I have an 02 mini cooper and I'm tired of using the FM tuner to play music from my phone to my cooper. Is there any way to install an AUX cable on a stock HU? I don't have NAV or HK, if that helps.

I would rather not buy a new deck if I don't need to.

 

The short answer is yes. You need to hook up a product called Blitzsafe to the CD exchanger connection in your trunk passenger side access panel and run an audio line (dual RCA to male mini plug) and then connect that mini plug to your headphone jack in your phone.

I had the same hook-up in my 2002 MINI up until when I sold it this summer.

Here is a picture of the product:


And here is a link to the product on Amazon.com.

http://www.amazon.com/Blitzsafe-Auxi.../dp/B0012VTTBC

Now, the good and bad of the set-up.

The good is that as long as you can hook into the mini plug in some way, either by plugging it directly into your phone or by using an adapter you can listen to CD quality sound.

The bad, well, really just the not so good. You have to run the wire from the trunk to the front of the car and snake it around some obstacles or under the seat to hide it so it is not in the way or so it does not look ugly. And unfortunately, your head unit, if it is stock, will not control the playlist on your phone. You will need to do that manually from your phone or iPod or other device.

Now, if you are interested in the Blitzsafe and the cord that you need to run from the Blitzsafe forward then send me a PM and we can talk. It is among some items that I removed from my car in anticipation of using them on my new MINI but the MINI I bought already has some of those options on it so I will be selling them in the marketplace as soon as I get off my lazy butt.

 

I've been looking to add an auxiliary port to my default head unit too. After browsing different threads discussing different methods, I just called the service dept at my local Mini dealership. They said they could put an auxiliary port in my glove box for $105 installed. Personally, I'd rather not have the port in the glove box, but I may go ahead and have them install it and customize it myself later.

 

A 2002 headunit doesn't have capability for an aux port (it was a new feature starting in 2003). Either the service dept wasn't aware of this or didn't know that you have a 2002. You'll have to get an aftermarket adapter such as in ACEkraut11's post, or get a 2003 or newer headunit (look on eBay) along with the aux cable.

 

That's what I thought, and I brought that up with them, but they said it wasn't a problem at all (plus they know my car).

I'd suggest getting in touch with a Mini dealer and asking them.

 

FWIW, you can get a Aux capable head unit and Aux-in for less than $100. The aux-in 'install' only requires plugging it in to the back of the head unit. Then you can install the female end wherever you want, or just leave it dangling somewhere convenient.

 

I went all out with a new HU that has the iPod cable for charging and controlling the iPhone. Also it has blutooth so I can use handsfree as well. Installing the HU was somewhat easy.... But I also installed XM in the right rear cubby, and ran cables underneath the inside panels. Kind of a nightmare, but once I figured out how to remove everything, it was very easy, just time consuming! I actually saved $800 +, according to estimates from Car Toys. I liked the look of factory, but for function I needed an upgrade!