Hi there folks,

We just bought my wife a 2003 Mini Cooper S, and I have some questions about upgrading the Head unit (aka Receiver) on the car (Our car does not have any Nav built in, but it does have the Harmon Kardon sound system).

I'm looking at either a Pioneer AVH unit, or an Oxygen Audio O2. They're both Single DIN units, so I won't have to move around the A/C Controls or the Options Toggle Switches.

Though, my questions are as follows:

1) Is it possible to get the OEM Steering Wheel Buttons to work with the new Receiver? The MFSW we have is the double sided one (with buttons at the thumbs, and rocker switches on the backside for volume and channel selection). I have read a bit about the Axxess kits, but am unclear if those are jut new mountable buttons, or if it provides access to aftermarket components using the pre-existing MFSW.

2) Is it necessary to get a DICE kit to make an iPhone work with this type of setup? I'm kind of unclear what they are for, unless it's totally in lieu of getting a new Deck in favor of just getting a cable hookup instead to the pre-existing receiver.

3) Would either of these units require an adapter or hacking off of cabling to be able to replace the original unit?

4) Has anyone had any experience with either of these units, and if so would you recommend them?

Thanks for all the help.

Best,

JYHASH

 

1.) Yes. You will need a signal adapter. Most are head unit dependent. PAC Audio makes a whole suite of products to fit your needs. The PAC SWI-RC looks most applicable to your project and costs about $90. I use a PAC adapter in my setup. The controls will not be exactly as responsive as they are currently, but will work very well.

2.) No, it is not. That kit is designed to intergrate with the factory radio. Your aftermarked head unit will have it's own connector for iPod intergration. Usually it's a $50-$100 cable if it's not already included in the package. I'd check to make sure you select one that does.

3.) You would want something called a Reverse Wiring Harness. This will be a female connector that will plug inline with the male factory connector preventing cutting. Whilst I could not find the specific model number needed for your vehicle I know Crutchfield sells the harness for about $15. Generally this is included free or at a discount with purchase if you choose them as your vendor.

4.) I have no input. I've not personally owned a head unit from Pioneer as I found them to usually be more flash than audio substance. I'm not at all familiar with Oxygen Audio.

 

JYHASH,

I am picking up my Oxygen audio unit today, and planning on installing it myself this weekend. I was wondering which way you went with your HU...and if you have anything to share if you did go with the Oxygen. Did you use PAC-SWI-RC or PAC-SWI-JACK for your steering wheel controls, and if so, did they work?

Any info would be much appreciated.

Cheers,
Vee.

 

Better to go with the pre-built conversion harnesses at http://www.newministuff.com/. I just ordered one for installing an Alpine CDA-9885 unit. I plan on posting pics and/or writeup as soon as I am done with the job. I chose it because I went through the trouble of buying one of the OEM MP3 CD changers, which is Alpine-made for MINI/BMW.

When you go to the audio section there, you will need: harness, aerial adaptor (plate for mounting the stereo), and the antenna adaptor to convert the OEM antenna to the standard U.S. plug. The site is in the UK, so it will take a little time for the package to ship.

 

I just installed an alpine head in my 04 w HK. I used the SWI-PC and it works good.
Problem is the ohms of the factory speakers to the head. 02ohm set up is not ideal at all for a heads amp to push.

 

Hey did the oxygen audio unit fit? Just to be clear, it's the o'car iPhone your referring right? I am looking at one for my 03 mini but I want to make sure it will fit? I tried searching the web for more info but there's not much. Also, let me know if there is any special wiring/kit required, not looking to spend an extra 100 or 2 if possible.

 

You will need the HK Enabler adapter: http://www.newministuff.com/new/shop...uctshow&id=116

 

I have an 04 MCS with the enabler and it works great, but I've never been able to get my MFSW to work.

I bought the axxess aswc unit but have found it does not support my car. I would try to use Mike's plug and play adapter but I already have the enabler installed and do not know how to integrate the two. Does anyone know if this is an easy job? Does anyone know if the PAC unit would work with the HK enabler?

I want my steering wheel controls back so badly!

 

I know this is an older thread, but I just installed a new head unit in my 2003 mini, I am using the PAC SWI-RC adapter and have not been able to get it to work. It took a while, but we founf the white with red and dots wire in the steering column, tapped into that, "programmed" the PAC unit and it does not work. Do any of you using the PAC unit have any more details on how you got it to work?

Please and Thank you.

 

I bought the PAC unit from Crutchfield when I bought my Kenwood head unit. It seemed pretty straight forward. After several calls to the Crutchfield Tech help line and a few different wiring choices and several programing try's I finally gave up on the PAC unit working. $100 not well spent. I have one for sale if you know anyone looking. Ive learned to reach for the HU to change channels and volume. Its not a perfect world I live in. Good luck.