I bought the Axxess - ASWC unit, so I could use my Steering wheel controls with my Pioneer Head Unit. I was using a PAC unit, but it didn't work right, and I hardly ever used the MFSW controls. I had a hard time finding wiring instructions for my 2002 MCS (R53), and had decided to return it. In the instructions included, and online, it tells how to install in the R56 starting at 2007. Before I left to return it, I emailed the company asking for help. They got back to me right away, with a link to the info I needed.

All I had to do, was use the pink wire, and hook it up to the white/red/yellow dot wire at the harness. Power (red), Ground (black) wires hook up normally.
With the old unit, I had to run a wire to the white/red/yellow dot wire inside the steering column.

I had a terrible time finding this info, and thought I'd pass it along to my fellow MINIacs.

The Axxess unit works just like the factory setup did, plus you can program the buttons to functions you want.
I know a lot of people tried and failed to get this unit to work, and took it back. I almost did, and now I'm glad I have it!!

 

Funny, I was going to post this exact same thing. I just updated my unit after failing to get it to work when I bought my car in Feb.

In my case, with the HK enabler I connected the pink wire to the blue wire on the connector, which lines up with Pin 9 (red/yellow) on the harness.

Works great!

 

So I should be able to get the Axxess unit working on a '03 Mini with Nav and an HK enabler? About to try it.

 

Yes although it stopped working last week out of nowhere. Not sure if a wire came lose or the thing just reset itself. Will be taking a look this weekend.

 

Yeah, hopefuly it's something simple. Thanks for the quick response.

 

My MINI doesn't have the HK system..... If you have trouble though, I am in contact with the guy who makes the HK enabler, (Ian Cull), and I can ask for any info/ideas he might have. My setup is still working great!

 

I appreciate the feedback. I ordered the following parts:

ISO socket connector kit
Navigation interface
HK Enabler
Axxess ASWC

Hopefully it will all work.

 

I also had big problems trying to get a new BT enabled radio to link up with the steering wheel controls in my 2006 Mini R53.

Eventually, I was able to tap into the new harness I got from Crutchfield and connect the PINK wire from the ASWC-1 unit. Finally, it recognized it. There are a couple of WHITE/red-stripe wires on the factory harness. You want the one on Pin 9 (If it's there...YMMV)

Doing a "military splice," I just tapped into that with that pink wire. Instantly, I have
Volume +/-
Radio Seek Up/Down.
My R/T button is now Input SELECT: Tuner/Bluetooth Audio/USB/Pandora/Auxiliary Input.
The little phone button is now MUTE, by default.
BONUS: Holding a Long Press on the Up and Down Keys for SEEK will toggle to the next/previous Station you've put in memory.

Crutchfield was very helpful getting all of this straight. The original unit (different number/manufacturer) didn't work for me. Apparently, it works on some Minis.

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-pZgTMr...l-Adapter.html