Genuine MINI Cooper S Arm Rest Installation

By Aaron Ogawa

1) Please note, this installation was done on a 2005 MINI Cooper S. Your installation procedure may vary based on production date. Please use caution when using hand tools. Remember, you are responsible for yours and your MINI’s safety. Installation level: Extremely Easy!

2) First, detach the e-brake boot from the center console cover by pinching the middle and pulling

up. Pull the boot toward the front as if your lifting up it’s skirt.

3) Locate and remove the Phillips screw toward the rear of the exposed section.

4) Next, you’ll have to undue the screw at the bottom of the rear cup holder. To expose the screw,

use some duct tape to pull up the rubber pad.

5) The center console cover should now be completely unfastened. However, there are 4 hidden

clips and 2 front tabs that still secure the cover. The only way to remove the cover is to pull up with a little force. Once the 4 clips are released slide the cover toward the rear of the car slightly and the cover should be loose from the vehicle.

6) Remove the center console cover by fishing the e-brake boot through it’s hole.

7) Be careful, the tire flat reset button is still connected. Unclip the button and set the console cover aside.

8) Your next objective is to replace the original base with your new base. First, unclip the e-brake

hold-down and unclip the wire.

9) The base is secured to the floor via 4 nuts. Remove the nuts using a 10mm socket. Remove

the composite base.

10) Comparing the 2 bases, you can see the new base has some added support toward the front

and rear.

11) Insert the red plastic nutclip as shown in the picture.

12) You’re now ready to install the new base onto the vehicle. Maneuver the base over the e-brake

& boot. Lay the base in the same manner as the original.

Make sure the tire flat wire and the e-brake wire are not caught underneath the base.

13) Your kit should include 4 new nuts to the secure the base to the car. Use the same 10mm

socket.

14) Secure the e-brake hold-down clip and reconnect the terminal.

15) Grab the armrest itself and locate the metal mount. Insert the armrest mount in the base that’s

on the car.

Your kit should have a number of silver Torx screws. You will use 3 of them to secure the metal mount to the console base. Use a T30 socket. Wiggle the armrest from side to side to see if it is still loose. If so, then you need to tighten the screws some more.

16) We will leave the base for now and concentrate on the new center console cover.

17) Grab your old center console cover and remove the flat tire reset button. Press the 2 tabs on

the switch body and it should pop right out.

18) Reinstall the same switch on your new center console cover. Install the provided plastic cover

piece that sits opposite the switch.

19) Install the 4 provided plastic clips to the underside of the new cover.

20) Installation of the new cover is the same as removal. Reconnect the flat tire reset button and

maneuver the new console cover over the e-brake handle/boot.

21) Once you have the cover in position (peek inside the boot opening to see the clips inline with

the holes), push down firmly to snap the clip into place.

22) Snap the e-brake boot back in place.

Use the provided small screw and secure the front of the cover. Use a T10 socket. Place the

provided rubber mat into place.

Reuse the cup holder screw to secure the rear of the cover. Place the provided rubber mat into

place.

23) Snap in the cup holder bezel onto the console cover.

24) Install the side covers onto the rear end of the console.

Once both side covers are in place, secure them with the provided bolts. Use a T25 socket.

25) Check to make sure all hardware is fully tightened. Test all armrest functions: Rotate Up-Down,

Top Slide, and tilt.

26) That’s it! You’re done installing your genuine MINI armrest. Have fun motoring!