What is the build date cut off for the auxiliary input sold by outmotoring? It says for all '02 MINIs. Mine is a 2003 but built in sept of 2002. If this will not work, what are my options for auxiliary input, short of getting a new head unit.

 

I bought one from them about a year and a half ago that I put in my 2003 MC. Looks exactly like the one they have posted now. It was a super easy install - just had to plug it into the back of the stereo unit and I ended up hiding the input behind the center console. I doubt you would have any problems with the fit. Good luck!

 

What is your build date?

 

I have asked prior, and never given a specific date. I was only told that the only way to tell is to actually view the back of your head unit, and see if there is anywhere to plug in any accessories. If there is you are in luck, if not, a new head unit can be had on eBay fairly cheaply. I have a 07-02, and hate to say, but have been too lazy to take screws out and check if mine is compatible as of yet.

 

I've heard that the older head units have those same plugs, but the firmware does not exist inside to support the aux.

 

Correct - the hardware is the same. I was able to plug the Aux-in into an '02 Cooper head unit, but it didn't recognize the Aux.

 

I was at a rally today where they gave away an AUX input, one of the service techs said 09, 2002 if my memory is correct.

 

Figures mine would be off by 2 months!

 

So a 9/02 build and on will work? or starting after 9/02? I have a 9/02 build...heh heh

 

I can't answer the build date question, but do a search on "another DIY aux install", and it will show you how to make the cable out of a PC cable - very easy and very cheap!
I installed the cable this morning (07/03 build date, so not much help to you), and it works great! Best mod I've done yet

 

If you are wired for a factory cd- changer you have a connector in the pass side rear compartment that you can access and use as a aux port for a ipod or mp3 player. You can get a USA SPEC Aux Interface from Crutchfield item #581DFBMW for $69.99 and 10-12ft long RCA cables to the front under the pass side dash.
I have a 7/02 build date MCS and have a Harman Kardon Drive & Play 1 ($19.99 from Ebay) hooked up to a ipod classic and it works great. I think most if not all early cars have the connector in the rear.

 

I honestly cant say. I am not even 100% sure the original date I gave you is right.

 

I'll have to check if it's wired for the CD changer. I do not think so, when I had the entire rear interior out to experiement in weight savings, I didn't see any wires with plugs at the ready.

There must be hundreds of thread titles with the words Aux and Install in them...

 

The wires-plugs may be wrapped/ covered w tape in the pass side rear compartment. Do a search on cd changer wires and Im sure you can find pics to illustrate this much easier. I know most MINI's wired for it.

 

I found neatly wrapped wires in the passenger side rear, behind the little lid. They are plugged into a box...amp? Kind of a cheesy looking amp if that is what it is.

 

I just checked the window sticker from when the car was new. My car is Auxiliary input ready and prewired for a CD changer. I think I will trust it and order the Auxiliary input.

 

Good Luck!
The install is really easy. The instructions tell you to pull the downtubes and head unit, but I just felt along the back to the cd/radio and plugged the cable in. You can then feed the wire wherever you want the jack.

 

Don't you have to unhook the stereo deck? Is there room to reach behind it? I pulled the knee plate thing out once, I used a flashlight to look around under and behind it all. It will be quite an act of contorsion to get it pluged in.

 

I suppose it depends where you want to place the input jack. I pulled the knee bolster thing under the steering wheel, allowing me to feel the back of the stereo unit. On the back of the unit closer to the driver's side I felt a square hole the same size as the plug for the aux cable. It took a bit of dexterity, but it plugged right in. I then turned on the car to check that the stereo was now showing "AUX" in addition to the radio and CD settings.
I then unscewed the small panel in front of the cupholders (between the down tubes) and removed it. It was then pretty easy to feed the cable inside the center console next to the AC unit and toggle switches. I then marked and drilled the small panel I had removed, mounted the input jack (my MP3 player lives in the so-called cupholder), tucked the wires away, and screwed the panel back on.
It really was pretty simple, and I really didn't have a clue what I was doing
Certainly, pulling the downtubes and head unit will give much more room, as well as alowing you to see the plug connector - but you don't have to. Good Luck!

 

I bought and installed the Aux input today. It works perfectly. The instructions for it say it works for all MINIs built in 9/02 and on.