It seems like quite a few readers have the same question about the new official MINI armrest, does it have storage space? Well, the pics above should give you the answer. The top slides back and even folds down for even more access. All said it’s really quite slick.
The armrest should retail for around $200. It will (finally) be available with the convenience package on the MINI Convertible (both models) and as a standalone option this Spring.
<p>Spiffy! I may have to get one!</p>
<p>Is there a BMW/MINI part number assigned to the new “official” armrest?</p>
<p>I might have missed it in a previous article but any word on pricing?</p>
<p>-m</p>
<p>Does moss mini carry this? where can i order online?</p>
<p>Is the storage area large enought to hold CDs?</p>
<p>Gabe, the pics look like the same car from the auto show. Didn’t you say that you could not fine any storage?</p>
<p>From a bulletin posted on NAM:</p>
<p>“At long last the Center Arm Rest for MINI is here! Almost here, that is. 473-Center Arm Rest will be available starting with March production. Retail price is $200. It will also be included in ZPP-Premium Package for convertibles at no additional cost starting in March. Ordering guides are attached (not posted, at least when I downloaded this bulletin) and have been updated on MINIDealernet.com to reflect this change.</p>
<p>For the latest updates and information be sure to check MINIUSA.com and MINIDealernet.com”</p>
<p>The storage area is not anywhere close to being large enough to hold CDs. It’s more of a place for a mobile phone or an iPod.</p>
<p>What about a part number?…</p>
<p>I can confirm that it is indeed available in MINI’s ordering system for week 9 production (first production week in March) onward. It is a standalone option for $200 and it is included in the Premium Package on the convertible.</p>
<p>Don’t have any info yet on a retrofit kit or a part number.</p>
<p>Hey folks,</p>
<p>Does anyone have any idea how sturdy the new armrest is? Looks like alot of plastic but is it sturdy.</p>
<p>Bob</p>
<p>Gabe–you saw this thing at the chicago show–this is totally off the wall, but do you think it would be possible to run a stereo cord from the aux/in in the glove compartment to the armrest so that it was hidden? You mentioned that the armrest would fit an ipod–slide the arm down, connect up, and you’ve got a nice setup with your ipod at your fingertips.</p>
<p>“fit an ipod–slide the arm down, connect up and you’ve got a nice setup with your ipod at your fingertips.”</p>
<p>Exactly, cct1!</p>
<p>Would-a, could-a, should-a! MINI needs to do this for us. All the brave technology going into BMWs these days [iDrive] & we get not even a hint of their famously usual, over-engineering? The usefulness of this space really should’ve been realized.</p>
<p>MINI?!</p>
<p>OK, – whining rant over. ;D</p>
<p>So, who’s going to show us all how to retro-fit such a set-up? Hmm… Mikey?</p>
<p>Is the new armrest sturdy? Here’s a movie that should give you an idea: </p>
<p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://bridger.us/chicago_autoshow_05/armrest.AVI">Armrest & Arm</a> (AVI/800k)</p>
<p>I inspected the new armrest at both the Detroit and the Chicago shows and it is not that sturdy…when you put the handbrake down (which is not done in the video posted above) it bends down more and its attachment at the rear of the rear cupholder is not that secure either. This may just be my expectation for an armrest to support my arm, but the first “official” armrest that I have from the group buy from Germany is much more sturdy and looks better too. No, I’m not simply justifying my earlier purchase. The new armrest just doesn’t impress as a quality piece. </p>
<p>However, there is a place in the silver plastic supporting arms’ undersurface that appears ready to hold a wire should you thread a cable up and into the storage compartment for said ipod or cellphone. Something my armrest is lacking.</p>
<p>Others will have to also see in person for a final decision, but not worth $200 in my opinion.</p>
<p>The fellow in the video was handled it rather daintily if you ask me. It doesn’t look sturdy at all and the sliding mechanism looks to be rather awkward to close.</p>
<p>PS. Notice that you have fine print under your Post a Comment Gabe. Did the beloved wood dash inspire that?</p>
<p>That fellow in the video is me :)</p>
<p>I can tell you it’s not rock solid like some might want. However, keep in mind I’m 6’2″ and have some pretty big hands. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I wasn’t being dainty with it :)</p>
<p>Regarding the fine print. That’s actually always been there. I just wanted to make sure people were more aware of it. Hence the highlithing. I also took the time and added a few more pointers for html coding at the bottom. </p>
<p>LOL!!</p>
<p>So how does the armrest open? I don’t see a button of any kind. Does it simply slide back?</p>
<p>Yes – it just slides back.</p>