Hello everyone,

I just bought my first mini last week. It's a 2002 base model, which has a stock radio with a single CD player. I am not familiar with mini and after reading about some products to adapt my radio to use my ipod, I am completely confused. I do not want to replace the stock radio, just listen to my ipod through it. Please help, thanks.

 

In my '05 MCc I had a DICE silverline ipod adapter installed. I bought it on Amazon and used it problem free for years until I traded in the car. The stereo controls on the steering wheel worked and it also charged my ipod/iphone.

 

Models prior to January 2003 do not have an AUX jack on the back of the stereo, so there is no provision to add the AUX adapter (which is a 3.5mm jack). You can opt to replace the stereo with a later model. You should be able to find one in the FS section here or on E-Bay for $50 or so. The only other option is to get an FM broadcaster that plugs into the lighter/auxilary power socket. Results with them are hit-and-miss.

 

If you're gonna go with buying a new head unit, might as well make the effort and buy one from 04-06, those ones can play MP3 cds. Easy way to tell is the volume ****– yours looks like a pencil eraser, the ones you want have a much larger volume ****.

 

So will a later stock radio fit right in and hook up easily or is there wiring adjustments or modifications that would have to be done to fit into the 1 din?

 

Plug and play. Center stack never changed in all years of the R50/53.

 

OK, so I am searching for a new head unit from 04-06, that plays MP3 cds, and has the larger volume ****, rather than mine that looks like a pencil eraser. The problem is they all say that they will not fit 2002 minis. Is this true? Any ideas?

 

That's not true. All 1st-gen MINI head units are interchangeable. They all use a quick-release wiring harness. The two AUX and CD changer leads plug in "through" a blank area of the harness after it's mounted.

I have an extra head unit with MP3 capability. $50 if you are interested. I also have the MP3 CD changer. I bought it brand new off E-Bay last year for $330. $200 and it's yours. Or you can opt for a regular CD changer (non-MP3); that's $50. Plus shipping (should not be too much).

So you know what's involved, each one of the stereo pillars has two torx-bit screws that have to be removed. To get to the ones on the driver's side, you have to drop the panel below the steering wheel. That requires using a long screwdriver and pressing down in the gap underneath. Once the screws are removed, just slide the pillars left-and-right. You then need a phillips head screwdriver to remove the four screws from the front faceplate. There is a rubber (or nylon) screw that has to be removed from the post to get the wiring harness/loom off the back of the unit.

 

....how about an FM wireless transmitter...should do the trick, under $25

 

OP I'm where you are at, I have been doing extensive research on this, here are the plug and play options I have found:

Dice Silverline Duo:
http://diceelectronics.com/duo-ipod-sirius

Dice Media Bridge + bluetooth:
http://diceelectronics.com/media-bridge-info

USA Spec:
http://usaspec.com/product.php?ProductID=18

GTA Car Kit:
http://www.gtacarkits.com/mini_coope...06_car_kit.php

Neo Prolink:
http://www.neocaraudio.com/cars/2006_MINI_COOPER

I'm debating between the Neo Prolink and the Dice Media Bridge since they both have bluetooth for phone calls which I think will be great.

I've had nothing but excellent success with USA Spec

 

To clarify, the older head units DO have the physical connection for the Aux-in, but they don't recognize the Aux-in. It's a firmware issue.

As others have said, it's all plug and play, I replaced a friend's '02 unit with a later model and added the aux-in.