If it turns I can't afford to get a new Mini with NAVI (and it's very close), I'm going to put some money into my '05 to get it where I wanted. My wife's new MDX has NAVI and I've become addicted. Same with XM.

Here's what I'm thinking about adding:
1) XM
2) DICE since my BMW iPod think won't work with XM as far as I can tell
3) aftermarket NAVI - here's the meat of my question

What NAVI units would you all recommend to work well with the Mini? Haven't done the research yet and I know some of you out there have

 

I was at a meet and saw a guy with a pioneer nav unit, looked pretty good, heard they have a new one out, have some friends with the double din version of the same thing, at it works well

 

Actually Dice only provides the iPod interface. (it acts as your CD Changer) You still need an interface for the XM.

The Blitzsafe XM adapter with the CD-changer passthrough is what I'm using. Works great with the Mini HU.

I ended up getting the HD Dice as well because I wanted to be able to control the iPod with the bottons on my steering wheel, and the idea of HD radio was cool. Honestly, I never use the HD, but the steering control of the iPod is something I'd never give up.

So the Blitzsafe XM adapter plugs into the wiring harness, then the dice plugs into the Blitzsafe. (And your XM Direct plugs into the Blitz as well...) I've got it all trunk mounted and crammed into the right rear compartment. (Even with the HK amp it fits. Tightly, but it fits.)

-Scott

 

Since it really doesn't look like I'll be getting a new one - which I ok with me because I like my car. I'll be doing this so comments on it are definitely welcomed. Also, anybody use Newministuff bluetooth equipment? Does it work well with the blitz xm and the dice?

 

Just thought of another question. If you get the XM in the boot, do you have to put the dice (and the iPod) in the boot? Also, I have an iPhone - any difficulites there?

 

Here is a good Navi. I also have the eclipse Ipod Interface. Im looking for away to get bluetooth right now with my iPhone as well.

 

Hey Jtrem how did you get the Hvac and toggle switches moved down?

 

Ok then Moltenmini.

My appologies.


I still wonder how Jtrem moved his controls down?

 

The cross street is what the cross street is, lets keep this thread on topic folks.

 

I have been watching this thread for a couple weeks now waiting for the answer. I love the controls moved down with the Nav on top. Jtrem, how did you do it? Has anyone else done this?

 

Well controls can be moved down its just the clearence issue with the A/c blower behind the nav unit. I have started my project and I am stuck on how to make it fit..

 

It's been all these years and I still get PM's asking me how I did that. I did this back in 2006. I've seen my mini come up for sale several times now. Still has the same doubledin so shes going strong lol

To finally answer the question it wasn't easy.

First thing I did was remove the old headunit. Wired up the harness for the Eclipse.

Took the toggle bank and the a/c control unit out.

Took apart a generic bracket kit and fabbed up some tabs to mount the toggles lower.

Then I shaved and shaved the rear Vent so the double din would have clearance.

It came time to lower the control arms for the A/C vents (goes from lower to higher) I had a buddy of mine who worked in a machine shop. Make up longer metal arms to replace the plastic arms. I had him give the arms a slight curve so they were long enough and angled enough to clear the unit. After three attempts we got it.

Relocated and hooked up the A/C and toggles. Confirmed it was all working.

Put in a double din bracket off a Chevy Tahoe. Then mounted the double din in and hooked it up.

Used a piece of plastic I cut to hide the sides. As you can see above I wasnt happy with the over all fit. So I had a custom fiberglass surround made.

After that the last set was to cut the side pillers to work with the new drop of the toggles. Done.

About $200 in machine shop time and materials. To fit the unit properly to not lose all the controls.

Overall I believe I had roughly 20hours into it.

I had thought about making an off the shelf kit for others could do it. But decided way too much custom fab is required to get it to work.

It's been 10 years since the mini came out and I have yet to come across a mini with automatic climate control that had a double din that actually functioned a 100% with the A/C relocated.

Had a guy contact me a few years ago. He attempted it and failed.

So if you want to tackle it. Make sure you follow through.

It was well worth it though thats for sure.