I want to take a standard car charger for the iPod and wire it into the cars electrical. But, I want the charger cable to come up out of the cupholder (in the front). Would this be possible to run the wires to the cars electrical from that location without having them run across the floor?

 

I assume you mean by doing an add a fuse, if so tuck them up above the knee bolster, behind the console under the carpet and you'll be all set if I'm reading it right. (Disassembly instruction on MINI2)

 

Sounds like a good plan up to the cupholder. If its possible i want the plug side to be hidden inside of the cupholder, so it would probably have to run under something under the center stack, then up thru the bottom of the cup holder

 

I did this on my first MINI because I didn't like the look of too many cables in my MINI (power from the cigarette lighter and sound to the AUX input jack) so I came up with a cheap simple solution.

Basically, the final product is a small wire lead to an iPod port that powers and connects my iPod to my MINI.

I first started with power. Here is a pic of a connector that creates a 12V lead from the fuse box. You can get these at most auto supply stores for around $7. I chose a fuse that was only live when the key is in turned on.


Next, I wired up a power socket that I picked up from Radio Shack for $7. The red wire went into the fuse box lead and the black was grounded. Within the socket I've plugged in the Belkin Auto Kit which normally retails for $40 but I got one off of ebay for $12 (total with shipping). The cool thing about the BAK is that it supplies power and a connection to the AUX input with only one connection to the iPod.


Here is a pic of my new center console tray without the AUX input port (the red button is for the built-in garage door opener).


Here is the dock connector end of the Belkin Auto Kit. The wire is nicely tucked under the gear shift console. The final look is a single connection for power and music.


Finally, here is a pic of my iPod connected. This isn't my final mounting option. I'm still looking into that, so stay tuned. BTW, the total cost so far is $26 or $37 if you include the center console tray.


Of course in my new MINI, I just opted for the OEM iPod Connector.

 

I have pictures in my gallery of a similar install for the ipod using the parcel shelf. Please let me know if I can answer any questions.

 

How did you get under the plastic thingy, thats about where i want to go with my cord

 

ok...so, i bought the stuff i think i need (add-a-circuit and another cigarette lighter) but i dont know if i got the right kind of cigarette lighter.
Assembled.
As taken apart as i can get it.

Sorry for the blurry pics

 

There are screws under the cupholders, and under the mirror switch. To get to the latter, pull up on the shifter ring, then reach under and pop up the mirror switch (there are metal clips holding it in.)

That cig lighter will work, though I'd probably wrap it in electrical tape after it's all wired up.

 

where should i put the wires to get the power to the cig adapter?

 

I ran them along the lower support - where the parcel shelf or knee bolster connect. I avoid running wires on the floor.

 

let me rephrase that one, how do i get the wires to supply power to the cigarette lighter. im going to run the wires above my knee bolster once i have power

 

You'll need a bit of wire (16ga or 18ga) and a couple
of female blade connectors to connect the
add-a-circuit to the lighter. Ideally use red for
power and black or brown for ground. The
add-a-circuit has a butt connector - just strip the
wire and crimp the butt connector, making sure the
wire is secure. On the other end you need to crimp on
a female blade connector, which goes on the center
blade of the cig lighter. The ground goes on the
blade on the outer piece. I had a tough time finding
a ground under the dash - basically look for any screw
that goes into metal.

 

You could just use the standard factory iPod adapter (or an aftermarket one like the Dicelink). They charge your iPod as well as play/control the iPod from the headunit. All you have to do is run the wire from the back of the headunit to where ever you want.

 

Ok, this is what I got, but its not getting power in my MINI?

That is an image (cut up to reduce size) of my wiring. When I put it in my car I put the fuse into the same place you have yours (according to the picture you posted.) And then ran the ground up to a bolt above my pedals. But unfortunately no power. Not with no key, key in position 0, key in position 1, or car running. Any idea?

 

I have since removed my center console for other things, but in this case, I just shoved it up the side between the carpet and plastic. It wasn't too hard.

First, I only recommend doing any wiring if you have experience with these things. If not, get somebody who has.

I'd check a couple of things first. Do you have a voltmeter? First see if the fuse is blown (don't forget to change any blown fuses). If so, I'd option another point out of the MINI's fuse box. I can't remember which one I used but DO NOT USE a primary fuse that is important to the function of the car (lights, fans etc).

Next I'd test the positive lead into your 'extra cigarette lighter' using a different ground point. If that's hot, I'd check your ground. If it's not hot, I'd recheck your wiring.

Finally, I would cover ALL exposed connection points with electrical tape. You don't want to be shorting out your MINI.

 

could u guys take a picture of what you used as your ground?

 

Thanks to all that helped, I GOT POWER!!!!!