I have been trying to find a way to install my Ipad Mini into my car. I wanted the MiniConnected, but found out that it is not worth the trouble to install it.


I used four pieces of Velcro. The upside is that there are two programs that I use Gramin and Drive Assist.


This ghetto mod adds a lot of functionality to the car. The downside is that it will not charge from the Mini iphone connector so you need a 12v cig plug to charge it.


If anyone else has something better, chime in.

 

This is pretty slick — someone over on reddit.com/r/mini uses one:

http://www.thejoyfactory.com/product/MNU106

There are gooseneck knockoff variants to be had on eBay for under $50 too.

 

Saw this and had an Ah-HA moment. If I castrate the useless CD player by removing the front bezel, I will be able to try (try is the key word) to mount the Ipad Mini in front of it.


I don't plan on breaking the cd player, just removing the plastic and controls with the four screws.


Can't hurt to try. A little trimming of the $25 kit and I can't cause any damage.

 

I totally forgot this option: the Mountek Groove. Found out about it here on NAM. $25, non-intrusive, no mods required.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00HMDYH2U

Sent from my iPhone using NAMotoring

 

Not a bad idea. I like that. I ordered it and by the power of the Amazon, next day. Ill post pics.


I tried this

But it didn't work for anything.


For the $30 for that other kit, I wonder if it holds well or gets in the way of the shifter. I have had the car almost two years and have yet to use the CD player even once. I hit the eject button every once in a while to see if it even works.

 

Soundman makes Ipad mount kits: http://www.soundmanca.com/

Doug, the owner, is a good guy. I've known him for a while and he has installed over 5 car audio systems for me. These mounts he makes require some fab on your part to install and I'm not sure where you would fit it on the MINI...

 

I watched his videos on youtube. He has got talent.


I am looking for a non permanent type of install so it can be reversed when the Gen 3 Clubman comes out.


I also found a perfect app for the car called Drive Assist from the app store $4 and it does everything I want it to.


I have to use a different charger for the Ipad as the iphone plug from Mini doesn't charge the Ipad, but that seems to be the only drawback.

 

I tried the the Mountek Groove. It fits into the cd slot but sticks out a couple of inches and causes the Ipad to stick out to close the shifter. (It did work well in my wife's Ford Flex)


I am waiting for the

 

I've been using this for a few weeks and have been pretty happy with it. It's a bit tough to get seated in the CD slot (since it's curved) and it's not super stable (there's a bit of wiggle). But otherwise it's been great - really easy to put the iPad in and remove it. You can adjust it vertically so it's not in the way of the shifter.

 

Well that's a bummer. :-(

Looking forward to seeing what you do with the Metra kit!

 

I included a pic of the aftermarket compared to the OEM. I am debating on how to proceed.


The Ipad is bigger and the angle is incorrect for the install to look like it belongs.


I have also picked up the Mini Nav speedo from ebay. If I choose to remove the factory radio, I can also ditch the original speedo as well.


I don't know. I have time to decide.

 

I use the Mountek nGroove Snap2 Magnetic Mount. It works great on both my iPhone and iPad MINI. No issue with shifter. I didn't place the plate in the center of the ipad, but more toward the bottom/center (landscape mode) and it works fine. You can also flip the mount 180 in the CD tray if you need it in a different position. It never falls (i use the thickest plates they supply, not the thin ones.

My only gripe is that on long trips it can shimmy out of the CD slot a bit on the drivers side sometimes and I have to slightly push it back in. I resolved this but using some foam sticky pads on the ends of the spreaders and that holds good.

Oh, but I did have to buy an extension cable for my oem mini connect cable so I can mirror my phone display to the connect display. (when using my iphone). The cable was literally an inch short when in landscape mode.

 

Found this for a Mini Connected/NAV system but quality unknown. http://www.sundaybuy.com/for-mini-co...luetooth-radio


Still have car dash apart, at least I can tighten it to stop the dash rattle since day one.

Another idea is to use the Mini Connected style speedo I picked up and mount an Iphone5 cradle in the middle of the speedo.

Using a small amp with a Bluetooth mod, power everything from the iphone. To stream audio, I may try this:

I hate the factory radio/speedo and the fact that Mini has made it so difficult to do a radio replacement stinks.


The Metra kit does lower the widow and temp controls to make the Ipad Mini fit better, but not perfect. The cut out is not the correct size. I am going to have to think of something.


All of the changes I am doing are fully reversible and do no alterations or damage to the original OEM parts. This is important so when I trade it in, it is all factory.



I plan on getting the Gen3 Clubman with NAV from factory, but have to wait another year.


I am just **** retentive and want everything that I want to look like it belongs. I don't do hack jobs.

UPDATE: FedEx dropped off the speedo. Plug it in and ALL FUNCTIONS WORK. The plug is identical. The middle of the speedo is open and could fit a Iphone Dock perfectly. Hmmmm