I have a 2004 Mini Cooper S and I'm wanting to upgrade the head unit, but keep the factory speakers (for the time being).

I'm considering the Sony MEX-BT3800U, because it has built in Bluetooth and I want to be able to stream audio from my iPhone 4 as well as use it for a hands-free for phone calls.

Does anyone have any experience with this particular head unit? It seems to get great reviews.

What is the best way to incorporate the factory steering wheel controls?

Are there any other adapters I need to make this upgrade easier?

Thanks!

Alan

 

PAC-SWI has been the way most people have been going for steering wheel control integration. However, the Metra AXXESS ASWC is getting rave reviews for setup and update simplicity. http://www.axxessinterface.com/default3_test.aspx, http://retailer.installationexcellen...5-A60AC7ED10E3

It works for BMWs but I have not heard how well it works for MINIs. At only $45, I was thinking about giving it a shot.

 

Mikethemini at NewMiniStuff has a variety of plug and play adapters for various brands of headunits. Just click on the link for interfaces, fitting kits, etc.

This is what I went with for my Alpine. I emailed him, told him what I would be using and he took care of the rest. The only downside is the exchange rate, but not having to cut any wires made it more than worth my while.

 

I ended up going with a Sony MEXBT5700U Bluetooth Receiver and so far I like it a lot. The built-in Bluetooth works great with my iPhone and the handsfree sounds great. I love the audio streaming capability and also the front panel USB port is convenient.

The only downside so far is that the Sony has blue lighting which doesn't match well with the Mini's orange dash lighting.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ef=oss_product

Here's the adapter parts I used:

Antenna adapter:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ef=oss_product

Wiring harness adapter:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ef=oss_product

Trim panel:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ef=oss_product

I did order the Metra Axxess ASWC steering wheel interface, but discovered that it is not compatible (according to the information on their web site).

I'll probably order a PAC-SWI eventually.

Hope this helps someone!

Alan

 

Try the Axxess. I contacted them and this is what they said:

"[FONT=Courier New][SIZE=2]The AXXESS ASWC should work for your vehicle and with that head unit. However, we have not physically tested that vehicle so there is a possibility that it will not work. If you chose to try our ASWC with your vehicle please contact us to verify whether it worked or not. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Courier New][SIZE=2]I have attached the vehicle specific instructions for you that your Mini should use. Also you can call us at 1-800-253-TECH if you need further assistance.[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Courier New][SIZE=2]"[/SIZE][/FONT]

I can email you the instructions if you would like. PM your email addy.

 

Too late... I've already shipped it back.

 

I guess I will have to try it then. I will post results.

 

Hello all!

Just installed a Kenwood Excelon KDC-X695 in my wife's 05 Cooper S convertible (no H/K, no nav) and I used the Axxess device instead of the PAC device. The Mini has a white/red stripe/yellow polka dot wire from the digital SWC. This will connect to the Axxess Pink wire, just like it does for the similar vintage BMW's. Result? All steering wheel controls work perfectly, as does the head unit. Much better sound than the stock (Alpine) HU.

Regards, Jim

 

I just put in a new radio for my 2006 Mini Cooper S with a JVC KDR820B. I also put in the Axxess ASWC and got it working after some confusion with it. For other's that are looking in doing this here is my findings to help make things easier for others..

For step #3 I had connected the pink wire from ASWC to pin 9 (white/red stripe/yellow polka dot) of my stock wire harness. That was the only wire I had to do for steering wheel controls.

The instructions it came with did not properly identify how to connect to my after market radio as my unit JVC fell in the "All other radios plug the male 3.5mm connector.." where in reality I had to take the brown wire from the provided 3.5mm plug and connect that to my after market radio (same as step #4 for Kenwood radios).

The auto detect did work for me and I have 6 buttons on my steering wheel. Volume Up, Volume Down, Next, Previous, Phone, and R/T button. The Phone button was set to as "Pause" and the R/T button was set to "Input Change" and the rest of the buttons were mapped as expected. I will be trying to manually program the ASWC to change those two buttons to do the proper mapping as my radio now has hands free calling and want to be able to control that from my steering wheel.

I will be attempting to do the manual programming of the ASWC (hopefully) today to get those 2 buttons mapped correctly.

Cheers!

 

Did you have any luck programming them? If so, how did you get it done?

 

I have not had a chance to manually program the Axxess control. I assume once the weather gets colder (as I usually ride my Scooter during the summer) I will want to get that done. Once I do I'll post my results here

Cheers!

Art

 

I'm trying to get my ASWC working in my 04 MCS. It looks like the R56 folks aren't having any issues, what year is yours?

Cheers,
Duane

 

I have an 04 Mini w/o HK system. I really want to upgrade the head unit but losing the steering wheel controls is not an option for me. I have read all the reviews of the PACs unit and most talk about the slow response of the system That Axxess device does not seem to have this. I called Axxess and got that they don't know if it will work or not. I am looking at getting a JVC head unit because I can match the colors to the interior. Really what to know if anyone has gotten the Axxess to work with the 04 MINI w/o HK. Help a guy out, please.

 

Were you still able to retain the steering wheel controls?
What year model is your MC? I have an 2010 MC hardtop base and I am looking for a similar setup as yours. I want to keep the streering wheel controls intact and working.

 

For steering wheel controls, you want this: http://www.newministuff.com/new/shop...ductshow&id=80