Hello everyone,
I tried this question earlier but I thought I might rephrase it and get a response. I am considering installing a in-dash navigation unit with flip out monitor in my '02 MCS. The unit I am considering needs a relatively level location to mount the brain. I am also going to install a satellite radio tuner. Can anyone suggest locations to mount these items? Is there a spot under the rear seats? How about the driver and passenger seats? I would prefer not to remove the driver and passenger seats though.

Last time i tried to install a unit like this, it was in an '04 VW R32 and it was a total nightmare trying to find hiding spots.

Thanks for the help.

Bryan

 

There's room under both the front seats. That's where MINI installs their amp and navigation unit when those options are installed. If you don't have them, then the void is filled with foam and carpeted over. I installed a small amp under my seat which was thin enough to not have to remove the carpet, but anything over 1 1/2" your probably going to have to remove it. I'm in a cabrio, but I believe the coupes are the same under the rear seat and there's no way your going to get anything under there.

 

Great! Thank you for the response. It sounds like I am going to have to remove my seats.

Bryan

 

It's simple, 4 bolts and a three electrical connectors. The bolts are T-55 torx if I'm rembering correctly. Make sure you don't turn the ignition on with those electrical connectors unplugged, or you'll turn on the airbag warning light and the dealer will have to turn it off. I always disconnect the battery whenever I remove my seat just to be safe.

 

Here's a suggestion. Zero problems to date on this setup.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...eat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...eat=directlink

 

is that just a false floor made of carpet, or is there some structural rigidity there? i'd like to be able to still use my small *** trunk cause we do still use it

 

Its 1/4 inch hardboard (Home Depot) with support on each end and in the middle. Every time I get groceries I use the Mini and have never had any issues with the false deck. Had my 45 pound dog on it once and it worked fine.

 

I used the little pockets in the boot. There was enough room for a slim amplifer by Sony (50w x 4). This powered my 6 1/2" long throw subs (Elemental Design) in the back in the 6 1/2" components (Elemental Design) in the front. The benefits is that it looks completely stock and sound much better than stock.

If I can find the pics when I was installing it, I will post it. If not, I will take some new pics and post them later.