Hi guys.

In my 2004 MCS, the little plastic ring around the front power outlet (under the toggle switches) glows orange when the lights are on. I noticed that the power outlet in the back (boot area) has the same plastic ring, but does not light up. Is it supposed to? I don't really care if it does or not.. but was just curious.

Thanks.

 

i never really noticed that....

i will conduct a test later and see if it is true

 

The power outlet on my 04 Cooper does not light up. I had never thought to look, but just checked.

Yes, it's 1:20 in the morning and I'm checking stuff on my car...

 

I added a rear power outlet to my '03 using a commonly available illuminated outlet and hooked it up so it would light up simply because I assumed it was supposed to. LOL

 

Well you won't stop doing that,but don't worry,your not alone

 

You mentioned adding a power outlet in the rear of an '03. Does that mean the wiring is already in place, like for the rear fogs? What did you have to do to get the panel away from the wall, and where did you find the unit you installed? I've always been disappoined that it didn't have one to start with.
Thanks
Ed

 

The wiring in my '03 did not exist. Since I have a MCS, the battery is in the rear and easy to access. I used a commonly available Casco illuminated cigaret lighter socket which fit the provided hole perfectly with no modifications. I made a wiring harness that connected to the battery through a fuseholder and 15 amp fuse, as well as a longer wire which went to the other side of the boot to the trunk light, where it picked up the power to the lamp. The only interior piece needing to be removed is the panel below the boot latch to run the wiring. Installing the socket can be done through the boot cubby holes. Unlike the factory provided boot power outlet, my version does not power up and down with the ignition key; instead it's always on (which I prefer anyway). If there is sufficient interest in doing this I can possibly come up with a simple how-to. I did take pictures of the parts and installation at one time in anticipation of it. Those with a MC have a bit more work to do, as they would have to run a single wire to the front of the passenger compartment, since there is no 'live wire' in the back to tie into.

 

I installed the OEM power outlet ($8 from Classic MINI) in my '03 MC while installing a new audio system. I had to route power from the battery to the under seat cavity where I put my amps and figured while I was there I'd also run a line to the rear cargo area for the outlet. I also like that it has power whether the key is turned or not.

It would be a lot of work for an MC unless it was combined with a related project like mine.

Edit: now that I think about it, it might not be that much work. Route a cable from the battery through the firewall gasket located behind the steering column, tuck it under the floor trim on the drivers side, snake it up behind the rear side panel, and reach through the cargo side door to install the outlet. Doable.

 

http://public.fotki.com/PMS/panhandl...ini/page3.html

Pictures of mine coming off during a Dynamat install. There are three screws holding it in place in the trunk area. The rest of the panel simply pulls away with about 10 clips. You'll need to remove the back seat too.

 

With only two wires I'd guess it doesn't illuminate.

 

Does anyone know why MINI eliminated the rear sockets in the '03s in the first place? If I had that power always on, I'd have to get one of those battery saver circuits that prevent the batterey from draining below its cranking point. I plan to use a powered cooler, and I'm not confident in my ability to remember to always unplug it! Wat's the closest ignition-switched hot-wire that I could tap into?