[rec]

Right, finally got the correct documentation and fitted the MINI GPS unit fitted (the rebranded Garmin one).

Piccies are down below, sorry about the crappy quality it's quite dark out there AND raining !

Also, watch this space for some news, that's all I'm saying ;]

[J1JPE]

can u see the screen through the steering wheel ?

[Overboost-Rich]

That looks a very tidy job rec, is it hardwired, did you fit it yourself & if so how tricky was it to fit? Is the bracket you have used to mount it on the dash custom made or is it the one issued with the Garmin unit? Just one more question, does it pick up a signal with the built in antenna or have you had to use an extra antenna? I have just ordered a Garmin Nuvi so am quite keen to know how you are finding it! Cheers, Rich.

[rec]

yup :] works quite well actually !

[rec]

Quote: Originally Posted by Overboost-Rich (original)

That looks a very tidy job rec, is it hardwired, did you fit it yourself & if so how tricky was it to fit? Is the bracket you have used to mount it on the dash custom made or is it the one issued with the Garmin unit? Just one more question, does it pick up a signal with the built in antenna or have you had to use an extra antenna? I have just ordered a Garmin Nuvi so am quite keen to know how you are finding it! Cheers, Rich.

righty :] yes it is hardwired, i fitted it myself and it's easy if you know how to remove pins from plugs and have experience in taking cars apart and then lookin at car wiring looms. the bracket is the one that comes with the actual unit when you purchase it from MINI. it does not need to use an external antenna, it picks up a sat reception from where it is no problem at all.

i'm finding Garmin units perfect considering i work for them :P anything else you wanna know just yell. i've attached a piccy of the mounting bracket for ya.

all in all i'd recommend you get MINI to install it. the document says 30 minutes to an hour.

[jrammon]

rec,
I sent an email request for specific wiring instructions.
Thanks.

[danielo]

looks real tidy.

which model Garmin does they kit come with? i have the Nuvi200, just wondering if i could just order the mounting kit and use my Nuvi200.

[NeuroBeaker]

You may want to be mindful of the area you live in though. I've heard of people in the Glasgow area having their cars broken into when they had permanent mounts installed. Theives thought that the portable SAT NAV might have been stored in the glovebox, so they smashed their way in. After they realised there was nothing of value in the car, they slashed up the dashboard, steering wheel, and seats out of frustration.

Just make sure you're not in that type of area before you go ahead.

All the best,
Andrew.

[rec]

thankfully, i live in a nice area.

[dundeered]

in glasgow

[SoggyCornFlakes]

Waste of money IMHO - I've got a great TomTom add on onto my mobile phone, sits in the phone cradle without all the extra wiring and crap that comes with the Garmin stuff. Too much clutter on your dash makes for a messy car. Plus you always take your phone with you so no plebs breaking into your MINI to try and nick the sat nav that they see the wiring for and think you've put in the glove box Oh, and it's totally portable where ever you go - even on foot Save money , shop around

[rec]

define the "extra crap" ?
i guess you mean the fixed mount, and the hidden power cable ? what other "crap" is there - have i missed something ?
how much more "crap" does Garmin kit come with compared to the mount and the power cable for the TomTom addon that you currently use ?

also, how did you come to the conclusion a Garmin unit cant be used on foot or in other cars ? they're not called "portable" for nothing...

i'm intrigued to see what you've based the above comments on.

[SoggyCornFlakes]

you nisread my post - it's an addon onto my mobile phone so i dont need yet another mount - the more crap

[rec]

i dont use a mount for my phone anyway cos the bluetooth in the nuvi handles all incoming/outgoing calls.

i know what the TomTom products are, they are our main competitor.

[SoggyCornFlakes]

But the benefit is having one device not two - less clutter all round, one thing to carry, one thing to lose And it's not just about your view, look at other posters in here - ARCrawford's concerns regarding the SatNav mounts and breakins. Sure you have a phone mount but thieves, even the thick ones, know people take their phone with them whereas a SatNav unit is less likely to be carried down to the pub with you on a Saturday night so the glove box is a good bet!

You'd be better off recognising sometimes a competitor has a good feature too instead of such a blind devotion to your company - bit like MINIs, we all love them but also know there are other cars out there with good features too.

[J1JPE]

http://www.mini2.com/forum/3290257-post105.html

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[gecho4]

Hi. I'm wondering if anyone has the part # for just the install kit for the R50 / 53 as in just the mount and wiring. I've managed to track down the part #'s for both US kits including and not including the GPS and only one part # for right hand drive vehicles. My dealership needs the speciffic # in order to get it otherwise it doesn't exist to them because it is not listed in their catalog. Any help would be appreciated.

Garmin Nuvi Mini GPS kits for R50 / 53:

Left hand drive install kit with GPS # 6590 0429 400
Left hand drive install kit only # 6590 0428 284

Right hand drive install kit with GPS # 6590 0428 503
Right hand drive install kit only # ?

Thanks in advance.