I finally broke down and ordered the Nav interface from Mike at NewMINIStuff to connect the Garmin Nuvi 350 to the factory stereo. This is really a cost effective option to the factory nav system. I think my total cost was about $600 and a couple hours of time. The Nuvi 350 works great and the nav interface really completes the package. As an added bonus, you can buy another mount and use it in another car or take it with you when you travel. Try that with the factory nav. One other nice thing is that it still uses the factory speakers even when the stereo is turned off.

I had already hardwired the power for the Nuvi with an add-a-circuit and a modified 12V DC adapter so I just needed to install the nav interface but I'll cover my whole process. If you don't already have an add-a-circuit, you can skip it and get the power take off adapter from Mike or make one with a similar adapter as the nav interface has a 12 V wire you can connect to. These are not official instructions and just how I did it in a '06 MCS, use at your own risk.

The Nuvi runs off of about 4V DC so you can not just cut off the plug and wire it in because the transformer is in the plug. I found a 12V adapter at the auto parts store that had alligator clips on it for about $6 so I just cut the clips off and connected it to the add-a-circuit on fuse F13 (I think but most switched fuses will work). I zip tied the two pieces together so that it wouldn't come loose and tucked everything against a wiring bundle.



With that part out of the way, I'll get on to the Nav interface. The previous version only muted the right front speaker when the Nav talked which is great for those that drive on the other side but for us the drive on the right side of the road, it is not ideal. One of the other complaints that I have read was that the nav was too quiet because it was not amplified. The current version of the interface addresses both of these issues. It now mutes both of the front speakers and has an adjustable volume . Upon opening the box that made the long journey from England, I was a little confused because of all the wires and connectors. Upon closer inspection, it is really quite simple and plug and play between the stereo and factory harness. I specified a 3.5mm jack to connect to the Nuvi headphone output when I placed my order.



Step one was to remove the glove box, parcel shelf (or knee bolster) and get to the radio. To remove the radio, I just removed the screws from the down tubes, lifted up the dash and pull the tubes away. Remove the 4 screws on the radio, slide it out and remove the factory connector.



Plug the Nav interface into the back of the radio.



Connect the factory harnes into the other end of the Nav interface. I noticed the white connector inside the factory harness that is not in the NAV interface. I'm not sure what it is for but I removed it from the factory connector and inserted it into the back of the radio. I had to unwrap the factory harness a little to get it to reach. Then secure the harness to the back of the radio.





Attach a piece of adhesive backed velcro to the back of the control module and place inside the center console on the right side (my left side was full with the DICE adapter).




At this point, you should have something that looks like this:



Now we get to run the wire to the Nav. There is a wiring harness along the top back inside of the center console. Follow this to the drives side. The below picture is taken from where the glove box is and you can just see the cable out of the control module.



Once you get to the drivers side, follow the wiring harness that goes up and over the steering column.



Now, remove the end of the dash so you can get both the nav interface and power wires up above the dash. Tuck the wires next to the "A" pillar and replace the cover.




Now is the time to check everything to make sure it works and adjust the volume before you button it up. Turn the stereo on to the volume that you normally listen at and then adjust the nav and interface volumes to suit. After you have everything dialed in, it is time for the most difficult. You have to cram all of the wiring back into the dash.



Take your time and be careful not to damage any wires. Replace the radio screws, down tubes, glove box and parcel shelf. Now, enjoy your new Nav interface and use the money you saved by not getting the factory nav on a driving school.

 

Nice Write-up! Not to highjack this thread away from your most excellent pics and directions but do you use the Nuvi as a bluetooth phone as well? If you do, would you please comment on the volume both incoing and outgoing at freeway speeds? I have Mikey's Parrot bluetooth solution which I like but I find that callers cannot hear me very well due to the background noise. I understand the Nuvi's noise cancellation is much better than the Parrot's.

Thanks again for taking the time to write this up and to share it...

 

Thanks. I have never been real impressed with the bluetooth handsfree devices for the same reasons you mention so we didn't spend the extra for the Nuvi 360. The Nuvi 350 is the same as the 360 minus the bluetooth. I just keep a headset in the car and call it good.

 

Blue,

If I might chime in here, I have the 360 and run it through my sound system. Occasionally, some have said that I sound like I'm in a box or echoie, but for the most part, it's pretty good. Not to mention makes driving a little easier with a stick shift.

I certainly can hear the people on the other line and I love the 360, but might like the bigger screen of the 660 a little better.

My very humble .02