Step-by-step Instructions for Installing a Kuda Mount in the R56
 

I just finally figured this all out, so here are the steps I took to get the Kuda mount onto my R56 dash. It is not as simple a process as the included (lack-of) instructions make it look. I hope my trials and tribulations will help someone else do this with less frustration.

If the device mount needs to be screwed into the Kuda mount, I’d suggest drilling small starter holes, and putting on the base *before* putting the Kuda mount onto your dash since you won’t want to have to take it off after you go through the pain of putting it on.

1. Remove the drivers-side dash trim by putting the steering wheel all the way down and with your fingers in the gap between the steering wheel and trim tug towards you. You will have to maneuver the trim downwards to get it out from a button type of clip that is in a notch at the top of the trim piece. To get the piece out from behind the steering-wheel, I had to flip it upside down and then bring it up while tilting the top forward over the wheel.
2. Using a torx bit (T20 if I recall) remove the two screws by the left-hand vent.
3. On the passenger side open the secret compartment and use a flat-head screwdriver and gently pry the black plastic piece covering the left side (the spot I’m talking about is right above the compartment near the left hinge. You can then remove the two screws by the right-hand vent.
   http://unixdiva.com/photos/albums/MINI/RH_Cover.jpg
4. Next, you will need to remove two screws that secure the top of the speedometer trim. In the two corners of the vent in the center of the dash, there are covers that look like vent slats. You will have to snap them out. The screws are deep and at an angle, but come out with the same size torx bit as the ones for the vents.
   http://unixdiva.com/photos/albums/MI...VentCovers.jpg
5. After removing all six screws – two by each side vent and two above the speedometer – you will need to gently pull out the speedo/vent ring unit. Note that the right-hand side will require special care with due to it ‘hooking’ in, and being behind the compartment door and hinge. The top of the speedometer should pull out towards you and slightly upwards (the emergency flasher button is part of the ring and will move with it so there will be a wire connecting it.
6. After taking everything off you have the challenge of getting it all back together with the Kuda mount in its position. I don’t have any magic tips on this other than it is a PITA - at least it was for me. The real trick is trying to keep the mount's tab under the dash (above the left vent) while simultaneously getting the ring back into position. The hardest part is trying to get the plastic tabs at the top of the speedometer back into their slots. *Also ensure that the two small tabs at the bottom of the speedometer are in their slots.
7. Picture showing the Kuda mount's clips. One slides under the dash above the vent, the other points upwards under the top of the speedo ring:
   http://unixdiva.com/photos/albums/MINI/Clips.jpg
8. Once the speedometer/vent rings are back into position you can replace all six screws, caps, and trim pieces. The trim above the steering wheel is a troublesome piece because it requires trying to get the top-center slot under the button tab before being able to snap it into place.

When done it looks really nice, but it is not a quickie thing to do given the lack of adequate instructions.

From the front:

http://unixdiva.com/photos/albums/MINI/Dash_5.jpg

From the side:
http://unixdiva.com/photos/albums/MINI/Side.jpg

Hope this helps somebody.

Any chance you can post a photo that shows it better than the Kuda web site? I thought their photos were not as descriptive as they could be.

I'm curious about modding the Kuda unit to allow putting it in and out only when I want to use my GPS. Is it solid underneath, or hollow?

Thanks for the instructions. I'm expecting my Kuda any day now. I saw one installed and thought is looked great but didn't realize it was going to be such a bear to install. I just knew that the suction cup on the windshield wasn't working and I wanted something that looked good even if it was a little pricy. I might post again begging for help when I have my dash in pieces.

The mount itself is actually hollow inside. It seems to be made of some sort of thick black plastic underneath and covered in leather. It has two attachment points, one that wraps underneath the dash near the left-hand vent, and the other hooks underneath the speeometer trim ring. I don't have my camera on me, but I can take a picture of the finished product when I get home.

The mount feels very sturdy once it is in place. The face of the mount is where you would screw in any device (swivel) mounts or attachments. (care should be taken with any screw in the bottom portion of the mount face as if it is too long it could go into the dash itself).

I can't see wanting to go through the procedure of putting the actual Kuda mount on and off, but I don't see why you couldn't get creative with the attachment that screws into the Kuda mount.

Added some pictures if they help. I didn't want to pull things apart, but I did circle where things I'm talking about are.

Lucky for me, you posted this the day I received the Kuda mount.

For my first installation ever, your instructions were on the money. Due to my clumsiness, I did get a small scrach on the vinyl of my left vent from the left sharp corner of the dash trim. Regarding step 6 (reinserting the ring unit with the mount), after a long time trying to carefully insert the top plastic tabs back, I found that all I had to do with give it a gentle thumping with the bottom of my fist to snap it in. I ended up running my Nuvi 660 power cable behind the dash trim and down under my steering column and in-between crevices along the driver side of the center console. Hides nicely.

Even my skeptical wife was impressed with the results. It blends in nicely. Perfect position for my gps.

Next step for me will be tapping the fuse box with an Add-A-Circuit fuse. Any suggestions?

Hey Lacning74, I'm thrilled that my instructions helped you out. :thumbsup:

No idea on the fuse thing though. I'm using mine for a simple non-powered mount for my Treo... I've got the factory NAV.

thanks alot... i am planning this soon and this was EXACTLY what i needed

Thanks Unixgal for the detailed instructions. I just ordered the same mount for my Nuvi 660 to go in the same location. But I also want to install a second Kuda mount for a RoadyXT sat radio & Kuda recommends putting it down by the radio controls (about the 5 o'clock position below the speedometer). So I also ordered this mount for that location.

Do you know (or anybody else for that matter) if the dash disassembly you described will give you access to this second location as well? If so, are there any tricks or secrets to installing a Kuda mount in this location?

Many thanks for taking the time to help us all out. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

:grin: <= me, knowing I've helped someone out. :nod:

As for the mount on the right side of the center stack, I have no first-hand knowledge to impart. Just don't have the person who did this install it for you. :eek2:

Look here and see if these help:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.d...45&hg=51&fg=30

Those are scary pictures - I think I could even do a better job than that. Thanks.

Arnbut - thanks for the website diagram info; it looks fairly intimidating. I think I will try to find a couple of high end car stereo shops that may have some MC install experience. If not I may have to try to tackle it myself with the assistance given on this thread. :sad:

Thanks again unixgal. I went to take pictures of my installation and hardwiring of my nuvi gps, and look who I saw perched on my door handle admiring the Kuda mount.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...43#post1702343

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...um/image14.jpg

I could hug you for these instructions. Thanks a lot, unixgal!

i just ordered the garmin nuvi 650...what are the advantages to the kuda mount over the mount that comes with the gps unit?

The mount with the GPS unit is a suction mount - you can mount it on the windshield or on the speedo. I tried the speedo and almost liked it but i like seeing the full speedo without anything on it.

The reason i like the Kuda mount is:

1. The mount is sturdy
2. The mount doesn't block my view of the windshield or speedo
3. It's right behind the steering wheel and inches away from my right hand.

Here are my pics:

http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/8513/80354492rl4.jpg
http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/8472/61595928kd1.jpg
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/6753/65053514gm5.jpg
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/7673/16574770ny9.jpg

ok, i see, so the suction mount that comes with the Garmin can't be mounted on the dash? It sounds like i too will be ordering a Kuda mount, one for the mini and one for the M3 (i'll be switching the gps between the two cars)

The Garmin comes with an adhesive dashboard disk mount that others have used in a similar location to the left of the speedo. I'm hesistant to stick any adhesives to the dash, though. Might be a pain to remove and clean without damage. I also like the clean "belongs there" look of the Kuda mount.

ok thanks, i def don't want to do any damage to my dash either...i like the idea of a more fitted look too, Kuda here i come!

many thanks
 

unixgal, your instructions made everything a piece of cake. Thanks!

any pics of your install? I'm still waiting for some wires to be delivered before i do mine, but i'd love to see how yours came out....did you do any hardwiring too?

no hardwiring for me. unfortunately i didnt take any photos but maybe some things to watch out for:

-The drivers side dash panel comes out exactly as unixgal said. grab the center of it and work it a little, you'll sense where the give is and which way it comes out. for me it worked free first on the left side.

-The torx screw on the top right side is at an odd angle, as the secret compartment arm is in its way.

-Use a magnetic torx bit if you have one...it makes all the difference. a telescoping screw magnet is useful for the top two screws.

-The entire top vent doesnt need to come off to access the screws. Using a flathead to pry out, you'll find that it's just the bottom two vent panes - exactly the ones unixgal circled in red.

ok, thanks for the extra tips!:nod: I'm so anxious to get mine installed, these wires just can't come fast enough!!!!

Awesome that people are finding this to be a useful thread. :nod:

Thanks for the thanks. :)