Hey,

The MINI I put down a deposit for doesn't have an armrest. This is a crucial nono to me and I'm wondering what can be done about it? I'm only interested in the OEM armrest that comes with NA cars.

I've noticed that the pricing for it is around $300. This doesn't include the rail that has to be swapped out under the center console and the center console itself (if it's single piece).

Would it be possible to get the dealer to install it free of charge on a 2013 model or at least heavily discount it so they can install it? I could probably install it myself even, but really don't want the car with 0 miles to start rattling

Thanks!

 

I'm sure you'd need to talk to your dealer about it, and that they could work something out with you.

As to the need for an armrest, I too, thought it was a requirement when I first got my Coupe; even thought of purchasing one and putting it in myself as well. That being said, after having had mine now for a few months, I wouldn't bother. If anything, the arm rest would just interfere with getting to the back shelf behind the seats. The cockpit of the Coupe is cozy enough, that now I don't think I'd want anything else to get in my way.

JMTCW...

 

I was 50/50 on an armrest for our cars. I had one on my old manual R56 and it was up most of the time so I could get at the handbrake easily in town traffic. Neither of us have it in these cars, my wife's was an off-the-lot purchase without it, and I didn't order one for mine. To be honest I missed it a little at first, particularly in my wife's car (which is automatic), but now I'm happier without. In the Roadster I like to be able to get at the shelf behind the seats as MarinePMI says, and it would definitely get in the way there. I just did 3500 miles in a week to MINIs of the Ozarks and back and even on the interstates I didn't miss it.

See if you can get your dealer to put one in for free or for parts cost, but if you can't I think you'll be happy with the car anyway, so happy you won't even notice it's missing!

 

Thanks guys!

MINI is small so extra storage and a place to sometimes rest your arm is a nice add on. I emailed OutMotoring and apparently their $300 kit is all you need. When time comes to finalize paperwork etc, I will ask what they can do for me about that.

 

UPDATE:

At first the dealer made it sound like they will install it free of charge... Then, I got another phone call where they told me that it will cost me $550 (YIKES!). Apparently with employee discount, the armrest alone is $300 and another $250 for 2 hours of labor. Does that sound legitimate? Most places sell this kit for $300...

 

The center armrest is available through your local MINI center. Part# 52 16 0 416 589. It's $310.00 and you can install it with your eyes closed. Larger than the factory version. I have one MINI without and one with. I prefer it without for what it's worth. Enjoy your new MINI. Get ready to smile

 

I know about that one, but I hate the way it looks Thanks though!

I will be going with the OEM one and will purchase all the parts through OutMotoring. Hopefully, I won't need to get the additional extended rail that goes under the center console.

 

tell the dealer the arm rest is a deal breaker.... my first mini didnt come with it, but they installed it, we went 50/50 on price...and i cant imagin NOT having it...it makes driving so much more comfortable...

 

I agree, I've had it on both my cars, really like it.

 

They already got $1000 of my own money as a deposit. I don't think they care...?

Please enlighten me if I'm wrong however! An idea of a free or even $250 armrest would be great!

 

I forgot to order the armrest for mine, so I bought it at the parts counter the day I took delivery. Took it home & installed it in under 30 minutes, no additional parts needed. No sweat.

It does interfere with the e-brake operation, but I never open the pass-thru to the boot, so I have had no complaints about that. I like the extra storage, and I've gotta have some place to rest my arm while I drive.

 

Tell the dealer you either want the deposit back, and you'll by from another dealer, or speak with a sales manager. They would be dumb to lose a sale and a customer for a couple hundred dollars on a sale of a 30k vehicle .

 

Will do that when I go to pick it up and see what happens.

 

UPDATE:

Due to the car being held up for so long because of MINI screw ups, they've agreed to cover the full cost of armrest. I'm getting it installed once it arrives which should be Monday

 

Yeeeeeeaap. That right there is what you call your basic silver lining. Yep.