So there was no way I was going to purchase the factory Bluetooth (Wife had an aneurism when she saw the price without it), But I really hate wires and hokey things plugged into the lighter. Still I'd like a USB cord in my center console so I can charge my cell phone. I'm thinking about adding a lighter somewhere behind the dash with one of the lighter to USB adapters plugged in, then routing the USB cord into the armrest from there. Has anyone seen a better way to do this? Has anyone taken the armrest apart and wired it for anything? Any comments would be helpful.

 

Not sure if this would help...but I tied in my sirius radio to the cigarette outlet in the back trunk. I ran the wire from the outlet, under the back seat, under the carpet to the arm rest (poked a hole in the carpet). then just pushed it up under the armrest until I got to the cup holders. The only place the cable is visible is between the armrest section and the coin holder tray under the e-brake (about 1/2 an inch). I was able to live with that...

I did need to add about 6 foot to the power cable to reach that far too...just a little solder and electrical tape did the trick.

Hope the idea helps some...I would think you could take the wire up the hollow arm rest support and run it into the holder part...still would see some wire showing, but wouldn't be too bad.

 

That sounds like the way to go. Just buy an 8 foot USB cable and run it under the seat. Is the rear outlet switched? Some of the chargers use power all the time unless unplugged from the outlet. I'd hate to come out to a dead battery.

 

The rear outlet is switched...as I don't need to turn my sirius off when I get out of the car.

Personally, I think they should make cars so the one in the cabin is on all the time, and the one in the trunk is switched. I hate not being able to charge my phone while the car is off.

 

In a related question---can the angle of the arm rest be adjusted? Thx.

 

The arm rest can be moved from horizontal to (almost) vertical, but it can only be rested on in the horozontal position.

 

mossmini.com carries the factory armrest on their website under interior accessories. On the description page is an icon for "instructions". Those may be helpful if you wish to mod the armrest.

 

Switched cigarette lighters can really be a problem. My biggest issue is when I first plug in my portable GPS and am waiting to get a signal. You need to keep the ignition switched on to get power to the unit. I guess this is a safety issue????

 

Didn't see one for the '07. Are you sure they carry it?

 

Posted in wrong thread. Oops

 

Arm rest is adjustable. I usually keep it up when entering or exiting MINI. It is not very sturdy plastic and leaning body weight is not recommended.