I really like an armrest. Can't remember the last car I had without one (except the Mini, of course). So when a very nice anthracite example showed up in the Marketplace, I jumped on it. That was a couple of months ago. During those months, it's been a bit chilly in Wisconsin. Not outrageously so by local standards but enough that I didn't feel like going into the garage to install the armrest, particularly since the car is stored for winter. But today it's sunny and 46 so I decided to give the installation a shot.

This is the armrest in question, to remove any question about which one I'm installing. The one with the sliding top that everyone complains about. I preemptively installed magnets to help keep the lid in place.



Removal of the old e-brake "console" was simple enough. Secured the DSC module to the tunnel without problem (the DSC module was mounted to the base plate of the previous console but mounts to the tunnel under the armrest base plate). The surprise came when I put the new base plate in place. The front mounting studs fit through the plate perfectly. The rear studs, not as much. They are off just a little. I'm being sarcastic, they aren't even close. Have a look. The yellow circles indicate the studs; the red circles, the holes where they belong. Again, my car is a 2003 (built 09/2002) -- clearly something changed either as part of the facelift or before the facelift but after my car was built.



I don't think Mini made a separate pre-facelift base plate. So the question is how to achieve a secure installation of the armrest. Option 1: drill through the tunnel, and pass bolts up from the bottom and install the correct nuts from the top. But that would require removing the exhaust. I'd like to avoid that, if possible. Option 2: use self-tapping screws from the top. Certainly easier but perhaps not as secure as option 1. Plus it would be more difficult to treat the exposed metal to prevent rust.

I hope that some of you will suggest other options that are better than those I thought of. Thanks.

 

As a fellow Wisconsinite also interested in anthracite arm rest, I very much appreciate this post. Unfortunately I have no answers.

 

RealOEM does list different part numbers for that bracket before and after 7/2004, and I do seem to recall that the console was redesigned. Unfortunately, I don’t have any suggestions other than to install a euro armrest instead.

Aha. From the Motoringfile article on the retrofit, “The kit includes the armrest, a special adapter plate for MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S produced prior to 07/04 and all the hardware required for installation. A new emergency brake cover is required and needs to be ordered as a seperate item.”

 

I just installed an armrest last week and the base plate that you are talking about fits well on the protruding screws. But mine is a 2005 mini s convertible. So a different base plate would work for you

 

Thanks for the discussion, guys. It was very helpful. The adapter plate below is mentioned in the official installation guide. Unfortunately, the parts list indicates that it is for R50 models only so I didn't pay attention to it. And since I bought my kit used, I don't have it. Some of the replies made me take a closer look at it. It's NLA -- I'll try to find one but I'm not hopeful.

Last night I was thinking about brackets I might be able to kludge up that would require minimal modifications to the base plate. If I can't find an adapter plate, that's my current plan B.

 

That bracket doesn't look like it would be all that difficult to recreate. An angle grinder, drill, and a maybe a little welding if there isn't enough material to countersink bolt heads for the studs.

 

I put a Wanted ad in the Marketplace in case someone with a FL car has an unneeded adapter hanging around. If not, I'll fabricate something. As you say, shouldn't be too difficult. Thanks.

 

Are the 1st gen (pre 07/2004), R50 & R53's that much different when it comes to the ebrake console?
I think there might be an 2002 R50 with a badly beaten arm rest at a salvage yard near me. I'll run out this weekend and see if it's still there.

 

That's a good question. I think not. Based on the fact that my car certainly needs the bracket, it appears that the instructions are incorrect on that point. Or maybe my car is unusual.

 

Sorry. No dice.
Went out to 2wo salvage yards with Mini's this morning. Unfortunately, the one R50 with the beaten up armrest had been cannibalized.
I don't know if it even had the mounting adapter you needed.


This is all that was left. Having had an idea at this moment; I snapped this pic for reference...

PM sent

 

Thanks very much for the effort! I think I have the fabrication all figured out -- it's just a matter of getting the steel plate and making the template.

 

I’m currently having the same problem , and here’s an idea , so the middle two 10’s seem to secure the base pretty solid, the rears just need to be bolted down so it doesn’t move , so my thoughts was to use these straps to thread a nut into one end and a nut 🔩 bolt on the other base and done

 

I updated my restoration thread with the result but neglected to do so here. I fabricated a bracket much like the one Mini used to sell. I used 1/8" steel plate and 10mm stainless bolts. A little primer and flat black for good measure. The welds aren't the best but they got the job done.

 

Would you be so kind as to provide the dimensions and hole placements used for this plate?
I am in the process of doing this same install in my 03 r53, and came across the same issue.