MINI Euro Parcel Shelf

When I got my MINI, I installed a center compartment organizer. That gave me a place to put my cell phone. It is also right above the power outlet to charge the phone. However, after I added the Apple iPod to my MINI in the cupholder, I found that I was often switching the power cords to either charge the iPod or the phone. That was a pain, plus, my cell phone would slide to the back of the organizer and become hard to get out.

The answer? The MINI euro parcel shelf. This is an actual MINI item. It is usually only seen on european MINIs, and all the parts are available separately at your local MINI dealer, but several companies have packaged them up in to a kit to make it easier. My wonderful wife got me the shelf for my birthday. She ordered it from OutMotoring.in Ohio.

From the factory, it is just a shelf. Again, I needed another power outlet for my phone. I also wanted a way to hide my garage door opener. I didn't like it hanging from the sunvisor (too accessible for thieves) so I hung it on the seat pan by my right knee. That was OK, but I wanted to hide it better so I took it apart and added a button to the switch bezel on the shelf.

The actual shelf install was very easy. The wiring added a bit more difficulty, but not much. It took about 3 hours for me to modify, wire, and install it.

Follow along as I install the MINI euro parcel shelf.

(Click on any of the images below to see a larger version)

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This is what it looks like from the factory with the knee bolster installed. Not much utility there.		To remove it, pull down.
It will pop open and hinge down.		All gone. It takes a little jostling, but it pulls out towards the back.
First reinstall step is to slip these 2 provided blue clips (arrows) in place.		Here, I am dry fitting the shelf to see where everything will fit best.
I decided to install the stealth garage door opener first. First step was to drill a 1/2" hole in the shelf switch blank.		Then I installed the button in the hole.
Switch is now all wired up. I used shrinkwrap on the wires to prevent something falling on them and shorting it out. That would be bad		Next, the switch blank with new button was installed in the parcel shelf opening.
Shot from the back.		Here, I have removed the circuit board from its case and soldered wires to the switch contacts..
I wanted to be able to remove the opener easily for battery changes, etc. So, I kept the wire length long and installed some velcro to hold it in place.		The opener is now velvroed in place and the wires looped. This install is completed.
Now, on to the aux power outlet. First, I made a hole for the power outlet..		I then inserted the outlet and routed the wires. Sorry I didn't get a better closeup of the back of the outlet. I must have forgotten to take a pic of it.
After sliding the whole assembly back in to the dash, the first thing to be done is to get these tabs to engage. There are two of them at the bottom of the shelf. I tried just pushing them in, but finally reverted to the pliers to get them to go. They will click when properly seated.		Next, the two provided torx screws are screwed in to the blue clips added earlier. There is one on each side of the stearing wheel.
Wiring it up was easy. The ground wire (not shown) was routed to a bolt that grounds to the chassis. The power wire was run to a keyed power slot that is supposed to be used for another relay for an option I obviously don't have.		The kit comes with this nice rubber insert for the shelf that keeps stuff from rattling around.
Here is the insert installed. It just slips in place. You can also see the garage door opener button.		This is the other side showing the new aux power outlet.

I really like how it came out. Now, my center console is not cluttered with power cords and devices. The cell phone sits on the shelf and gets power to recharge from the aux power outlet.

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