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Just did the swap for the fronts as well as installing the rears, all using parts from ECS. I can finally fit my big cups in four spots rather than zero!
I've gone through this thread twice, and I can't find a link for the rear cup holder kit from ECS. Am I just missing it?
My 2011 has rear bucket seats (duh), and a rail in the front, and a rail in the back. There is currently a 12v accessory plug for the rear passengers where the cupholder will eventually go (if that matters).
It was linked in the last page. Does that rail run all the way through front to back, or just between the back seats, If so you can add this kit to the back of the front rail.
Ok, it looks like I need to order nine different parts for the rear cupholder upgrade (ten parts since one if them is x2), there is not a single sku for a "kit".
I guess that is what I was missing.
Thanks for the info, yes, I have a two part rail. I'd actually like to jettison the rear rail permanently (it's temporarily sitting on my workbench), but I don't know how to make it look decent. There is a nice cubby between the seats underneath the rail that would be more useful to my kids than the rail.
Front cupholder replaced today, 15 minutes as described, plus another 10 to solve the lighter puzzle. The trickiest part is removing and replacing the orange lighter plug surround bracket. I couldn't find the right tabs to release the lighter from the orange bracket, especially not while it was still seated in the original large "Mickey Mouse" trim piece. After getting it removed, I still couldn't get it apart, and it was even harder to get it through the lighter "hole" in the new trim. I found that cutting two tiny notches made it very easy to reinstall the lighter and bracket together in one piece. The notches are just to create a place for the "prongs" on the side of the orange bracket to get through the hole. The lighter covers the opening entirely so these notches are invisible once assembly is complete. Also added rear cupholders last week, and plugged in low-profile dual USB adapters in both front and rear lighter sockets so 4 occupants each have a convenient place to plug a USB cord.
Ok, it looks like I need to order nine different parts for the rear cupholder upgrade (ten parts since one if them is x2), there is not a single sku for a "kit".
I guess that is what I was missing.
Thanks for the info, yes, I have a two part rail. I'd actually like to jettison the rear rail permanently (it's temporarily sitting on my workbench), but I don't know how to make it look decent. There is a nice cubby between the seats underneath the rail that would be more useful to my kids than the rail.
Welcome.
Originally Posted by afkenner
Front cupholder replaced today, 15 minutes as described, plus another 10 to solve the lighter puzzle. The trickiest part is removing and replacing the orange lighter plug surround bracket. I couldn't find the right tabs to release the lighter from the orange bracket, especially not while it was still seated in the original large "Mickey Mouse" trim piece. After getting it removed, I still couldn't get it apart, and it was even harder to get it through the lighter "hole" in the new trim. I found that cutting two tiny notches made it very easy to reinstall the lighter and bracket together in one piece. The notches are just to create a place for the "prongs" on the side of the orange bracket to get through the hole. The lighter covers the opening entirely so these notches are invisible once assembly is complete. Also added rear cupholders last week, and plugged in low-profile dual USB adapters in both front and rear lighter sockets so 4 occupants each have a convenient place to plug a USB cord.
Yea, those tabs can be a little hang up, glad you were able to get it done.
Went ahead and replaced mine last night. It did take me about 45 minutes but to be honest, anything like this takes me longer than it's supposed to. I'm REALLY happy with the results. I can finally fit my protein shakers!!
I did this a couple weeks ago myself. I'm not a huge can of the rubbery inserts but I can easily overcome that with the joy of actually fitting normal sized drinks in the holders.
Did I miss the part number for the larger front cupholders? I don't see it on the ECS site. Maybe they don't sell a larger front for the 2011 Countryman?
Huge thank you to bmr03 and all the people that contributed to this thread. Did this upgrade last weekend and it took all of 10 minutes following these steps and photos.
I can confirm that ECS provides the correct parts and that the installation is easy. ECS provided the incorrect part on the first delivery but corrected it and replaced it at no additional cost.
Sorry to hear about a mix up in the begging, glad it was fixed in the end. If you ever have an issue you can always contact or customer service or PM me and we can take care of it.
Quick install with the kit from ECS. For me reinstalling the lighter I chose to cut an angle the corners from the rails that hold the LED illumination since we don't have one.
FINALLY! I can put my water bottle in the cupholder! Even with the can koozie! NOT a "Giant American Pop." The cupholder kit is just a 2013 cupholder kit. But it is bigger than my 2012 copholders. It also came with a black ring so I was able to get rid of that hideous stock gray ring!
This is the FULL kit that came with the ring and inserts. I believe you can buy a simpler kit without the ring or inserts as well.
The nav made it a little more of a pain. You have the nav box that is also screwed through the bottom that you will need to remove as well. Just be careful pulling the cover up so you don't damage any wires/connectors.
Love the 2.0 cup holders! Disappointed the new Countryman seems to suffer the same 1.0 fate of claustrophobic design.
Maybe it's just one of those mini characteristics that we will always have to deal with? :(
BTW...what is in your cupholder?
putting the 2013 cupholders in my 2012 actually seem to have moved the cups away from the switches, giving me slightly more room. I have yet to test my 32oz RTIC cup in it though. I know it fits, just not sure about room.
Maybe it's just one of those mini characteristics that we will always have to deal with? :(
BTW...what is in your cupholder?
putting the 2013 cupholders in my 2012 actually seem to have moved the cups away from the switches, giving me slightly more room. I have yet to test my 32oz RTIC cup in it though. I know it fits, just not sure about room.
Oh that's not my cup holder -- it's an official product shot with the new MINI Travel Mug.
And I've put 22 ounce beers (bombers, think 750ml wine bottle-sized) in the larger cup holders, fits great! Makes it harder to reach the switches but it fits!
03-10-2015, 01:03 PM
Does that rail run all the way through front to back, or just between the back seats, If so you can add this kit to the back of the front rail. 
The cupholder kit is just a 2013 cupholder kit. But it is bigger than my 2012 copholders. It also came with a black ring so I was able to get rid of that hideous stock gray ring!
