1st Gen R50 Cooper Armrest.

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by M1N1, Nov 6, 2016.

  1. M1N1

    M1N1 Well-Known Member

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    I have the chance to buy a center arm rest for the Justa. Genuine MINI, in very good condition, similar to the one in the pic.
    Any thoughts on these? Worth having, or a pain in the arse? Also, what would be a good price on one of these used, but complete in very good condition, and in anthracite?
     

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  2. Friskie

    Friskie Well-Known Member

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    What I would have to say about MINI armrests in general, based on experience, would require comfortable chairs, extraordinary craft beer and a couple hours of quiet conversation punctuated by an occasional obscene outburst.
     
  3. Red Bull

    Red Bull Active Member

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    #3 Red Bull, Nov 6, 2016
    Last edited: Nov 6, 2016
    They can be annoying if the padded top isn't tight. I'm not sure how they were new, but my top almost always slides open when resting your arm on it. The pads can also slide back under hard acceleration.

    The armrests aren't the sturdiest so don't put ant more weight on it other than resting your forearm on it while sitting. Even then, it creaks a little since it seems to be all plastic. Also, smart phones don't really fit in it they're wider than an iPhone 5. A lot of people have glued theirs shut because the annoyance of the loose top outweighs the small storage gained.

    A good price for an excellent condition one would be $125-$150. If you can't see the armrest in person, I would only pay about $80, unless blemishes and a possible loose top won't bother you. If you need to replace the padded top for any reason they're about $70 new. Once you do that, it probably would have been better to just go with a new retrofit kit so everything is perfect.
     
  4. M1N1

    M1N1 Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the input. The only reason that I ask is that I was recently working away from home, and had a rental Toyota to drive. I kinda liked having the armrest there. This particular MINI armrest got my attention because it is in the same color as the rest of my interior. Might be able to get it for $100.
     
  5. Red Bull

    Red Bull Active Member

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    I forgot to add, it also makes the only useful cup holder a pain to use if you don't have the down tube cup holder. To get the cup in, you have to lift the cup over the back of the pad and lower it between the frame of the armrest which now limits the cups to a smaller size. It's really awkward to do with out twisting in the seat and hopefully the top doesn't pop off and spills your drink because the you have to hold the cup by the top while lowering it down.

    You can hinge the armrest back to get access from underneath, but access is still limited because of the range of motion. Also, if your padded top is loose, it will slide open when you hinge the armrest back.

    The factory armrest is a great design aesthetically, but terrible for actual use.
     
  6. caseydog

    caseydog Well-Known Member

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    No way I'd pay 100 bucks for one. I've only had them in loaner cars, and they were pretty flimsy. I don't have one in the MINI I own, and MIGHT put one in if someone gave it to me, but I'm not going to pay for one.

    CD
     
  7. DneprDave

    DneprDave Well-Known Member
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    My MINI came with one, I don't think it's as bad as people are saying here. My cover doesn't slide back and it doesn't seem flimsy to me. I don't drink and drive, so I don't care about cup holder usefulness, I keep a round container of wipes in the coffee cup holder,and a pen under the cover. It does do a good job as an armrest, just as it's designed to.
     
  8. _iD

    _iD New Member

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    Screw a wing nut into the back of the arm rest so that it blocks the top from sliding when the wings are left in the vertical position and the sliding top problem is resolved forever .

    Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
     
  9. clifforddward

    clifforddward Active Member

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    I have one of these in my car...fits my arm well and helps fatigue on long trips. Top does slide back as others have noted, for me the minor issue is acceptable.
     
  10. MrBlah

    MrBlah Member

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    I have 2 r53s one has armrest one does not, I find it irritating but helpful I'm going to hot glue the damn thing shut
     
  11. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    I love mine and I epoxy glued it closed. It's a perfect arm rest for long drives and I did not need the tiny bit of storage.
     
  12. M1N1

    M1N1 Well-Known Member

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    Decided against the install for now, mainly because the guy sold it!!!!!!!!!!!
     
  13. M1N1

    M1N1 Well-Known Member

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    Found one on fleabay for $119.99, O.B.O. Seems to be complete, with all the screws, plastic caps, trim, etc. Would I have to buy a different center console to be able to fit this?
     
  14. Red Bull

    Red Bull Active Member

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    The armrest requires a new console handbrake section, about $75 new, and possibly the metal frame underneath. I don't remember if the existing frame can be made to work, but there's a specific frame that comes in the retrofit kit. It also requires new cupholder trim and two trim pieces on the side of the cupholder. The cupholder trim ring is about $14 and I'm not sure if the two side pieces are available separately.

    Do you have a link to the auction to check out the pics of whats included?
     
  15. M1N1

    M1N1 Well-Known Member

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    #15 M1N1, Nov 15, 2016
    Last edited: Nov 15, 2016
    Deleted link. Has personal details in there.
     
  16. M1N1

    M1N1 Well-Known Member

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    Mini Cooper 2006 Center Armrest Console Grey Bracket r53 Base S 1st Gen OEM
    ( 201710462179 )
     
  17. Red Bull

    Red Bull Active Member

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    This auction shows the metal frame and console, but looks like it's missing the two plastic trim pieces. Not recommending this auction, just posting for pics. $150 after shipping is too much when you still need to find the missing trim.

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/2005-2008-Mini-Cooper-Convertible-Center-Console-Armrest-49-51169185113-R52-/232121246463?hash=item360b8122ff:g:sTgAAOSwx2dYCoEI&vxp=mtr

    If your auction was complete, it might be worth taking a chance on, but having to the buy parts to complete it would make it too expensive.
     
  18. M1N1

    M1N1 Well-Known Member

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    #18 M1N1, Nov 15, 2016
    Last edited: Nov 15, 2016
    Yeah, this could get really expensive.

    The one that I was looking at had the armrest (downtubes, metal frame,padded top, etc), screws, end caps for the pivot point, cup holder trim, and the plastic trim for the sides of the frame. In anthracite. Only missing, as far as I can see, the center console and the metal frame under the console. $120 O.B.O.
     
  19. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Shoot a PM to eMINIparts and he will hook you up with everything you need. :Thumbsup:

    Since it's not for an R56 or Effed56 I am sure you can get a deal on old stock. :ihih:
     
  20. M1N1

    M1N1 Well-Known Member

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