I have a 2005 Mini Cooper with factory radio and MFSW buttons that do not function. I want to add bluetooth and Mp3, etc, and be able to use the MFSW. would I be better off getting the Parrot system phone kit or changing out the factory radio for something like the Kenwood BT52 or BT92 (from www.newministuff.com) I would like XM radio too. I am afraid if I change the radio, it will lower the value of the car because of the way it looks. Any recommendations?

 

Not sure if you're still looking as this is almost a month old but I just installed a Belkin Aircast bluetooth kit. I got mine for $55 but it looks like it's gone up. It works very well and can be used for streaming music and phone calls.

Here's my thread:

Installed a Belkin Aircast

I got mine from amazon

 

Done RIGHT, an aftermarket radio with modern features will not decrese the value imo...if it has tge correct adapters for steering wheel controls, volume/etc, big plus....my guess is the steering wheel was never FULLY installed cause the mfsw was not an option in 05...pretty sure (might depend on the date of production) the mfsw was ended, and the 3 spoke became standard.
I know newmini stuff does make a the connector for the 3 spoke 2005 bluetooth to interface with aftermarket radios...so sure you can get the adaptors for the volume, etc.
But suggestion..if you do swap the radio...have a pro do it..the mini uses non-std connectors on the radio...they supply power up the anteanna wire to a signal amp fuether up the wire...just chopping the end off or using and adaptor that does add power can result in very poor reception.

 

Very few systems support the phone buttons. There is the connects2/parrot route and the TK30 route with adaptor. Check out newministuff and DICE media bridge.

There is no reason why your MFSW should not function with the factory radio. It just needs power, GND and iBus.