I'm getting the Garmin MINI portable navigation system installed in my 2005 MINI on Monday and am wondering what I need to know and moreover the recommended place to have it mounted. I want the passenger to be able to access it as well, but I have the cup holder and do not want it removed for a mount, any suggestions?

 

The one from MINI comes with the mount and wiring harness. It can only be mounted next to the tach.

If you bought the unit elsewhere you can have it mounted in several locations. Kuda mounts lets you install it to the top of the dash as well as the downtubes. Proclip also has downtube mounts and may have one that avoids the cup holder. Be aware that the MINI kit will most likely be mounted next to the tach.

I would advise not to buy the one from MINI and buy the same unit elsewhere and get a mount that works for you. You could even get a harness that hooks into the radio and everything would cost less than the unit from the dealer. It is way over priced for that unit.

The custom splash screens and MINI srf files (the car icon instead of directional arrow) can be downloaded here:

http://homepage.mac.com/WebObjects/F...cty=US&lang=en

 

My Wife and I bought the beanbag mount so we can switch our Nuvi 360 between cars. It works great and pretty much stays where you put it. When you park you can put it away so no one tries to break in because they assume by the mount there's a GPS to steal.
http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Portabl...tp_st_edpp_ttl

 

Are there any pictures of the MINI Garmin unit? Or can someone post a link to a site that carries it? Thanks a lot.

 

Here you go.... http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=3751

The link shows it on an '07 and up but it mounts just about the same on a '06

 

We haven't even ordered the MINI yet, but I do like the beanbag mount too (we have the 2610). I think it'll move around less if it's to the left by the window. A car at work got broken in to because the mount was visible and they rummaged around and stole the Nuvi.

 

Do you have to install an external antenna with this system?

 

The beanbag, no. I don't know about the other but I would think the lower it's mounted the more likely you'll need another antenna. The higher the mount the more in line of driver's sight too. The problem with the beanbag is that it can slide with hard cornering. Wedging it by the driver's side window should help with that, I'd think.