Hi Guys,

I'm hardwiring my V1 right now and can't find a bolt to connect the ground wire to in the fuse box, where my V1 power adapter is. Any ideas? The search function sucks...

 

Easiest is the bolt inside the glove box, on the right side. That's where I did mine. There is a chassis ground connection under the sill cover on the right side as well. But the bolt is much easier to access.

 

I did the same thing ... hard wired my V1. Turns out there's a 10mm nut that holds the fuse box to the body. When looking at the fuse box, it's bottom-right. Unfortunately, you need to remove the kick panel trim to access it. It was a PITA for me, but others may have had an easier time.

BTW, you'll love the hardwired V1. It's so nice not having to deal with the power plug anymore

Cheers,
Jeff

 

When I wired mine I thought it would be easier to remove that kick panel. Started to pull it out and then decided to stop. I spent a ton of time getting those darn clips in the right places for it fit back in place right. Which fuse did you use? I assume you are using an add-a-circuit.

 

I used fuse 32 - for heated seats and mirrors. I opted out of that upgrade so I know the circuit is only used for the V1. I originally used the fuse for the cigarette lighter, but I couldn't keep the fuse block cover from popping open when I used the larger add-a-fuse. Once I switched to the smaller fuse (fuse 32) everything fits and works A-OK.

Cheers,
Jeff

 

I cut the little stand-off type edge on the inside of the cover to fit the larger add-a-fuse on the lighter circuit. The cover still is pushed out slightly but hasn't fallen off. I may switch to another like 32. Thanks for the info.

 

hmm, yea I was afraid of that. I pulled the trim back a bit but still couldn't see it. How many clips are there to unhook? I unhooked the top left one, and saw one on the bottom right. Is that all there is? I'm afraid to break the damn thing... Just pull straight out?

I know! I had it hardwired in my Audi, wouldn't do it any other way. Thanks for the help.

 

no one can tell me how to get into that kickpanel? please!!

 

I got it...just yank it off! Found the ground bolt, wired everything-all set!

 

I'm figuring out wiring for some PIAA driving lights and was wondering why you would use #32 when #35 + #36 are not used by anything. I'm new to this so pardon my newbiness. Could I not use an Add-a-Circuit to one of these or does "not used" mean they're dead?

 

"not used" is dependent on the options your car has #32 was not used on my car, because I don't have heated seats, so it worked out well for me...

Edit: some of my fuse slots were empty (no metal contacts)--not sure if this is because I didn't have the options or if that is just how the fuse box is laid out.

 

Hmm. I have heated seats so I probably wouldn't want to use that one.
I see #30 is parking distance control which I don't have. Maybe that would work.

 

I used fuse F30 for my hardwiring without problems. I also don't have PDC. BTW, what PIAA driving lights are you looking at? I was also thinking of adding non-oem aftermarket lights myself, especially since accessing the firewall is pretty easy in this car.

 

Thanks. I'll go with 30. Also, I found this diagram in another thread and took a look at the numbering to figure out slots. It's interesting how 28 starts the bottom row and 37 finishes. Only thing is there are only enough openings for up to 36! How does that work if you want to use say 35? Which slot is it?


I got the PIAA 540's. PIAA had a special package that came out for the 02-06 MINIs with these lights and brackets. The brackets of course don't work with the R56. If you're interested I can show you how I adapted the standard MINI brackets to use with these. I little work with the Dremel tool and they work great. Now I just have to wire them.

Here's a quick shot. Note that I decided to change out the chrome grill and went with the JCW. I like the black lights with the black grill look.

 

Nice install. Looking forward to final pics, especially switch location. I'm going to stick with the chrome for now. Figure I could drill brackets somehow into the solid backing behind the upper grill slats. Any suggestions?

 

Yeah I'm still debating the switch location.

Your grill cutting will probably depend on the bracket as to how much you'll have to take out. But I'd say a Dremel too with a cutting disk will work fine.

FYI as part of buying the OEM lights you get a choice of grills with the install kit. If you went with the MINI brackets (even with other lights) you could get a chrome grill and not worry about cutting. Of course just make sure the MINI brackets would work with whatever lights you choose.