Navigation & Audio 2007 Double Din Install
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
EVERY single Mini is going to have the 50 pin cable from the front of the faceplate to the cluster (which is SILVER). The ribbon cable in issue is the one from the CHASSIS to the faceplate (which differs). For instance mine was a 28 pin 1mm pitch.
Wow. Between this and the install for setting up satellite radio my head is spinning. I just got my mini last week and have been trying to find out what the easiest way to get satellite radio is and my head is spinning.
I have an alpine deck with it built it and would like that but the amount of hours required/technical knowledge is mind blowing. Hopefully someone does a write up soon! Thanks for the info so far guys.
I have an alpine deck with it built it and would like that but the amount of hours required/technical knowledge is mind blowing. Hopefully someone does a write up soon! Thanks for the info so far guys.
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 987
Likes: 0
From: Cannon AFB, Clovis, New Mexico
It hits the ring around the speedo. I have mine in the lower slot just so the screen is usable but eventually I'm going to mod the speedo ring so the screen will open up fully.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,342
Likes: 4
From: Youngsville, NC, USA
That is good to know as well. Sorry no pics yet. I actually have not tidy-ed up yet.
For the sirius person - if you have a radio now and you want to put it in, drop the $144 on the ebay kit and you are done. The clock and maintenance stuff still work.
It is only super hard to do it you are putting an amp and sub in your trunk.
You should have no problems with yours. Get the sirius antenna wire though.
(will need to do search). This is the wire you put under your seat that uses
the car antenna for your own XM radio.
For the sirius person - if you have a radio now and you want to put it in, drop the $144 on the ebay kit and you are done. The clock and maintenance stuff still work.
It is only super hard to do it you are putting an amp and sub in your trunk.
You should have no problems with yours. Get the sirius antenna wire though.
(will need to do search). This is the wire you put under your seat that uses
the car antenna for your own XM radio.
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Tigard, OR
Sorry, I tried to reply before but the log-in timed out or something and thus didn't post.
You can replace the radio without retaining the factory HU BUT the display will be dead in the cluster and you won't be able to change the clock in the car if your battery ever dies/gets disconnected, etc. so your maintenance reminded won't work/will be off and you'll have the exclamation mark on your tach stating the time and date needs to be set.
To retain the factory radio you need to do this.
Remove the cluster (radio included). There is the black front piece that the cd goes into. That piece has a 50 pin SILVER ribbon cable going from the "faceplate" of the radio to the speedo/cluster screen. This ribbon cable will remain the same.
Coming from the MAIN radio chassis will be a short WHITE ribbon cable (# of pins varies, my girlfriend's had a 28, some have 40, some have 38 or whatever, just count them). The WHITE ribbon cable is the one you are going to replace with a longer one for the following steps.
Remove the housing bracket behind the radio and cluster (IIRC it was 6 t-20s). Place the radio chassis behind the bracket and put the bracket back in place. Make sure the newly replaced WHITE ribbon cable and ran down to where the radio sat previously.
So the "faceplate" I spoke of earlier is going to be connected to the WHITE ribbon cable you just dropped AND the SILVER ribbon cable that goes back up to the cluster. mount it up and out of the way to ensure it will not touch the chassis of the new radio (as the chassis most typically will act as a ground).
You can replace the radio without retaining the factory HU BUT the display will be dead in the cluster and you won't be able to change the clock in the car if your battery ever dies/gets disconnected, etc. so your maintenance reminded won't work/will be off and you'll have the exclamation mark on your tach stating the time and date needs to be set.
To retain the factory radio you need to do this.
Remove the cluster (radio included). There is the black front piece that the cd goes into. That piece has a 50 pin SILVER ribbon cable going from the "faceplate" of the radio to the speedo/cluster screen. This ribbon cable will remain the same.
Coming from the MAIN radio chassis will be a short WHITE ribbon cable (# of pins varies, my girlfriend's had a 28, some have 40, some have 38 or whatever, just count them). The WHITE ribbon cable is the one you are going to replace with a longer one for the following steps.
Remove the housing bracket behind the radio and cluster (IIRC it was 6 t-20s). Place the radio chassis behind the bracket and put the bracket back in place. Make sure the newly replaced WHITE ribbon cable and ran down to where the radio sat previously.
So the "faceplate" I spoke of earlier is going to be connected to the WHITE ribbon cable you just dropped AND the SILVER ribbon cable that goes back up to the cluster. mount it up and out of the way to ensure it will not touch the chassis of the new radio (as the chassis most typically will act as a ground).
I was able to set the clock on the steering
computer button after my dual din install. This was performed without retaining the stock stereo/computer.
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
Well I can tell you with complete certainty that the 2011 MCS that my girlfriend has, has absolutely no way to set the clock right now without the factory radio in it. I've gone through the menu numerous times.
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
The 08's and 07's which I've done you can change the clock/date through the tach. cluster no problem.
Last edited by NFrazier; Jun 20, 2012 at 08:11 PM.
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Bergen, Norway
Pioneer AVIC-F40BT installed
I've just had my original stereo ("wave"-pack) replaced. My Focal front set tweeter is mounted in new oem A pillars. The new head-unit is a double din Pioneer AVIC-F40BT. The original head-unit only displayed a clock and track/radiostation. I don't think I will miss that. The only thing i might miss is the warning sound. I just have to watch out for the triangular warning sign displayed in the tachometer above the steering wheel. I also got an Alpine PDX-V9 (4-channel + Mono Digital Power Amplifier) It powers a 12" Rockford Fosgate sub in the trunk.
Boomshackalacka!
Boomshackalacka!
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
I've just had my original stereo ("wave"-pack) replaced. My Focal front set tweeter is mounted in new oem A pillars. The new head-unit is a double din Pioneer AVIC-F40BT. The original head-unit only displayed a clock and track/radiostation. I don't think I will miss that. The only thing i might miss is the warning sound. I just have to watch out for the triangular warning sign displayed in the tachometer above the steering wheel. I also got an Alpine PDX-V9 (4-channel + Mono Digital Power Amplifier) It powers a 12" Rockford Fosgate sub in the trunk.
Boomshackalacka!
Boomshackalacka!
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 232
Likes: 1
From: Israel
How do i get a replacement for that 50 pin ribbon cable?
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Bergen, Norway
Thanks for the tip! It has been mounted and works fine! The chime/gong were BMW-ian at first, but changed to Mini after a few minutes.
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 403
Likes: 3
From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Still running my whole rig off the factory deck with an MS8. Considering this change as either I don't know how to manually tune with the MS8 because I'm a moron or this MS8 is limited in what you can manually do with it. So considering a new head unit now.
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 85
Likes: 1
From: Istanbul / Turkey
I have one tricky question. Now that I put the original stereo in the back of the tach, I can't reach the power button. I want to reach it because a stupid friend of mine has touched the audio buttons on the tach, and now the stereo is on. Every time I start the car i see the AUX menu. Is there a way to turn it off without having to take the dashboard apart?
Thanks.
Thanks.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
best thread, ever.
i think you can try pressing the clock button and see if the car starts with the clock display. but then if you're a bit OCD you'll know that the useless radio behind your tach is on and it's drawing power and such and then you'll have to remove everything to turn it off anyway.
just ordered my cable, going to begin this fun and challenging project. cheers to everybody who have provided useful questions and useful answers. i am so happy because i have never disliked a factory stereo as much as this Mini Boost. ah i'm so happy.
i think you can try pressing the clock button and see if the car starts with the clock display. but then if you're a bit OCD you'll know that the useless radio behind your tach is on and it's drawing power and such and then you'll have to remove everything to turn it off anyway.
just ordered my cable, going to begin this fun and challenging project. cheers to everybody who have provided useful questions and useful answers. i am so happy because i have never disliked a factory stereo as much as this Mini Boost. ah i'm so happy.
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Tigard, OR
I have one tricky question. Now that I put the original stereo in the back of the tach, I can't reach the power button. I want to reach it because a stupid friend of mine has touched the audio buttons on the tach, and now the stereo is on. Every time I start the car i see the AUX menu. Is there a way to turn it off without having to take the dashboard apart?
Thanks.
Thanks.
1st Gear
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Soo.... I've read through this whole thread twice.
From what I gather the 50pin is from the board to the cluster which is retained. I am looking for the White Ribbon from the radio to the circuit board.
Does anyone have a definite answer on theWhite Ribbon Cable for 2011? Any insight or clarity is much appreciated. Ebay links are most helpful.
From what I gather the 50pin is from the board to the cluster which is retained. I am looking for the White Ribbon from the radio to the circuit board.
Does anyone have a definite answer on theWhite Ribbon Cable for 2011? Any insight or clarity is much appreciated. Ebay links are most helpful.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 103
Likes: 3
From: Leicester, UK
Wow, very interesting thread, excellent work.
I have just replaced the factory stereo in my sept 2010 Mini Cooper D, it has the black face stereo and fascia over the older silver face.
I would like to retain the original screen to fit back into the speedo section but can someone tell me what cables I will need to do this please?
Thanks
I have just replaced the factory stereo in my sept 2010 Mini Cooper D, it has the black face stereo and fascia over the older silver face.
I would like to retain the original screen to fit back into the speedo section but can someone tell me what cables I will need to do this please?
Thanks
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,342
Likes: 4
From: Youngsville, NC, USA
I have done this but I don't have pics.
JVC dvd player alpine F545 amp and powered sub.
Let me know if you need help.
It was not worth my time/energy effort to retain the factory
CD player pushed up into the dash and waiting for a little wire
to come from Bangkok/Myamer/Borneo or whatever.
I do not even notice the absence of the buttons now (looked shocking at first
but now looks normal to me)
JVC dvd player alpine F545 amp and powered sub.
Let me know if you need help.
It was not worth my time/energy effort to retain the factory
CD player pushed up into the dash and waiting for a little wire
to come from Bangkok/Myamer/Borneo or whatever.
I do not even notice the absence of the buttons now (looked shocking at first
but now looks normal to me)
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 103
Likes: 3
From: Leicester, UK
I have done this but I don't have pics.
JVC dvd player alpine F545 amp and powered sub.
Let me know if you need help.
It was not worth my time/energy effort to retain the factory
CD player pushed up into the dash and waiting for a little wire
to come from Bangkok/Myamer/Borneo or whatever.
I do not even notice the absence of the buttons now (looked shocking at first
but now looks normal to me)
JVC dvd player alpine F545 amp and powered sub.
Let me know if you need help.
It was not worth my time/energy effort to retain the factory
CD player pushed up into the dash and waiting for a little wire
to come from Bangkok/Myamer/Borneo or whatever.
I do not even notice the absence of the buttons now (looked shocking at first
but now looks normal to me)
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,342
Likes: 4
From: Youngsville, NC, USA
I do not have any readings. I really never used that stuff anyway except maybe the average mpg, which I can still get on the tach. And even then I would just be comparing it to the actual real calculated by me numbers.
I do miss the clock though.
But nothing was worth the risk of having the old radio come on and the only
way to turn it off would be to take the dash out again.
This was a hard install to me, to get it all worked out. Hardest ever.
I do miss the clock though.
But nothing was worth the risk of having the old radio come on and the only
way to turn it off would be to take the dash out again.
This was a hard install to me, to get it all worked out. Hardest ever.
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 403
Likes: 3
From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
@ Mini///M - so far I don't know anyone that has. I think a lot are upgrading to the D-DIN to add NAV. A few of us are also looking for better sound as well.
We should definitively state what the flat cable requirements are for the various years. Only thing is this. I haven't seen anyone post for an '08 to confirm if this or '09 was the change over year. Mind you, I should be doing my '08 soon. So maybe I'll be the first to be able to confirm. Just hope that cable I bought off Gtecho is correct (32 pin). Live and learn
So far the plan for my '08 is to stuff the factory unit up in behind the tach with the extended cable and go from there. Only thing I'm missing now is the junk to maintain the factory controls on the steering wheel. My question there is should that be done while the dash is all apart or can it be retrofitted in after??
Oh yeah, the other BIG thing I'm missing is an actual double DIN head unit. Anyone have any recommendations !??!?!? They range from being fairly reasonable in price to totally over the top in the $1500+ range. Looking for something good but middle of the road. And the NAV has to be good.
We should definitively state what the flat cable requirements are for the various years. Only thing is this. I haven't seen anyone post for an '08 to confirm if this or '09 was the change over year. Mind you, I should be doing my '08 soon. So maybe I'll be the first to be able to confirm. Just hope that cable I bought off Gtecho is correct (32 pin). Live and learn
So far the plan for my '08 is to stuff the factory unit up in behind the tach with the extended cable and go from there. Only thing I'm missing now is the junk to maintain the factory controls on the steering wheel. My question there is should that be done while the dash is all apart or can it be retrofitted in after??
Oh yeah, the other BIG thing I'm missing is an actual double DIN head unit. Anyone have any recommendations !??!?!? They range from being fairly reasonable in price to totally over the top in the $1500+ range. Looking for something good but middle of the road. And the NAV has to be good.
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 403
Likes: 3
From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
And back from the dead. I have SOLD that JBL MS8. It's gone. I could not get it to do what I wanted to. Anyways, what I have in hand now is a Metra kit for the double DIN, the ASWC-1, the PAC TR7 video by-pass, antenna adaptor, 32 pin ribbon cable but no head unit. May pick up a Pioneer DDIN this week. Anyways, getting close to make this install happen. Been a long time coming. 