This is my "Quick and Dirty" Garmin Nuvi GPS install for the 2007+ Cooper R56. I went with the Nuvi 760 but all the Nuvi's should work with these mounts and install techniques.


The Kuda Mount

I ordered a Kuda black leather mounting base (part # 292445 -black $56.10) and Nuvi adapter (part # HA-CNM21 $29.50) for the 2007+ Cooper. The Kuda base mounts to the left of the speedometer on top of the dash.



Here's the mounting base at the bottom of this page:
http://www.kudausa.com/kuda_mount_an...7-34-529.html#

Here's the Nuvi adapter (6th adapter down):
http://www.kudausa.com/basket_addon.php

I drilled two small holes and used the two small, self tapping screws included in the kit to mount the Nuvi ball to the Kuda mount.

I used the super easy, "just shove it in," method of installation for the Kuda mount. No disassembly of the dash is needed, you simply shove the Kuda mount's "mounting ears" into place between the dash and tachometer. The mount has stayed rock solid since installation.

Routing the Power Cord

I didn't want to do any major surgery for the install so I simply removed the 3 Torx #15 security screws that hold the driver side knee panel around the steering wheel. I pulled the panel down enough to slip the cigerette lighter end of the Nuvi's power cord between the steering wheel hole and the panel. I then slid the cord up between the panels as shown in the picture. I used a plastic pry bar to push the panels apart enough so the cord would fit between them. I used another plastic tool to push the cord down between the panels. If you don't have plastic tools then wrap two flat blade screwdrivers in electrical tape so you won't scratch and mar the Mini's plastic panels.



Plug in the power cord, tie up the excess cord and place it behind the knee panel and put the panel back into place using the 3 torx Screws.



I ordered a suction cup mount and power cord from ebay for $30 so I could easily move the Nuvi to another car. It includes all 3 pieces required to mount the Nuvi in another car, the suction cup, Nuvi mount clip, and power cord.

Be sure and download and install the custom Mini cars for your Nuvi. I even found a yellow Mini with a white roof!

Like I said, I know it's not elegant but it's not bad for "Quick and Dirty."

Rob Robinette

 

Do you mean it mounts to the left of the speedometer, not the tachometer? I'm looking into purchasing the 700 series Nuvi but would like to mount it via the left side of the tachometer(ala OEM) but haven't seen a mount that fits yet.

 

Rock me Amadeus. Nice.

 

You're right, I meant speedometer.

 

Check out the Craven Speed mount. It places the GPS to the left of the tach, but is not mounted in the same way as the OEM Nuvi mount. It mounts to the back of the tach.