BlackboxMyCar | Dash Cam Installation: 2013 Mini Cooper S x BlackVue DR970X-2CH + BlackVue B-130X Battery Pack

This photo blog will show how we installed a BlackVue DR970X-2CH 2-Channel and the Power Magic Ultra Battery B-130X into a 2013 Mini Cooper S. If you're considering installing a dash cam, we recommend the Blackbox MyCar Essential Install Kit. The BlackboxMyCar Essential Install Kit comes with a circuit tester, trim remover tool, and other handy tools to make the hardwiring and installation process more manageable.

BlackVue has set a new standard for 4K UHD video quality with its fourth-generation dash cam, the BlackVue DR970X. This model improves upon its predecessors and offers exceptional video quality. While the BlackVue DR970X-2CH appears similar to previous models, it boasts advanced features that make it stand out.

We installed the BlackVue DR970X-2CH and B-130X battery pack in this Mini Cooper S.

If you're upgrading from the DR900X Plus to the DR970X, you can easily reuse your existing power cable and rear camera coaxial cable - all you have to do is replace the cameras.

We kept the BlackVue B-130X battery pack underneath the front passenger seat.

The BlackVue Power Magic Ultra B-130X Battery measures 152.7 mm x 206 mm x 33.6 mm (6.01in x 8.11in x 1.32in), slightly larger than the BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8. For this installation, we stored the battery pack underneath the passenger seat. The inner fuse panel in this Mini Cooper S is located in the passenger side footwell, so storing the battery pack underneath the passenger seat will make it easier to run the power cables.

If you need a slimmer battery pack, we recommend the BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8.

The fuse box in the Mini Cooper S is under the black plastic cover in the passenger footwell.

The BlackVue B-130X hardwiring kit is a 2-wire cable, one for ACC (ignition-based power) and the other for ground. To connect the battery pack to the car’s fuse panel, you need to look for an empty fuse slot or one that can be piggybacked off of using the add-a-fuse kit that comes in the BlackboxMyCar Essential Install Kit. Use the circuit tester in the Essential Install Kit to find a suitable continuous power fuse less than 10A. Always refer to the Fuses section in the vehicle's owner's manual to avoid any fuse slots reserved for safety features within the car.

Once hardwired, the BlackVue B-130X battery pack will recharge when the ignition is turned on, and the dash cam will be able to draw power from the battery pack to run parking mode when the car is powered down.

The ideal place for a dash cam is behind the rearview mirror.

Before mounting the front camera, ensure the microSD card is inserted into the dash cam. All BlackVue dash cams come with a microSD card inside the box, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to purchase one.

The optimal location to mount the forward-facing camera on a vehicle is behind the rearview mirror, as it is out of the driver's line of sight and does not obstruct the view while driving. The BlackVue’s signature slender cylindrical shape makes their dash cams easy to position the front camera behind the rearview mirror.

Remember to check the reach of the wiper blade, as mounting the camera above the wiper's reach will result in a blocked view. Mount the camera in a spot that provides a clear view of the windshield. Clean the inside of the windshield before mounting the dash cam to ensure proper adhesion of the camera and to eliminate any marks or smears that may affect the video quality.

Because the battery pack is under the center console, you will guide the dash cam power cable along the headliner, down the passenger side A-pillar, and across the floor to the battery pack. You can easily hide the power cable by tucking it into the headliner using the pry tool or a credit card. The BlackVue DR970X-2CH has some cable clips that you can stick to your trim or windshield to help keep the cables in place.

Take your time when popping open the A-pillar - it's pretty straightforward but requires patience as you do not want to break any of the clips holding it. Once the A-pillar cover is removed, you can route the cable behind the airbag apparatus, or else your wire will be in the way, which could lead to a dangerous result if the bags go off.

The DR970X dash cam will connect to the B-130X battery pack using the dash cam’s 12V power cable and the battery pack’s socket output cable. Simply plug one end of the dash cam’s 12V power cable into the DR970X and the other to the battery pack’s socket output cable.

And there you have it, a BlackVue DR970X-2CH dash cam installed in a 2013 Mini Cooper S, along with the BlackVue B-130X battery pack. The installation took a little over an hour, including routing the cables, hardwiring to the vehicle’s fuse panel, and checking the front and back cameras using the mobile app viewer.

Planning on installing a dash cam in your car? Check out our Step-by-Step Dash Cam Installation Guide and our selection of handy installation accessories. And if you ever need a hand during the installation process, just call us; our dash cam specialists are available to help!

Looking to have your dash cam professionally installed, we do offer installation services at our Richmond BC location.

Please see some of our other dash cam installations in the BlackboxMyCar Dash Cam Installation Gallery.