*****I initially posted this, mistakenly, in the 1st Gen forum, I'll figure it out someday******

Good Morning, all. This is my first post, as I've only been a Mini owner for 1+ weeks. I've been reading and reading, and this forum is amazing (I was addicted to the Audi boards when I had my A6).

I've been going 'round and 'round looking for the answer to my wiring question and can't find it. Background: I installed my Sirius Stiletto 100 using the ProClip system and an add-a-circuit. All is well. I am awaiting my CDINT cable (should be here tomorrow) for direct connect to factory antenna. I am using the AUX IN input for connectivity.

My question is this: How do I remove the passenger well knee bolster along the center column to route the antenna and aux cables so that they're not hanging there in space? I saw one thread that mentioned it, but they were discussing both sides of the center console and it required removing a lot of trim, I hope it's easier than that.

Thanks, in advance, for any tips and or tricks. As I said before, this place is amazing. For a newbie (mechanically inclined-just not with cars!) the help I got by reading these boards has been invaluable. I had my new outlet wired and installed in about 20 minutes last night!

Thanks again,
dbati

'09 Mini Clubman S Silver/Black

 

A lot depends on where you want to run the wiring.

The sides of the center dash console come pff just by pulling on the bottom of them.

The rest of the plastic piece that has the heat/ac controls, window switches etc has screws up each side where the side covers come off. Then you need to remove the top of the cubby hole at the bottom by sticking a screw driver or plastic knife between it and the panel above it an press down it will pop out. there is a screw back there that holds the panel in place.

This will give you enough room to feed the cable thru. to take it off completely you will need to take the speedo and center vents rigs off. that is a whole other story.

The OEM antenna cable will be in the well under the passanger seat and is not easy to get to without taking the seat out. One thing to remember on the seat is taht you MUST diconnect the battery before removiing the seat and not connect it back up untilthe seat is back iinposition and the wiriing hrness connected again. If you do not do this then you will have to take the car back tothe dealer to have the air bag light reset and you willhave to pay for that ($100 or more porbably).

Here is a link to a video that shows how to get most of the dash apart.

 

Thanks Schatzy, I think all I'm looking for is the passenger side of the center dash console. I am trying to route my cables from the ProClip mounted just to the right of the center console, through the trim on the right side of the center console, and down to the accessory box under the seat. I pulled that apart last night to be sure I could.

The peice I want to remove is the flat peice between the downtube (corner trim on front of center column?) and the vents in footwell. That just pops out? I started, then thought better of it, not wanting to break my new car with only a couple hundred miles on it!

 

Ah ha! at the 2:17 mark of your video, I saw what I needed!!! It must just pop back in again, right?

Amazing things these internets!

Thanks, Schatzy

 

just be careful not to scratch the other parts while taking it out. there are some very sharp edged clips on the back of the panel you are removing.

 

Do you mind posting pictures of your setup? I have a Stiletto 2 and have the dock laying under the emergency brake. I have wire managed the cables and this has been the best setup I could come up with without buying a vehicle specific mount.
Thanks!

 

Who's system do you want pictures of?

 

Thanks for the response. To clarify my question, I am interested in seeing how the install looks for a Sirius Stiletto mounted with the ProClip on the right side of the console.

 

Check my gallery for a bad camera phone picture, I'll try to take some better ones and post them. I've also attached to this one.

It looks pretty good, and it is really convenient (better than having it flopping around)

 

Looks good. Thanks for posting the pic dbati!

I don't really have any problems with mine moving around, but it is very difficult to navigate the controls. So, it looks like your setup is the answer if the glove box doesn't interfere. No problems with that?

 

The ProClip is a really good solution. It's sturdy, easy to install and does not interfere with the glove box or secret compartment. Route the wires down through the center console and use the built in antenna and it looks great. No funny wires running all over the place.

I'm not too mechanically inclined, but I had the whole thing in in about 20 minutes (including the add-a-fuse, antenna connection, wire routing and ProClip install).

Highly recommended.

Now, about your tint...did you do yourself or go pro? I need to do something...have to drive with a hat on in bright sun.

 

I plan on using the rear antenna, but have not bought the cable. In our previous MINI, I installed the Sirius supplied antenna on the dash, so that is where I installed this one. (my wife's unit was a small Starmate) I have the cables routed and hidden pretty well for my current install. The problem though for my install, again, is not having the ability to use the remote and navigate the satellite channels along with the mp3 collection I have on it. Your setup really helps me know where to go. Much appreciated!

About my tint, I did have a professional who has tinted some other past vehicles of mine install it on only the windows. I went with the LLumar Axcess series. This type doesn't interfere with the electronics (tire pressure monitor, cell phone, satellite radio, etc.). I chose a rather dark 15% and I am very happy with the look. The shade is a little too dark for the law here (25%) in my state, but I don't know anyone that has any problems with that percentage around here.
One thing that I did hear is to not tint the sunroof by the pros. For some reason, my SA said that his guy does do the roof. Maybe someone else can share some advice on tinting the roof.

Looks like you have a pretty restrictive law in your state with 50% on front sides with anything in the back.

 

Thanks for the info, I'm beginning to look into it. I can't believe how bright the car is, and it gets really warm (even in "tropical" Ohio). Thanks again.