I really need a way to play MP3's in my MINI!

Since I have an early early '02 build car my stock unit won't recognize the aux input cable or I would go that route.

That leaves me three choices:

1. a newer MINI radio (to add an aux cable to)
2. a newer MINI radio that plays MP3 CD's (if they exist)
3. aftermarket

I've heard that there were a few later model years for the R53 MINI that the stock head unit played burnt MP3 Cd's. Does anybody have a part number for that model and /or pics? and would that model work with the steering wheel controls on an '02?

My last resort is to get an aftermarket unit and lose the steering wheel controls...please help!

 

#2 - OEM head unit from an '05 will play MP3s (AND you can add aux-in as well!) Visually they are different in that the volume **** is larger and has ridges vs. the itty bitty eraser **** on the pre- '05s. MFSW works with it as well.

 

I just have my CD burning application convert the MP3s to "CD quality", or something like that. It's been a while since I've burnt a CD.

 

Is it the one that looks almost identical to the '02 but just with a bigger ****? I'm assuming that it will be the same for 05-06-07 as well? Is there anything else that would show that it plays mp3's?

Also I dug up a part number CD53 R50 can anybody confirm if this is the right stereo?

Thanks for all your help!

 

OEM headunits come up regularly in eBay. Check their build date for MP3 capability. I see two available right now that will play MP3 -- item #290224050819 and item #200217900659.

 

Shweet thats just what I was looking for! Thanks rkw!!

 

Grab those links quit, people. They'll soon be deleted by mods.

 

Got 'em! thanks for the heads up rabbit... and sorry MODs...no harm intended.

 

Oh they're so evil with their ebay NAZIness.

 

my 2004 R50 doesn't play MP3 discs...so grab one out of an '05 or '06 R50 or R53....since the two cars probably have the exact same audio system.

 

Also, if you find a "Euro Boost" radio like the GP and late '06 cars got (made by Siemens rather than Alpine), it will play MP3 files and accept the aux input as well. Like the other '05/'06 head units, it's also a drop-in replacement for the earlier head units (although I seem to recall there being something different about the early '02 harness compared to the later years.)

Here's an '06 MP3-compatible head unit (Alpine):


And here's the "Euro Boost" head unit from another '06 (Siemens):

 

...so, the stock boost stereo is made by alpine?

NO WONDER the bluetooth add-on is unreasonably expensive!

 

UPDATE: I picked up a stereo out of a '05 MCS and I must say it Rocks!

It plays the MP3's great and the steering wheel controls still work too. But the best part is the sound quality is way up! Much cleaner, louder and more bass than the old one ever had. If your an 02-03 owner I highly recommend upgrading to a newer one to maintain the factory look and get a lot better sound! For 100 bucks you cant beat it.

 

So an '05 head unit was a drop-in replacement for your early '02 unit? That's great to hear. I don't know where I heard the harness was different for the '02, but it's good to know that's not necessarily the case.

 

someone please show me where to get an '05/'06 stereo? my '04 doesnt play MP3s, and i want that feature, but i dont want to lose steering wheel controls, so no aftermarket stereos for me.

 

There is on one eBay right now. if you hurry up you can "Buy it Now" for $99.00+shipping. The seller is Kazwellkarz item # 290226756607

Thats the guy I got mine off of and it works great.

 

I recently recieved my head unit from the seller (I bought the 2nd one, whata a deal!!), so will be installing tonight. Is this head unit compatible with iPod integration? How hard is it to install?

 

Nice job TeknoTexan!

They are super easy to install you can see the How-To here: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=84200

All you really need is a torx screwdriver set.
It took me about half an hour.

As far as ipod integration goes: yes your unit should be compatible; depends on which method you want to use; there are lots of threads on it here:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...archid=4133732

 

my 03 r53 has a stock head unit (non harmon) and it plays mp3 cds. is this not normal or something or has mine been swapped out by the previous owner?

 

Yes, it looks like you got lucky. It wasn't till late '04 or early '05 that the stock Alpine started to have MP3 CD support.

 

First thing I tried when I got my 2003 MCS was to use a CD with MP3's on it, and it worked fine in the stereo. Mines a 08/03 build...now if only the Sirius add-on wasnt $560?!?!?! Someone must have been smoking a crack pipe when they created that pricing!