I have a factory ipod setup in my r53. The car is an 05, so the cord is old and doesn't charge with my iphone4....I'm going on a 9 hour ride tomorrow and always use spotify on my iphone while plugged in, but the batt will die since the charger "isn't compatible" or whatever....I believe I just need to plug a newer cord in and run it through the glovebox but I have no idea how. thanks!

 

See instructions here: http://www.gbmini.net/wp/2005/04/new..._installation/

 

Are you just playing Spotify through an aux input? I wouldn't have thought it was possible to play Spotify through a 1st gen factory iPod adapter. The cable would run to an adapter box, which has another cable running to the headunit. I'm not sure where the adapter box is usually placed (somewhere behind the stereo or dash).

In an 05, you don't have to completely remove the downtubes:

1. Remove the torx screws (2 on each side) on the downtubes of the center console stack.
2. Pull each downtube down about an inch, releasing its top from where it is inserted into the dash
3. At this point, you can spread the tops of the downtubes apart and expose the mounting screws for the center stack components

This photo courtesy of GBMINI/Ian Cull:

 

I'm also in need of an aux cord installation. So after doing the above ^^, I should simply be able to plug in an aux cord and run it through the glove box correct?

 

If your hands aren't too large, it's possible to plug in the aux cable without pulling the headunit. Some people have been successful by simply reaching around to the back of the stereo on the left side. It should be plugged in at the lower left corner. If you can reach in and feel where it goes, you might try it.

Mount the other end of the aux cord anywhere, according to your preference. I didn't want mine in the glovebox and put it in the center console storage area.

 

I know I didn't specify earlier but I have an '05 mini coop...idk if that matters. My car is supposed to be aux port capable or something along those lines (the original custom order details/owners manual state that). So it should have this accessibility in the picture you posted, correct?

 

Yes the head unit on your car supports the Aux-in functionality (early '02 models didn't.) The interiors are the same, so yes, you can either plug the aux in with the head unit installed, or pull the head unit then plug it in.

 

Thanks fellas!

 

try one of these....it might solve your charging issue.

http://www.scosche.com/consumer-tech/product/1667