I have been using the typical MINI iPod setup with the belkin cup holder mount but I haven't been quite happy with my placement. While brainstorming today, I thought to myself, "I wonder if the cupholder mount would fit into one of the center Air Vent holes?" THE ANSWER IS YES.
Using the typical dash removal process found on
MINI2 I removed the dash. After you remove the
assembly with the speedo ring attatched, you simply
remove the silver vent ring by turning clockwise. After the vent ring is removed flip the whole assemble over to reveal the back side of the vent assembly. To remove the vent piece, apply inward pressure to the plastic tabs. The vent will come out of the center speedo assembly in one piece. You will now need to remove the air diverter from the vent assembly. The diverter is held into the assembly with one plastic tab on each side. A screw driver will be required to pry one side loose (sorry I forgot to snap pics of this). Once you get the air diverter out of the main piece, reinstall the main part (not the diverter) back into the center speedo assembly. This will allow you to reinstally the silver trim ring as well as providing a snug fit for the cup holder adapter.
Here are the pics of the finishe product.
