Anywhere between the HU and the audio jack. Or, if you're not into splicing wires, then plug the GLI into the jack before going to your iPod or to an iPod adapter (like Belkin or Tuneflex).

 

This is a convenient GLI to use because it has the correct connectors: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-G4ww9Yv...90&I=127SNI135
Radio Shack also carries one but you'll need to use RCA to stereo plug adapters.

In theory, it is better to put the filter on the power source (cigarette lighter) rather than in the audio path where it could degrade the sound. If you're up to opening up your console to access the cigarette lighter, you could install this from NAM vendor EAS: http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=309

 

I'm so glad you guys figured this out before I got my Mini (yesterday). I couldn't last 48 hours with AM/FM/CD, so I built a cable and hooked up a Harmon Kardon drive & play that I had laying around. I, too, had the ground loop problem, but a midnight run to Wally World to buy a GLI fixed that problem right away. So... thanks for everyone's help! I'll post pictures of the install soon.

 

Help. I wired up the back of the radio as per Big Daddy's instructions. I'm plugging in a TomTom to the jack. When I cross the 3 and 4 wire the AUX shows on the radio and if I hook both wires to the left or right side of the wire coming from the TomTom it works and even if I uncross the wires and hook them up properly the stereo plays the TomTom for a minute before it stops.
This seems to happen whether I have the unit pluged into the cigarette charger or not. I'm not sure if a GLI will make a difference.
Any thoughts from the experts would be helpful

 

I'm not sure I understand what you mean, but here's what you should have:
Red or white to 3 & 4. ground from both to 10. Go ahead and pick up a GLI; it will probably fix your problem. If not, we'll have a little more info to go on.

 

FYI - one of the benefits of the (admittedly pricy) OEM AUX cable is that you don't need to remove ANYTHING to install it. I've installed half a dozen of them by now, and literally all you need to do is pull down the driver's side knee bolster and reach back with your hand - your fingers will feel the shape of the AUX input and you can just snap the cable in. No need to remove the down tube(s) and head unit and the installation can be done in 10 minutes tops.


Just something to keep in mind as some people are more about convenience than saving a few bucks.

Also, FYI - With my second AUX input, I didn't even bother with the little plate plug-in thingie - I just plugged in my $8 Radio Shack stereo cable into the female end of the AUX adapter, secured it with a twist of electrical tape (so I wouldn't need to bother with it later on) and then trailed the cable down to my center console. that way, I can easily relocate my MP3 player at will dependent on who and what I'm carrying. For instance, when on short trips alone, I just set it in the cup holder but for longer trips or with my wife (who often uses that holder), I use a plastic holder either suctioned to the windscreen or clipped somewhere on the dash. Because my cable is mainly stored inside the knee bolster, I have endless options, which given how small the MINI is, I really like (and make use of).

Just as with the OEM AUX cable, however, your own priorities might dictate a different placement of the cable - just wanted to state that it's a very viable option to NOT use the plate.

 

OK one other thing. If I plug in my computer to the jack the AUX works. The TomTom also does play on regular computer speakers. I'll buy the GLI and report back....maybe the computer already has some type of GLI already installed in the line?

 

Hello again. I didn't buy the GLI yet. TomTom say the unit shouldn't need one. I just can't figure out why the computer makes the AUX show but the TomTom doesn't.
Anyone have any ideas?

 

But are you plugging your computer into the cigarette lighter? That's really the critical issue -- when something is plugged into both the aux and power outlet at the same time.

Can TomTom operate from batteries? If so, does aux work when TomTom is running off batteries?

 

Yes it can and this makes no difference....

 

Here I think is my answer...

http://www.cosninix.com/blog49/index...y060313-010827

It is an impedence problem...

What do you all think?

 

It's possible that your DIY cable may need additional components.

The OEM aux input cable is not just a simple cable like the DIY referenced above. It actually includes a small circuit that the headunit detects. That's why with the OEM cable, you can put the headunit into aux mode even when nothing is plugged into it. Many player devices have electrical characteristics that are similar to the OEM aux circuit, and this allows the DIY cable to work. But the headunit may not necessarily detect ALL devices you put on the DIY cable.

This is the circuit in the OEM aux cable, taken from this webpage. You could try adding the capacitors and resistor shown:

 

Thanks Mate....you are a GOD.....Looks like the problem will be solved...!!

 

would this DIY work with oem factory SIRIUS. or would i have to build one like the diagram with resistors and capacitors?<--previous question answered...
More Info on here to create an Aux unless you own a bmw it wont help much with the install...http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76934

 

Did this today..took me about an hour or so. Great mod. I made mine out of junk laying around the house so mine was free.

 

i followed this guide precisely today and installed this into my '04 MC. Works perfect. Thank you for the guide!!

 

There is something so satisfying about creating mods with odds and ends around the house.

 

I'm glad this is working out for people still. I actually need to re-do it for my "new" MINI.

 

I agree...it's so funny my "junk" saved me about $50.

 

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Did this last weekend. A pc repair shop gave me the cables and bits for free from their junk pile.
took me 20 minutes to work up the cable and another 20 minutes to plug into the back of my HU. Thanks all!!
I love NAM!!!!

 

so like on the bimmerfest.com thread, do i need to connect a 300kOhm resistor between the right and left POS+ wires, so the HU will always have the AUX option?

I already have 470-ohm, 1/4 watt, 5% tolerance resistors from radio shack. Would these work or do i need different ones?

 

I know I'm grave digging a little, but here goes.

I didn't like having to create playlists for the OEM ipod adaptor. I was considering replacing the head unit with a Pioneer 6200BT for $219 from crutchfield, but then I figured I'd need new speakers (another couple hundred) all because I wanted to control what I'm listening to. I figured I could give this mod a try and see if it would save me some money.

This spot on the back of my non hk radio with OEM ipod adaptor is open, but there's a connector with three wires (white/brown white/red white/blue?) attached to the harness, but it's disconnected. I tried to plug it in, but there's a nub on the connector preventing it from going into this hole, it actually fits in the hole to the left.

I pulled this connector apart, and removed and taped up the wires. I used my new little butane torch and a sharp blade to remove the nub on the connector so it would fit into the empty spot on the back of the radio.

Then I took a male ended audio cable (tried video first accidentally, not knowing the difference), stripped away the insulation and found a red wire surrounded by bare copper wires and a white wire surrounded by bare copper wires. I crimped and soldered some tiny little connectors I found at Fry's onto the white and red wires, and then twisted both of the bare copper wires into one, and put a connector on it for the ground. This cuts out the "middle man" (male/male) audio cable most of you need to attach your ipod to your car.


Red into #3, White into #4, and bare wires into #10. I reassembled the factory plug, plugged it into the black factory harness with the locking gate thing and it went right into the back of the radio.

I turned it on (with my ipod on play) and AUX showed up (with low volume). I pressed the note button and adjusted the AUX VOLUME to 4 and everything is cool.

Comparison:

The OEM ipod adaptor is like $350, charges the older ipods (newer models with an adaptor), and allows you to make 5 mini-specific playlists.

This mod cost less than $10 (not counting the butane torch and labor), does not charge the ipod, but allows me to control the ipod directly on the fly.

The sound quality is VERY close (though not as good) to the OEM kit, but I'd rather have the $340 in my pocket and be able to control what song I'm listening to. There's no engine noise either, so overall the OP did an awesome job and I appreciate his efforts very much.

I'd consider selling my OEM ipod adaptor, but it may come in handy if I hook my phone up to the new AUX port for nav directions or something...

 

So the short and simple answer is that plug disconnected from your HU is for a 6 disc cd player, most people would say you can't use it, but you can change the pin positions (don't remember the locations exactly) and use a dremel to remove the plastic know. Sorry I can't be more help, I'm on my phone right now

 

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