I've read all the posts and conviced myself that I need this.

I went to outmotoring and minimania for the aux jack only to find out it doesn't work on an '02.

Anyone know a solution?

Will a later model radio fit in an '02?

I want to avoid an aftermarket radio.

 

Yes, any radio from any year is compatible. They come up regularly on eBay at reasonable prices.

 

Ok, so I found a radio on ebay...

don't I need the theft lock code?

 

Are you sure the aux won't fit on your '02? I had an '02 and put an AUX jack in (the OEM AUX jack). The very first MINIs had radios that it would not fit, but midyear onthey do. It is much cheaper than buying a whole radio.

The Aux plugs into the plug where a CD changer would go. If you put your hand in the back of the radio on the driver's side you can feel it on the left rear edge/bottom (or see if you use a mirror or can get your head in there).

I plugged mine in in both my '02 and '03 by feel--disn't even take anything apart.

You'll be really upset if you buy a radio and when you take out the ole one you see that plug...

 

Every place that sells them has a disclaimer stating that it fits 2003 and above. Supposedly the software in a 2002 prevents this from working.

 

I just told you it worked in mine. The only reason it does not work in some '02s is that they have no jack. The software comment is BS.

 

You'll have to get the aux cable anyway. Maybe get it first and see if it works on your radio.

Lock codes were no longer needed starting around 2004. The radio was changed to use a different method that effectively prevents installation on a non-MINI.

If you get a 2005+ radio, the CD player will also play mp3 discs.

 

I just pulled up the MINIMania pdf it addresses the 2002

http://www.minimania.com/pdfile/NMI7647_INSTR.pdf

What is your build date (inside the driver's side door frame) and is there a jack on the back of your radio where I told you to look?

As rkw said, get the AUX cable and tr it if your build date is compatible, you will need it even if you get a new radio.

 

Yeah, 9/02 build date. My car was at the very start of aux input compatibility. It was easy to install by feel, as cigarman said.

 

Had the wife take a look at the build date (its her car)...just my luck August. I won't be able to get my hands on it until later in the week to see if it jas the jack.

I'll report back!

 

I think mine was an August date and it had the newer radio with the CD changer option. You might also want to look in your book that describes the radio.

Good luck.

 

Looks like I have an empty jack!!!

So it's not a software issue with me, and I do have that spare jack.

Too bad I can't buy the jack locally while I have everything taken apart.

Thanks everyone for your help!

 

Congrats. If you know where the jack goes you will ahve no problem in reaching in a plugging it. I did it for the '02 I had, removed it and put it in the '03. the last time it took me all of 5 minutes to plug it in.

I mentioned I have the OEM cable and got it from Morristown Mini. It took about 2 days to get it and it cost about 40 bucks. The ones from aftermarket were much more expensive and offered no more.

I fished mine to my Euroshelf and out the jack in the cutout where a sxwitch would go. You may want to consider putting the end in the glovebox or wer you can put your ipod/mp3 player.

Again, congrats and always have faith.

 

I'm gonna sit and wait for the mailman for the jack. In the meantime, I wanna figure out how I could make the jack fit in the toggle switch area.

I got the pic from another forum, but his DIY was not there...just the pic I attached.

 

Couldn't wait...found a dealer with the jack in stock...

Installed and it works!

2002 with a build date of August '02, and it works.

Thanks everyone for your help!!!

 

Hey, sorry to resurrect a dead thread, but I just got an iPod and I'm looking into getting an aux input in my MINI.

I just checked and my build date is April of '02... Is there a solution for cars as old as mine that don't involve getting a new head unit (that sounds expensive)? Thanks.

 

before you go looking for a solution (the only one is updating your head unit) take out the radio or look in the back with a mirror to see if your radio has the empty plug.

 

From what I have gathered from reading the forums for the past few hours, my head unit might have the jack but still not work with an aux cable. Is this true?

 

I have a very early build 2003. The factory aux kit will work on your car and it's not a very difficult install.. Mine's been trouble free since I put it in 6 1/2 years ago.

 

I replaced a head unit in an Apr'02 build - the aux-in didn't work on that model. MINI head units aren't expensive, maybe $50-$100. I've still got my original '04 head unit (upgraded to the mp3 version.) If you're interested, just PM.