Hello all. Excited about my new old Mini. I'm sure this question is oft repeated, but I can't seem to find an answer that I understand. I'd like to install an aftermarket stereo in my '03 Mini, and I just need to find a convenient switched 12v source that I can hook my red wire to.

Thanks for any insight.

 

Any reason you wouldn't just use the OEM head unit power source?

 

I bought a wiring adapter that includes yellow and black wires for continuous power (to maintain radio presets, etc,), but the red wire (for power only when the ignition is on) is separate. Apparently, I'm expected to find my own switched 12v +.

 

Cigarette lighter?

 

According to the wiring diagrams...

At the back of the OEM head unit, the purple/blue wire on connector A pin 16 (Accessory) is switched power.
You should have found constant power on the red/brown wire on pin 15 (Battery).

 

Thanks! That's the information I needed.

 

Im in the same boat. Did it work?

 

That should work , its pin 15. make sure if it had a aftermarket before someone did not cut and hack up the wires, its happens with stereo shops.

 

so this will eliminate the need to reprogram the radio every time i start the car? Ive never had this problem in the 9 or so cars Ive owned.

 

Pin 15 is constant power for memory power. This is for aftermarket applications. Some people wire it wrong then lose memory on aftermarket head units.

Factory head units should not have and issue unless someone added a aftermarket unit and hacked up the old wires and tried to reconnect it.