I am thinking about installing the aux input in my mini and i have read the threads about installing in under the toggle switch panel but i have the optional guages, the battery meter and oil temperature, installed which are blocking access to the panel under the toggle switches any ideas for a way around this problem or where to install it that is more convenient then the glove box?

 

I saw a photo of someone, (I believe a member of NAM), who installed the Aux Input in the center of the Aux Gauges. It appeared to fit perfectly in between the gauges, they must have drilled a hole through the bracket.

 

Personally, I prefer that it resides behind the dash with the cable that leads out of my iPod just poking out enough to connect. Everything else is hidden.

Here is what I've done:

I'm not ready to get either the BMW/MINI iPod connector or the IceLink system, mostly because of cost issues. I also don't like the look of too many cables in my MINI (power from the cigarette lighter and sound to the AUX input jack) so I came up with a cheap simple solution.

Basically, the final product is a small wire lead to an iPod port that powers and connects my iPod to my MINI.

I first started with power. Here is a pic of a connector that creates a 12V lead from the fuse box. You can get these at most auto supply stores for around $7. I chose a fuse that was only live when the key is in turned on.


Next, I wired up a power socket that I picked up from Radio Shack for $7. The red wire went into the fuse box lead and the black was grounded. Within the socket I've plugged in the Belkin Auto Kit which normally retails for $40 but I got one off of ebay for $12 (total with shipping). The cool thing about the BAK is that it supplies power and a connection to the AUX input with only one connection to the iPod.


Here is a pic of my new center console tray without the AUX input port (the red button is for the built-in garage door opener).


Here is the dock connector end of the Belkin Auto Kit. The wire is nicely tucked under the gear shift console. The final look is a single connection for power and music.


Finally, here is a pic of my iPod connected. This isn't my final mounting option. I'm still looking into that, so stay tuned. BTW, the total cost so far is $26 or $37 if you include the center console tray.


This is, of course, my solution for my iPod. Obviously, you'd have to adjust this solution for other MP3 players.

 

I have mine in my parcel shelf. I love it there.

 

Fidge if you could find where you saw that, that would be great thanks

 

DickDavid nicely done - I appreciate the pics.

Tatt

 

I found it on MINI2. Just go to the gallery and do a search for Auxillary gauges and approx third photo down u will see it I'm thinking of doing the same thing

 

My setup... AUX port in the toggle panel.