I found this company that makes a mounting clip that snaps onto the dash right to the left of the glove box button. You attach a mounting adapter to the clip and then your device.

http://www.proclipusa.com

Has anybody tried these? What do you think. Its a little bit low and to the right for a GPS I think, but I don't like the idea of a windshield mount.

 

I saw this earlier and elected to stay away from it because of the adhesive tape. They claim it doesn't leave any marks or residue, but I'm always reluctant to use anything adhesive on a nice attractive surface.

 

I had the same concern, but I thought if it snaps on and feels solid then I would try it without the tape. My bigger concern is the position. It just seems too low and too far right. I have not seen any other custom mounts like this though. I wish they made something that would sit to the left of the speedo, just at the top level of the dash. For me that would not block any road view and I could see it over the steering wheel.

 

I'm with you on the position. The left of the speedo would be better. I was sitting in the car today and I think the left of the steering wheel would be the best.

 

Try Kuda Mounts (www.kudausa.com).

They have two mounts for the R56 - one that mounts to the lower-right of the speedometer, and one that mounts above and to the left of the speedo. I have one of their mounts in my car, and I like it very much. The mount for your R56 will be a little different, but I'm sure it will be the same high quality and secure fit as the one on my car.

 

Scott - thank you, that is just what I was thinking:



http://www.kudausa.com

Are there any other vendors out there?

 

That looks really nice. Did you do the install?? Was it difficult?

 

Well, mine was the dash mount for the R53, but the way it attaches to the dash is pretty ingenious. There's no tape, and no screws or bolts. The mount has two tabs on it - one that sides under the edge of the dash, and one that slides under the defroster vent in the middle of the dash. Once you have both tabs engaged, it kind of "snaps" into place, so it's very secure. I think the Kuda site has installation instructions on-line, so you can see if the R56 mount attaches the same way.

 

I looked at the directions for Kuda's R56 dash top mount, and they have you disassembling the fascia, and the trim around the vent. There was very little text, and it seemed poorly translated, but they claim on the site that the install does no damage.

 

that's what i saw as well. pulling the fascia off (i have the brushed alloy) kinda freaks me out!! but it looks like a great mount ... i need something for my iPhone.

 

Looks like the one on the left upper side of the speedo (which I'm interested in) only requires taking off the vent and speedo trim rings.


Oops. *Correction. Now I see that to get the speedo ring off you do have to mess with the trim. ugh.

 

Like the directions say, use something plastic to gently pop off the trim, and I think it's just one or two screws that hold the vent/speedo trim ring in place. I'm sure you won't have any problems.

 

I was a little confused by the directions because some of the images looked like they were installing to the right of the speedo.

 

I agree that the directions look a little bit confusing, but if I had an R56 to look at, they might make more sense.

It appears that the trim rings for the speedo and vents are one single piece (one large circle flanked by two smaller circles), and that it's held on by one screw under each vent ring. So, you have to remove the piece of trim to the right of the speedo to get to that screw, even though the mount is going on the left side of the speedometer.

Again, just going from what I can make out of the directions, it looks like the steps are:

1) Carefully pry out the dash trim pieces to the left and right of the speedometer, using a flat-edged plastic tool.
2) Remove the screws (one on either side of the speedo) to remove the trim ring assembly for the speedometer and vents.
3) Position Kuda mount over the front edge of the dash lip, and "snuggle it up" next to the left side of the speedometer.
4) Reinstall the trim ring with the two screws - this will hold the Kuda mount in place.
5)Pop the two pieces of dashboard trim back into place.

 

Ok - I got the unit today and the included suction cup mount. I can't find a place to put the darn thing. If I put it at the center of the windshield the unit and mount blocks the view, and its too damn far away even when fully extended. I tried to put it on the other side, but the windshield is too curved at the pillar and it won't stick.

I can put it right on the speedo! But it blocks the gas guage and idiot lights..

Where do people put these things anyway? I can't be the first person with an R56 that tried to mount a GPS?

 

I purchased the proclip mount for mine to use for my XM and I love it, perfect position and solid.
I figure if I need to remove it in a few years I'll just grab the goo-gone and wipe it away.

Just my .02

 

Don't know if anyone else has tried this yet, but I finally figured out how to get the Kuda Mount installed on my R56. It does require quite a bit of work but does look very nice and as long as you are careful doesn't do any damage. I wrote up the steps as I remember them.

 

I just checked all the different options for mounts and I'll go with the ProClip solution for it offers a wider variety on mounting bases. And the installation is far less invasive. For the sticky part I'll go with notmestl statement. I checked prices on both Kuda and Proclip and Proclip being the cheaper one.

Mr MrMan

 

Aside from blocking the idiot lights and fuel gage, did u have any problems mounting it to the speedo?

 

No - you can stick it right on there, but blocks the radio, guage etc. I've been putting it on the windshield - so it blocks the rest of the space below the mirror. Didn't need to see where I was going...

 

I've been using Pro Clip mounts for years. I have one for my new 2008 Mini. This is my third one. I had two in my 2003 Mini. I never use the tape. I leave it covered. The clamp stays put without it. I love where the GPS sits. It tilts and pans and is perfect for my eyes and since I am right handed, duh, it's perfect being on the right. My Garmin gets a great signal and the position keeps it out of sight of other drivers. My passenger can also use it. I think Pro Clip products are great. And no............I do NOT work for them.

 

For GPS, a friend uses a holder that has a beanbag-like base that sits on the dash and seems to stay in place.

Here is what I made for an iPhone or iPod. The dock is attached to the plex. There is a tube on the bottom of the plex that goes into the cup holder so it is held firmly and can be removed.

 

I actually use nearly everything mentioned in this post.

I have both Kuda mounts, and the one that mounts next to the radio is great for the iPhone/iPod. It has some issues with build quality tho. I got one that fits great on my '08 MCS, but my friend bought one after seeing mine, and his doesn't fit as well. Also, all of the pictures on Kuda's site show it with the standard climate control, and we both have the auto a/c. The "leather" covering hits the temperature dial. But it is an awesome mount otherwise.

As for the mount that goes next to the speedo, I followed the install instructions mentioned here and I was able to install it, however...after getting it installed it is a little wobbly, but that could be nitpicking. It is very secure and holds my GPS unit just fine.

As for the Proclip stuff, I use the move clip system and the tilt swivel and I love it.