Hi everyone. I have a 2006 Mini, made July 2006, and the battery had to be removed to do some body work. Now the radio reads -disabled-. I get different answers from dealers - one says there is a code on the back of the radio, one says it doesn't need a code, another says it has to be hooked up to a machine to reset. There is nothing in my owners manual with a code. Does anyone know how to fix this problem?

Thanks so much,
Regina

 

Welcome to NAM
You might want to ask here: 1st Gen Audio & Navigation

 

A 2006 MINI radio doesn't use a security code, although older radios did (ca. 2003). A 2006 MINI radio enables itself when it detects that it is connected to the car's iBus data bus. This provides some level of security. If the radio is stolen, it won't work if installed in another brand of car, but it can be freely transferred to another MINI and start working when plugged in (no code required).

For some reason, your radio doesn't detect an iBus connection, and that's why it disabled itself. The first thing I'd try is to reset the car's electronics by disconnecting the battery for 30 minutes.

The person on this forum who is the most knowledgeable about the topic is GBMINI (Ian Cull). He helped someone to get a MINI radio working in a Porsche by using a circuit to fool the radio that it is connected to an iBus: http://www.gbmini.net/wp/2007/12/mini_stereo_in_porsche/

 

I am so grateful for your advice. I will give it a try and see if that works. If not, I will contact the lead you gave me.

God bless you!
Regina