I’ve been waiting a while now for one of these. If you’ve got a plus size phone, it’s likely not going to fit in the wireless charger that Mini provides in the armrest of some cars, depending on your option package. As of this writing, you can go here and buy one of these wireless chargers:

MINI F-Series Centre Console Wireless Charging Pad – SCP Automotive

It’s pretty expensive, but I think it’s the best option out there. @RichsMINI has a real nice write-up about these. I’ll let you all know how the install goes and how well it works once it finally gets here.

 

They sold out again in 2 days? Must be high demand.

 

The last 2 times they emailed me and told me it was in stock, by the time I saw the email, it was already sold out in less than an hour. I felt lucky to get it ordered when I did this time.

 

I personally have one and HIGHLY RECOMMEND it! SUPER OEM LOOK and really easy to install! Should have came standard with our vehicle. Jose

 

looks nice till you take a corner a little fast and it slides.

 

Hi Everyone,

Yeah, this product does sell out fast! I cannot believe how amazing it is and it should have been OEM

You do not have to worry about your phone sliding around during spirited driving.

Theres a really nice rubber mat that offers a lot of grip and the shelf has a slight upward angle to it

Rich

 

Not even close my friend, this product clearly was well engineered and I drive like I stole it and never had that happen. Enjoy, Jose

 

I got the email about them being back in stock. However, it took at least 24 hours to showup on the website itself as "in-stock"... Once it did I ordered one. Although, I just checked and it's sold out again......

 

Not sure how many of them they sell but it appears to be a pretty popular aftermarket piece.

 

Yup. If only the stock armrest wireless charger fit plus sized phones..... Mine would only fit with the 3d printed slider bracket for the extra length, and I'd have to run case-less.

So this is a much better option.....

 

Hi guys,

If you can wait for the shipping, and have no qualms buying from China - Aliexpress has this in stock for much less: here.

I believe the only difference is that the one from SCP actually comes with a spare cigarette lighter socket - so you don't have to dismantle the one in your center console to use it - I haven't installed mine for this reason (still trying to find a spare socket because I don't have the know how to remove the current cigarette socket).

Anyway- hope this helps!

Holla if you do find the right socket w/ a link!

Ix.

 

When I was looking it was ~50 pounds less. Which when you do the currency conversion... is not a small amount. But I saw the slighly revised design and missing the cigarette plug and thought about it.

For your missing plug, it depends on the pinout pattern in the rear. I think the "ben rolfe" video has a shot of it. That's what you would need to look for. What about an F5x series in a wrecker?

 

Got my charger in the mail today. The pry tools I have are not budging the piece that needs to come out. I’ve got a new hopefully better set on order. I’ll update once I give out a go with the new tools.

 

Hi ironhead3fan,

I ended up using the flat end of a nylon probe because I couldn't find my pry tool set.

- A friend used his Chase Sapphire card on the left side of the panel to remove it... I couldn't believe it worked

Rich

 

@RichsMINI I ended up buying a new set of pry tools. They showed up today. They feel much more sturdy than the ones I have. I didn’t get home until too late to try again today. That piece is in my car real tight. Maybe I’ll give it another go tomorrow.

BTW, there’s no way a credit card it going to budge mine.

 

I checked on mine, and it looks like it's made through customs.... So it should get dropped off by the post sometime this week.

However with -15C temps, I do not think it will get installed for a bit. Plastics don't like that cold....

 

That’s a good idea. I’ll wait until we get a warmer day here then give it a go. Turns out we had snow today.

 

@ironhead3fan

The weather around here has been a little warmer the last two days..... above 0, so I spend some time today to get the scp wireless installed today. I found if you put the plastic pry bar on one side. then a small flat head screwdriver on the other.... you could flex both outwards to get the old one out.I found working in the lower third of the old one, gave you the best "flex" since at the top are 2 of the spring clips to work against. Once I got the bottom and the sides loose, I was able to reach from the bottom and pop the top out.

Now for the wiring... While I wouldn't say I have huge hands, but reaching around back there is a pain in the ***. Large quantify of swearing type install. I was able to get the cig plug off, but then it got buried in there somewhere. It took time to fish it out. Also I have 2 usb's, so they are fairly think cables, and they don't "flex" well. I have a friend and she has long fingers, and smaller hand size. I think she would have been beneficial to go "fishing" back there.

Once it all got plugged in, it worked perfectly. Just took some time to get it all to fit in the back.... and stay out of the way. The 2 usb's are harder to deal with, (cable length) and the flexibiltiy.....

HTH......

 

Yes, today is a warmer day here as well. I just parked the car in the sun. I think I’ll give it a go after supper.

 

So it appears I have an extra plug that isn’t anywhere in the video. Did anyone run into this? Having issues getting those wires off. Thoughts? Maybe the 2022’s are different?

 

Yes, the 2 usb's are a pain. On the on edge, there's pair of locking pins. Sorry, I really wish I took photos. But you basically push the clip (closest to the front side). Then you can separate them I found you needed to help them pull apart. The end that's connected to the panel, stays with the panel.

It looks like you are going to loose a usb. Once you remove the part for the lower usb. make sure it fits before you go much further..... Maybe SCP needs to redesign for 22+ ? Might want to take as many photos as you can and email scp.... they are +5 hours so they should hopefully get you some info by mornin'

 

@steelrat Thanks for the tip. I have emailed SCP support some pictures and I hope they take note to the extra USB port.

 

Finally got the battery charger installed. What a pain that was! Thanks to @steelrat for clueing me in on how to get the clips off of the back of the USB C connector. Now to find a case thinner than the Otterbox Defender that will allow my iPhone 12 Max Pro to sit on it properly to charge. It works without a case, but obviously, I can't do that. Any suggestions are appreciated. Going to do some research now.

 

I have a Spigen Liquid Air Armor Designed for iPhone 13 Pro Max Case (2021)...... it works for wireless charging.......


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Thanks for the heads up!