How to install a dash cam in Mini 2014 onwards F56 3rd Generation

[@57northphoto32]

Just fitted my dashcam to a f56, absolute no brainier thanks to your video. Thank you 🙏🏻🙂.

[@agentbarnesgb]

Thanks for leaving a comment, so pleased it helped you get it done. 👍

[@sticktwiddler9028]

An excellent video thanks. With your help I've just done this job in my wife's 2016 Mini Cooper. For anyone else who's interested, my checks showed that F49, 50 and 51 all become live when the ignition is on, so I used F49 to power the dashcam. F52 as suggested in the video was actually in use in our car, from the paper diagram provided in the fuse box I suspect it's used by the door mirrors.

[@agentbarnesgb]

Thanks for the feedback, glad it helped and thanks for the extra advise to others. All the best.

[@toddgreens6645]

Thanks for this! I added a back-up camera to my son's 2015 Mini Cooper S. The wire runs from the back license plate camera all the way to the rear view mirror. You can't see any wire!! All hidden! Appreciate your help on how the door trim/weatherstripping comes off. My job looks extremely clean now!

[@agentbarnesgb]

Excellent, thanks for this, really pleased it was of some help. Very satisfying to sit back and know you’ve done a good diy job isn’t it. Cheers.

[@BLHoang]

Followed your instructions and it was easy as advertised. Thank you!

[@Lignumopus]

Another comment to say, THANK YOU. I had to refer to it again today (2 years on) to take the camera out...as I'm selling the car. So....once again....huge thanks. An excellent video!! Hoping the wiring on the F56 LCI II is the same, since that's the new Mini the camera's going on next...... ;-) ;-) ;-)

[@agentbarnesgb]

Excellent, thank you for taking the time to comment. I sold our Mini recently and did exactly the same, interesting that the previous comment says it's a all a "Hassle", maybe it's easy once you know how! good luck with the F56 LCI, can't imagine they changed that much for the dash cam install, maybe post if you find anything of interest. Thanks again.

[@ianhartland2541]

I used fuse 51, but 52 is OK and is live when you switch ignition on (+ACC). My piggy back cables has 2 fuse sockets, the nearest socket to the pins plug in the original 5amp fuse, and then a 5 or10amp fuse in other socket for the camera. However, I need parking mode on my BlackVue cameras. Using the Power Magic Pro device so the other (yellow) cable needs to go on a fuse that has continuous supply (+batt). I have chosen fuse 42 (5 amp for central locking). Again make sure you populate both fuse sockets on the piggy back cable, or else you may not be able to lock your car! Hope this helps. Also to say, because the awkwardness in accessing the fuse box, I removed the glove box, and then the fuse box is much easier to get at. May seem a bit drastic, but quite easy to do, 3 screws at top and 2 screws at bottom. The Mini Countryman fuse box is in a different location, and a lot easier to access.

[@0kit0]

See my comment. Fuse 42 was confusing as it kept on cutting out during testing. I'm assuming this was due to the doors being open so central locking power was cut. First day with the cam wired up today I can confirm parking mode works on fuse 42.

[@upendrapandya2107]

Thank enjoyed fitting the dash cam, thanks to your very informative instructions and video.

[@agentbarnesgb]

Thanks for your feedback, really glad it helped you. All the best.

[@KevMcLoughlin]

Thanks, very helpful, especially for the right spare fuse socket to use. Cheers.

[@derekcarswell]

Very similar method to our previous car but your video was reassuring before we started hauling off the trim where the airbag keyswitch was located. The rest was very simple, nice video 🙂

[@ChrisGregory-aka-Photoshopguru]

Good video, but if you decide to hardwire your dash cam it alters your insurance as it is classed as a modification to your car, but if you just use the supplied USB or cigarette fittings, it won't affect your insurance. So if you do hardwire it, please tell your insurance company or they can & probably will deny any claim you make incase of an accident.

[@NoName-zi9qs]

52 is the electrochromatic rearview mirror.

[@chamoore]

You saved a lot of my time. Thanx man!

[@agentbarnesgb]

Fantastic, thanks for taking the time to comment, pleased this has helped you out. Thanks again

[@alexsmith5995]

Many thanks for your video. I just hard wired a dash cam into my wife’s mini and the video was a great help. 👍🏻

[@agentbarnesgb]

Alex Smith thanks for the comments, really glad it helped.

[@agentbarnesgb]

Hi Alex, if it's of any help i have just uploaded how to install a rear camera in the mini.

[@juliourquidi]

Did you plug in the piggyback/add-a-fuse correctly? Is the hot side of the fuse socket on the right side or left side? The hot side should be on the side of the piggyback/add-a-fuse furthest from the dashcam pigtail.

[@agentbarnesgb]

Hi Julio, sorry I missed your message. All I can tell you is the dash cam has worked faultless since fitting over 3 years ago, it’s not caused me any issues. I followed the guidelines for the piggy back connector and it’s been great. Hope that helps? Thanks again

[@juliourquidi]

@@agentbarnesgb OK. Operationally, it will work, but if reversed, you're putting the load of both devices on the original circuit's fuse first and then running the new circuit's across the add-a-fuse a second time. Here's an illustration to show what I'm describing: i.imgur.com/ypwPbk4.png

[@juliourquidi]

I'm sure the current is low enough to not cause any problems, but you never know. :)

[@cynthiam900]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@agentbarnesgb]

Excellent, thanks for leaving me a message, glad it was helpful to you.

[@Lignumopus]

Excellent video, may I add a couple of points that may help others? I have a 2019 F56 MINI Cooper S and there was no fuse diagram in the slot behind the glovebox. If any others have similar issue, go here:- www.mini.com/en_MS/home/fusecard.html You then enter your chassis number to get the EXACT fuse diagram for your specific vehicle. On my model, Fuse 52 was occupied, so I chose Fuse 51, live with ignition ON, which suited my set-up. I used TESA Insulating Fabric Tape to cover the wiring to get an OEM look. This should also mitigate any rattling in the winter with cold stiff cables. Weatherstrip, as you state is a doddle to remove so do NOT be concerned about pulling this back as it greatly facilitates the procedure. I used twisted PLASTIC coated garden wire to guide the wiring so no risk of shorting anything out. The spade EARTH connection would not go under the nut as it has an attached washer on my 2019 model, fortunately I was able to find another nut to double up and sandwich the camera's earth wire between the nuts.

[@agentbarnesgb]

Hi Grover. Thank you. Sorry for the late reply, just learnt why you tube had switched my comments off. Appreciate the feedback.

[@0kit0]

Thanks for the informative video. After several hours of frustration I realised there isn't an always on fuse in the fuse box. Using 42 only works for a few minutes before it switches off. 52 does work however for ACC. Apart from tapping directly from the the battery, do you have any suggestions for constant power? I've found the mini to be very difficult to work on , getting to the roof liner to route the rear camera like you did was a challenge!

[@0kit0]

Update: it appears 42 (central locking) is always on after all. It consistently cut out after a few minutes when I was testing it, however after parking for two hours today I can confirm parking mode worked. I can only assume that the central locking power (fuse 42) was cutting out due to me having the doors open for an extended period of time while I was wiring up the camera.

[@P1stoler0]

@@0kit0 Hello, I'm doing the same procedure in a few days on a 2018 Cooper S and asked myself if i should disconnect the battery when working on the fuses in order to avoid fault codes? I need a fuse with constant power because i want the parking mode working. So im planning to to use fuse 52 and fuse 42 (yellow cable) for the parking mode? Can you confirm?

[@0kit0]

@@P1stoler0 it's been a few years since I did the install, but as I described above, 52 for ACC and 42 for always on worked in a 2015 F55 Mini Cooper.

[@P1stoler0]

@@0kit0 well thank you very much. I will give it a try 👍

[@AlexandreSantosBR]

4:45. that is a bad advise! There is where the air bag is, you should route the cable behind it, not in front of it.

[@cameron20020]

A good practice would be to remove the A pillar trim and run the cable with any other cables going up the pillar from factory. More work and chance of breaking clips when removing trim, but better than distorting curtain airbag deployment.

[@azzammeeralam7182]

Do you have a link for the fuse connector, i want to buy one like it please? And what amps value is the fuse on the fuse connector? My hardwire kit has a built in (blue color) 15a fuse, i am thinking about cutting the wire and connecting the fuse connector , that’s why I asked about the fuse value

[@agentbarnesgb]

Hi, sorry for the delayed response. I’ve found one of these cables on eBay. Think mine was a 5amp fuse. Just make sure that you follow the advice on the eBay link about fitting the fuse in the right slot, one will be for the car and one (15amp) for your dash cam. Lots of advice on google if you’re not sure. Thanks www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Add-A-Circuit-Piggy-Back-Fuse-Tap-Mini-Blade-Fuse-Holder-ATM-ATP-Fuse-/233513228993?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292

[@azzammeeralam7182]

@@agentbarnesgb thank you sir

[@SpicyGun]

What about airbag in A pillar? When you run cable on top, i think it can block the airbag.

[@agentbarnesgb]

Hi, i don't think this is a problem, i have followed the same route as many other installers and this hasn't been raised as an issue, but if you are not sure ask your main dealer.

[@ianhartland2541]

Whatever you do, do not disconnect the cable from the airbag switch. If you do, it could inflate the airbag!

[@tomcatGB]

Great Video thank you, just wonder if you could supply a link from where you got the correct piggy back connector from for the bmw mini thanks again..

[@agentbarnesgb]

Hi This is the type of piggy back connector I used, plenty available on EBay etc. rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F263719357664

[@agentbarnesgb]

Hi again Here’s another link, make sure you get the longer pin connector rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F333107635930

[@tomcatGB]

@@agentbarnesgb yea £1.69 Halfords £8.00!!!!

[@tomcatGB]

Great video which I just followed and installed my dash cam (NextBase 512GW) thank you, the bit about popping off the side panel, was specially helpful and a good earth there, I never had to use a coat hanger and would worry slightly about poking a long bent bit of metal around near the fuse box so for me that would be a no no unless of course the battery was disconnected but as I said never had to bother thanks for the video very helpful, @agentbarnesgb thanks for the links below but the piggy backs came with the kit (one of each) which was unexpected :-)

[@agentbarnesgb]

Hi, Thanks, fair point about the wire, I guess covered in insulation tape or the likes would stop any concern over unwanted contact with live wires etc. Glad the video helped. On the Mini America web site they had you taking the whole dash board apart! Pleased this way is helping people get the job done easier. Enjoy the dash cam. Thanks

[@ChristopherSpear0]

Thanks for the guide, any idea what size the bolt is that you used to earth? I need to get a deep socket version but not sure what size it is.

[@agentbarnesgb]

Hi Christopher. i used a 13mm socket for the bolt to earth. let me know if you need any further help. many thanks.

[@ChristopherSpear0]

@@agentbarnesgb Thanks! Went to halford and got the deep socket today. Thanks for the video!

[@muhammedv]

There is a side airbag on most minis where you run your cable. If people apply this without knowing where their side airbag is, it may cost them with their lives.

[@agentbarnesgb]

Thank you for pointing this out in such a way, I will add a disclaimer to my video with your comments.

[@johnnywinstone]

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@agentbarnesgb]

Hi, thanks for taking the time to comment, glad the video was helpful.

[@gilbertramirez780]

Excellent video brother it helped me install my Vantrue Pro. Any chance on you posting you Fuse Diagram? I just got my F56 and didn't come with a diagram, missing.

[@agentbarnesgb]

Hi Gilbert. I’ve taken the diagram photo for you and also the glove box fuse layout, I can’t seem to post the images on this link. Can I contact you via messenger or some other way to send them over? Thanks

[@vince086]

Trying to this in my f55 but the weather stripping will not come off. Seems to be glued in really well. Is it maybe not meant to come off? Or do I just need to pull hard and not worry?

[@agentbarnesgb]

Vincent Hi, not sure, I’ve tried this on 2 X F56 Minis an R56 and an Evoque none were glued just maybe a bit harder to get off. Perhaps try it somewhere around the frame that isn’t as hard to peel off and see if someone has put glue or sealant on at some point. Hope that helps.

[@vince086]

Thanks, I'll give it a go. It's a fairly new car so afraid to any permanent damage.

[@colingraham9281]

Hi, I am looking to fit a dashcam to my daughters Mini Cooper and the fuses are in the same place as in your video. have you had any issues with warning lights or the battery running down as I have heard that most of the auxiliaries powered on the modern car, are run by BCM ( body control modules) and this is a signal sent via a soldered connection through a type of relay rather than actual voltage being passed through the wire? If you send voltage through a signal wire, it can damage the BCM and these are not easily fixed. Have you had any issues running the dashcam or Road Angel the way you have connected them via the fuse box?

[@agentbarnesgb]

Colin Graham Hi Colin. Please to say I haven’t had a single issue with the wiring or warning lights etc from the Mini. I wired up my wife’s car as in the video and also my own mini both using this method, they have both worked faultlessly. Since this video I have wired up a RR Evoque using the same technique, again with no issues. I have recently installed a Thinkware F800 pro into a BMW 6 series using this piggy back method, the Thinkware dash cam has a parking record facility, if this is switched on then the car recognises a battery discharge and warns you, it doesn’t allow the car to run the battery flat through a setting on the dash cam. Hope this helps, please let me know if I can be of further help or assistance. Cheers.

[@colingraham9281]

@@agentbarnesgb Thanks for your prompt reply, glad its all working ok. I will have a go at fitting the dashcam onto the daughters Mini Cooper this weekend, following your excellent video instruction. Thanks once again.

[@pbdesign3282]

Hi @@agentbarnesgb - This is a great video. Thank you. I have installed a Thinkware Dash Cam F770 (didn't know I could get a piggyback plug, so thank you for showing that) and that cam also records parking. However, I have noticed that it very quickly (5-10 min after I shut off the engine) comes up and says "shutting down the system due to low battery". Could I have used a wrong fuseplug or is my battery just disscharging so fast? Any ideas?

[@agentbarnesgb]

PB DESIGN Hi, thanks for the positive comments, appreciated and glad the video helped. Interestingly I fitted a Thinkware F800 pro to my BMW using this same method. As you know you need a live feed(for the parking mode) and an ignition feed (for switching on & off with the car) When I have the parking mode switched on and left overnight my BMW always tells me in the morning there has been excessive battery discharge. The Thinkware has a safety cut off built in so won’t drain the car battery completely, as soon as I start the car ignition everything is fine thereafter. I know you can fit a separate power supply for the parking mode on the Thinkware, there about, this is the Blackvue version, rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F282753458617 Someone else on my comments has posted about using 51 & 52 fuse that might help. You could also drop Thinkware a line to see if they can help, Thinkware UK Technical: 0333 121 0008 Hope that helps Thanks

[@marc-xw6yq]

excellent tutorial! very helpful

[@agentbarnesgb]

Hi, thank you. glad it was of some help.

[@Rhanos88]

Could you please tell me what type of fuse mini has? Is it ATO type?

[@agentbarnesgb]

Roshan Valsan, on eBay they describe this piggy back as ATM or ATP, Mini Blade fuse holder. Hope that helps.

[@Rhanos88]

agentbarnesgb Thanks a lot.

[@sp-pz8uc]

Think I'll just pay someone to do it, without all the hassle.