors but they do make other colors like hmmm BLUE </p>
<p><a href="mailto:TJKonarski@aol.com">TJKonarski@aol.com</a> / October 22, 2004 8:26 AM
… Then again, they only make the floor mats in black, gray and beige… </p>
<p>Oh well.</p>
<p>What Gabe says is true. For instance my in-laws have one of those sporty Jaguar convertibles… No cup holders anywhere in it. I understand Europeans don't see much use for those either.</p>
<p>Paddy Hopkirk didn't need no stinking armrests!</p>
<p>Someone over at MINI2 mentioned that the reason for the “frozen” shipment of the armrest from the US dealers is due to a “defect” in the armrest. Well… I hope NOT! If that happens, can we take these to any US MINI dealers for an exchange possibly, even though they were purchased from Germany?
I am still -patiently- waiting for my big box to arrive to Los Angeles. 22 days and counting……</p>
<p>Mine arrived intact although a bit soggy (it was raining that day and the box was on my front stoop) no issues though. I really like it, but I also wish it swiveled up a full 90 degrees so as to be completely out of the way if desired.</p>
<p>Overall it's a keeper.</p>
<p>THANKS ALEX!!!!! :)</p>
<p>My guess is that the offical armrest wont be released in the US until december 04 because december 03 was when MINI released the Mini-Fini armrest as an official part number. Thus my guess would be that mini-fini had a contract with MINI USA to supply armrests for one year.</p>
<p>Received and instaled my armrest Thursday.</p>
<p>I am very happy with it and I think it finishes off the interior nicely- now when I look at another Mini I think “where's the arm rest?”</p>
<p>I do not see any interference with the lumbar, or any seat adjusment and I am happy with the quality- all but the loose piece of non skid that comes as its interior lining- I think that looks a bit cheap- but it works!</p>
<p>This just in from my dealer:
RE: MINI FRONT ARMREST</p>
<p>TO: Parts Managers</p>
<p>From: MINI Parts</p>
<p>The MINI front arm rest kit shown on EPC, Diagram 52_3173 (52 12 0 154 307) is not approved for the US MINI's.</p>
<p>All backorders have been canceled.</p>
<p>Well that's pretty interesting.</p>
<p>I wonder if that means it's not yet approved for U.S., or there will have to be a different factory option design for the U.S……?</p>
<p>Hey ho guys 🙂 !</p>
<p>I might be starting two new group buys if anyone is interested!?. This time postage&packing&shipping would go faster cause I will be taking care of it 🙂 !.</p>
<p>(1)</p>
<p>Armrest for 154$ including postage&packing</p>
<p>(2)</p>
<p>Facelift Xenon's !</p>
<p>1.299,-$ (expected dealerprice in the US – correct me if i'm wrong!?)</p>
<p>880,-$ (group buy price + postage&packing)</p>
<p>Best wishes to ya'll and a happy halloween!</p>
<p>alex</p>
<p>WHy would they not be approved? They look great and I see no design flaw w/ regards to safety???
Well, just makes my Mini even MORE special ;)</p>
<p>Alex – I would be interested in your group purchase. Can you send me an email on where to contact you for payment details. Lonnie</p>
<p>Alex,</p>
<p>I too am interested in the armrest group buy. Please let me know how to contact you for payment and shipping.</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Alex,</p>
<p>I cannot figure out how to reply to your group buy request. Please contact me as I would like to join in.</p>
<p>Peter</p>
<p>I am interested in a group buy for the armrest to Alex.<br />
Nathan Sumner</p>
<p>Alex, I am interested in the new armrest groupbuy! Please email me with the details.</p>
<p>Yes!…Alex, please put me down for one ;D</p>
<p>Please ,Please put me down for one.Thanks Alex.PM me.Terry</p>
<p>Please put me in as well Alex.Do you know how long it will take to recieve the armrest? Please e-mail me asap.thanks,mark.</p>
<p>To all,” There hear” Just to day I took my 05 cooper s to the dealership to have the new 05 JOHN COOPER WORKS installed and was told that more are on the way. mark.</p>
<p>To all, any one willing to sale there armrest for 200.00 plus shipping costs. please call me at 714- 444 2014.thanks, I need one asap.it needs to be in new condition.alex,if i can buy one for a little more money so i can recieve it sooner, that would be great. thanks again, markus.</p>
<p>I received and installed mine yesterday. A bit more difficult to install than I thought, but I have a bad back and didn't have a good light source to help me out. I installed it in about 20 minutes. It looks great and is very functional. I have an 05 MCS and it doesn't interfere with the handbrake, although it is a bit easier to pull up when the armrest is in the up position. Thanks for the deal, Alex!</p>
<p>Just contacted my dealer, Mini of Sterling VA, and they are not selling the armrest because it is not “approved in the U.S.”. Does anybody know how to get one at this point? How about the group buy…did I miss that boat?</p>
<p>Thanks,</p>
<p>Dave</p>
<p>Alex,</p>
<pre><code>Add me to the group buy.
</code></pre>
<p>Alex,</p>
<p>Could you add me to the group buy also?</p>
<p>Thanks,</p>
<p>Dave</p>
<p><a href="mailto:davemorello@yahoo.com">davemorello@yahoo.com</a></p>
<p>Still wondering what the issue is about not being approved for US. Just curious why MINIUSA isn't forthcoming about these kind of things. They certainly must know why it's not approved.</p>
<p>Well, if it's not approved, I hope the mini-cops don't catch me!</p>
<p>Yahoo 🙂 !</p>
<p>Ok – I will try and order another 100 armrests for you guys ;).
I'll keep u posted with further details shortly!</p>
<p>Alex</p>
<p>Alex – please put my name into the pot for the group buy!!! I'd love to get my hands on one. Just email me the details please, thanks!!</p>
<p>I would like to get in on the next group buy. Thanks.</p>
<p>Alex:
I would like to get in on the group buy for the armrest as well, if possible. Please email me details of how to make payment, etc.</p>
<p><strong>The armrest has been delayed by MINI until 2/05. No reason has been given but I'll keep digging.</strong></p>
<p>Alex,</p>
<p>I would also like to participate in the group buy on the armrest. I sent you a PM via MINI2.</p>
<p>Bob</p>
<p>Alex!</p>
<p>If possible, please add me too! (Are you recording our info from this page of do we have to sign up on that German forum in order to be added to the list?)</p>
<p>I just seen on ebay that a guy is selling an factory arm rest for the new mini cooper and the color looks gray with a black mini logo stamped on the front. Alex, Is the ones that you've been able to getting colored different. is the one your getting, black?</p>
<p>Count me in for the group buy, just send me the details.</p>
<p>Alex,</p>
<p>I would also like to participate in the group buy on the armrest.</p>
<p>Could you confirm? I'll try and send you an email by MINI2</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Martin</p>
<p>Yahooo again!</p>
<p>I should recieve price-information today or on monday cause its currently slightly difficult for bmw to “hand out” another 100 rests but i do my best to serve all of you!</p>
<p>Best wishes!</p>
<p>Alex</p>
<p>Does the armrest permit an unhindered shifting motion?</p>
<p>Hi folks!</p>
<p>The second group buy for the armrest is on its way!.</p>
<p>The price for one rest including postage and packing is now 130€ which is something around 168$. </p>
<p>The armrest has got 7$ more expensive since my last order but you guys still save more than 30$ and keep in mind:</p>
<p>This item is NOT available in the US and wont be for the next couple of months!</p>
<p>To order please do the following:</p>
<p>1) register on the newmini-technic forum via this link:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.newmini-technik.de/profile.php?mode=register&sid=1e3299fb4b4b5933536f59ff81aa1c02" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.newmini-technik.de/profile.php?mode=register&sid=1e3299fb4b4b5933536f59ff81aa1c02</a></p>
<p>2) visit this link: </p>
<p><a href="http://www.newmini-technik.de/viewtopic.php?p=10136#10136" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.newmini-technik.de/viewtopic.php?p=10136#10136</a></p>
<p>and follow instructions</p>
<p>Postage will take round about 2-3 weeks!</p>
<p>All creditcards except AMEX is accepted!</p>
<p>Take care!</p>
<p>Alex</p>
<p>I enjoyed the discussion, I went to the link. Am I missing something, or is it all German? I forgot most of my high school german, and although I could figure out enough to register, I can't figure out more. can you contact me and tell me what we need to do (in English or Hebrew which are my two fluencies) so I can order one. Do I understand that if we order now, we should have in two to three weeks? Thank you. Jeff</p>
<p>I got to the link and tried to follow the instructions, but couldn't figure out how to send it to you. Please advise.</p>
<p>by the way, my e-mail is <a href="mailto:schmuelkof@hotmail.com">schmuelkof@hotmail.com</a> for the info I requested. Please let me know.</p>
<p>I, too would like to order the armrest, but I am not fluent in German. Please PM me as well with assistance. Thanks.</p>
<p>Man, the silence is deafening.:^( From, my PMs to various of you, it seems that the latest group buy may be a myth. If anyone who has lately obtained one of these armrests is lurking, can you please provide some help to those of us have tried to place an order, but can't seem to make contact with Alex or whomover (at least in some way understandable)?</p>
<p>I got mine from Alex and I didn't order a second one. It is brand new never installed.</p>
<p>I do not want to hassle him with a return since I am sure a NY, NJ, PA or CT person would love to have it.</p>
<p>Mine is available for $175 here only (firm) and it is only for NJ pickup – cash only since I already had to pay my visa bill on it.</p>
<p>email me at <a href="mailto:njnorm@earthlink.net">njnorm@earthlink.net</a> if you want one right away.</p>
<p>I have heard that the reason for the US delay is that the US DOT disapproved the “Old” Design as being too long, I.E.; it hits the eBrake. So it is being shortened by an inch or two before offical release. Personally, They could just move it back, I only use the rear drink holder to hold an air freshener.</p>
<p>Alex, Are there any arm rests available? If not will there be another order? Put me on the list if so. Thanks</p>
<p>There is another great armrest on the market for the MINI Cooper. The matching leather pad adjusts forward and back, it also has a storage compartment and internal cup holder. It is in stock and available from <a href="http://www.qualityautointeriors.com" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.qualityautointeriors.com</a></p>
<p>Since the Dealers still don't know anything about the armrests as of 01/15/05, can they still be ordered through the group buy?</p>
<p>Hi,
I have seen these on ebay for about $195., 2 weeks ago.</p>
<p>Hello,</p>
<p>I’m not a MINI owner, so don’t throw anything at me for asking this question, but do you think one of these would fit in a toyota Echo? I looked at the interior of the MINI and they seem similar</p>
<p>If not do you have any idea where I could get some information about an armrest that would fit in an Echo.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Is there a way to get a pre ’05 factory
armrest that has the storage compartment</p>
<p>If there is a group buy or someone who can translate German I’d like to get one of the one’s originally reviewed. The ’05s don’t seem to have the storage compartment.</p>
<p>The 05’s do indeed have a storage compartment: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2005/02/09/the_official_mini_armrest_revealed"><a href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2005/02/09/the" rel="ugc">https://www.motoringfile.com/2005/02/09/the</a><em>official</em>mini<em>armrest</em>revealed</a></p>
<p>I just tried to order the armrest from my dealer in Indianapolis and he told me they would never be available in the U.S. Where can I order the armrest? I want the new model with the storage compartment(part number 52 12 0 154 307).</p>
<p>Also, does anyone know where you can get rear mudflaps for the 2005 Cabrio?</p>
<p>The armrest reviewed in this article wasn’t approved for sale in the US. The armrest that will be available can be found here: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2005/02/09/the_official_mini_armrest_revealed">motoringfile.com/2005/02/09/the<em>official</em>mini<em>armrest</em>revealed</a></p>
<p>I just bought the armrest while I was in Italy. Perhaps the one I purchased has already been redesigned, shortened, because mine does not at all touch the handbrake and doesn’t interfere with the safety buckles. It fits the interior of my cars design. It does fold up and stay up, it doesn’t go straight up, but almost. Point being it doesn’t interfere with my driving if it is stowed up. It is in the way of the seat back adjustment but my seats are already set for my driving comfort, so no big deal. And it is out of the way of my rear cupholder. I just love it.</p>
<p>EJ Is there any way to get the part number of that armrest you have?</p>
Is this unit still available?
If so, what can I expect to pay for it?