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For undetermined reasons MINI has delayed the official introduction of the new armrest until 2/05 production. Here's a bit of an explanation from an internal MINI UK release:
Due to a problem with the armrest the earliest introduction date for these options will be February 2005 but this date is still unconfirmed. Further details will be published via this medium when available.
Yes this is the “official” armrest that we've already posted a review and retrofit instructions on here at MotoringFile. It's odd that MINI would have released the first batch of production before deciding to delay official introduction.
Interesitngly the internal MINIUSA release below makes no mention of the delay:
Yes! The Center Arm Rest has finally come and it is a great looking piece with an internal storage bay. Plus, it is cleaverly designed to give easy access to the rear cup holder. Keep in mind that this will included in ZPP-Premium Pack for the convertibles at no additional cost.
- 473 Center Arm Rest – Retail Price = $200
Perhaps it's delayed due to the expected demand in the US? Just a though.
<p>The armrest is delayed because it does not meet legal requirements in some countries. I also think they are waiting on CARB approval.</p>
<p>No that I am done being sarcastic, this is aggravating.</p>
<p>I lost my excitement for the armrest when I found out it won't be made in dark blue. I understand that it's probably too expensive to manufacture it in different colors to match the different interiors. It's too bad, really. I guess I'm a perfectionist to a fault, but I just can't justify spending $200 on something that won't match my interior and look like an afterthought.</p>
<p>Luckily, I got mine already from the group by of Alex, thanks Alex. </p>
<p>Gabe, do you know anything about the make of the armrest? I came across this website selling the armrest made for Mini by KAMEI, it looks 99% the same. This same armrest sold in a Japanese website with photo that it can be extended. Any idea?</p>
<p>Here is the link to that site …</p>
<p><a href="http://www.speedup.it/store/index.php?fuseaction=home.results&category=9&groups=20&firm=KAMEI&filtercartype=MINI&orderby=">link</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.racers.jp/mini/index.html" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.racers.jp/mini/index.html</a></p>
<p>Maybe it's cause they don't fold up all the way? Mine doesn't, and it's a PITA.</p>
<p>Interesting link, Frankie. I hope there is nothing structurally wrong with the armrest, as mine has been in for a couple of weeks. It works great and I have not had any problems with it at all. It does look identical to the picture in the link above.</p>
<p>Gabe is it delayed just in the US or have you found evidence of it being delayed elsewhere?</p>
<p>GW, I don't think anything wrong about the armrest itself, IMO. I like it alot too, the height is perfect even without the extend capability, and its color is totally matching the black part of the beige/black leather I have and the anthracite panel.</p>
<p>The only evidence I've seen that it's delayed is from the internal MINI UK document referenced within the article.</p>
<p>I, too, already have one installed which I got from friends in Germany. I like it a lot and it's just the right height and size to reach the wheel and stick shift.</p>
<p>I was told by a regional manger for miniusa that recieved a memo that the gave part of the reasons for the delay on the arm rest.The DOT flet that the arm rest interfered with the e-brake and that when a person is sitting and/or driving the car with the armrest in, there was visible interference with the 05 run flat warning light.
so injoy all of you that have recieved them thanks to Alex because it sounds like thy my change them and/or relocate the light and move the it back some how.</p>