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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.
That's a pretty cool (no pun intended) mod. I dont think you will reduce airflow by much, since the air will just go through the other dash vents as well as the top vent. That particular vent in my car would usually get closed anyway because it would blow cold air on my hand no matter how I'd aim it. I have a gauge pod in front of mine now, and it helps divert the air. lol
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JCW Intake|15% Alta|Milltek Catback|17x7.5 SSR Comps|215/45-17 GS-D3s|Much More
MMC #28|Motoring ID RAGE666
I have the same holder and charger. I placed it in the toggle control area.
As you know, you have to use two hands to plug and unplug the charger from the ipod. So I used a piece of acrylic to built a small charger plug holder and glued it with the Belkin holder. With the new setting, I can easily remove the ipod.
However the toggle switch still is too low. So I moved to new place.
Last edited by ultramini; 10-14-2004 at 09:07 PM.
Reason: typo
Thank you! It took me few hours to build the little plug holder. Basically, I maesured the bottom part of Belkin iPod holder. Then I used the Dremel to cut the hole. The hardest part is to use the file to make hole EXACTLY the same size as the charger plug.
Here are more photos.
I used the acrylic cement to glue it with the Belkin holder
My boss liked it too, so I sold my Belkin holder to him. I hope that my photos will help you build one.
That vent mount is incredibly inventive. Kudo's on working it through. I agree with great bear that it won't really effect airflow that much since the other vents are unobstructed. The holder might just get a bit chilly/warm (not hot) but that should not be an issue.
Is the mount sturdy? Do road bumps cause the iPod to fall out? That would be my only concern.
Again, awesome idea.
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Current motoring Inventory:
2008 White Silver (Sidewalk pkg) Cabrio S
2009 PW/B Clubman S
Great work, biggripper. I agree with Hamster...a very creative idea. And I have the same problem as greatbear with that darn vent freezing my right hand, so I'd say blocking it is a plus.
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'03 MC CVT, H-sport springs and competition rear swaybar, Rspeed exhaust and intake, ICE-Link for iPod, Roadrunner horn
I like the acrylic plug solution. I'd like some details on how to do that.
Seriously though, that looks like a good spot for accessibly and viewing.
What an original thought!! That's really well done Big!
