My '03 MCS come in in a few weeks, and I was wondering if the mp3 connector is in the currently built '03 mini coopers. I know that in January there are alot of the new options becoming available (auto windshield wipers, HK system, ect.) I was hoping mine would have the mp3 connector because I would love to connect my ipod without having to be ghetto and run in through the cassette player.

 

>>My '03 MCS come in in a few weeks, and I was wondering if the mp3 connector is in the currently built '03 mini coopers. I know that in January there are alot of the new options becoming available (auto windshield wipers, HK system, ect.) I was hoping mine would have the mp3 connector because I would love to connect my ipod without having to be ghetto and run in through the cassette player. <<

I did a little checking with MINIUSA as I just took delivery of indie blue '03, and the dealer knew next to nothing about the mp3 player connection. Seems as if we need to provide a connector (RCA or mini8 is the question, though!) and have the service department install it.

Here is the coorespondence:

>>Hey Brett! Thanks for your e-mail.

There is an auxiliary input jack on the back of the stereo face on all 2003 models. It is rather hard to access though, so it is suggested that you have your service advisor install any equipment for you. I hope this helps, let us know if you have any more questions.

LET'S MOTOR.

Emily Hatley
MINI Division
Customer Relations

--Original Message--

Comments: I took delivery of my '03 indie blue on 10/31. The dealer was
unable to tell me how to get my mp3 player connected. Can you help with
this information?

Have 350 miles already. enjoyed a beatiful weekend drive through some fall
colors in the oregon countryside with some extra tasty "twisty bits"
thrown in here and there. What a wonderful car on a perfect fall day!!<<

 

Does anyone have an update on how to install an iPod in an '03 MCS? Thanks.

 

Here is the latest information I have on this subject. I oicked up my 03 Mini on December 7th. It did not include the MP3 port. I too communicated with Mini, I was told that early releases would not include the port, however it could be added by the dealer at a later time. Talking to my dealer (Cincinnati MINI), it could be added when the kits were made availibe "For a Cost". I was taken back by the last part, my understanding was that it would be included. Also discovered that Mini (BMW) has chosen Sirus as a Satellite Radio Provider and that there would be a kit released at a later time.

Hope this helps!

 

Here is the latest information I have on this subject. I oicked up my 03 Mini on December 7th. It did not include the MP3 port. I too communicated with Mini, I was told that early releases would not include the port, however it could be added by the dealer at a later time. Talking to my dealer (Cincinnati MINI), it could be added when the kits were made availibe "For a Cost". I was taken back by the last part, my understanding was that it would be included. Also discovered that Mini (BMW) has chosen Sirus as a Satellite Radio Provider and that there would be a kit released at a later time.

Hope this helps!

 

Ok, I yanked my stereo last night to find these so called "Aux Input", but to no avail. Seems we'll be needing an adaptor that MINI will be making available, supposedly soon. Some people over on mini2 have been told by MINIUSA that they will be available soon, and it'll basically be an extension cord to either the glovebox, or between the downtubes. The other alternative, is the hookup a Blitzsafe to the CD Changer hookup in the back, and run the wires to the front.

 

I had posted this a few days ago on the January Club site, info from AskMini...

Date: Mon Jan 27, 2003 08:56:20 AM PST
Subject: RE:Aux jack in Harmon kardon radi [#55025]


Hello Ron. Thanks for writing into MINI via the Owners Lounge. Where if you have mojo, then you are a VIP.

Actually, all 2003 MINI Cooper and Cooper S models will have the input jack on the back of the selected stereo head unit that will be able to play MP3 players, CD players, PDAs and other desired equipment by the motorist. If your authorized MINI Dealer is unaware of where this feature is or how to access it they should consult the technical support hotline that we have set up for the entire authorized MINI Dealer network for assistance. They will instruct them on where this feature is and how to access it.

Due to the the unusual design of the input jack these accessory equipment items can't be plugged in directly to the outlet for usage. MINI is currently designing an adaptor for the input jack to be used with this equipment, which will be mounted either in the glovebox, dash or somewhere on the console. This should be available within the next 30-60 days.

Please stay in touch with your authorized MINI Dealer and with us here at MINI Division for the availability of this adaptor.

Additionally, the CD player or optional CD changer can play CD R and CD RW disks.

For additional questions, please continue to stay in touch with us via the Owners Lounge.

LET'S MOTOR.

James Frost
MINI Division
Customer Relations

 

This should be available within the next 30-60 days.
>>



I just got off the phone with Ask-MINI and they said they pushed the expected release date back to "at least March" from "the next few weeks". Makes you wonder what goes into this adapter!

Wactuary

 

i just removed the panel below the center console and behind the cigarette lighter (in the 'dead space'). discovered a 3 pin connector very similar to the one found in the boot which is used to connect to a cd-changer or mp3 player. however, there is no 6 pin connector as there is in the boot which is presumably the ground line. so the question is, can a blitzsafe adapter be used in the front with only a 3 pin connector going into it without the 6 pin? it's hard for me to tell if that connector is even connected to the head unit as i've had trouble removing all the trim around the mirror adjuster. but i'm guessing it is. i think i'm going to stop into radio shack tomorrow and see if there's anything there that might be able to help.

LINK TO MALE RCA TO MINI JACK AUDIO CABLE ON APPLE.COM

 

I just found this on RSpeed. Seems this will answer all those AUX questions.



Blitzsafe Mini Interface - AUX input olny (AUX DMX V.1)
New from BlitzSafe of America -an easy to
install interface for the MINI that allows you to
connect one auxiliary input device, such as a
MP3 player, iPod, DVD, XM Radio to your stock
stereo
(non-Harmon Kardon) while utilizing your OEM
stereo controls.

Blitzsafe Mini Interface $99.95

 

Thanks for the heads up, wwwebb. Seems you can get them for anywhere from $99 to $139 so shop wisely (rspeed had them cheapest).

I don't know a great deal about MP3 players but the little Memorex CD/MP3 device I have features a "Line Out" that's a 1/8" stereo tip plug. Does it make sense that all one would need is a "Y" cable to adapt it to the Blitzsafe's RCA inputs -- or do "dedicated" MP3 playerd have a different kind of output? It sure would be nice to be able to put together a disk with hours of surf music to listen to while my public radio station is doing its two week long beg-a-thons

Mark of Pemburnia

 

>>Thanks for the heads up, wwwebb. Seems you can get them for anywhere from $99 to $139 so shop wisely (rspeed had them cheapest).
>>
>>I don't know a great deal about MP3 players but the little Memorex CD/MP3 device I have features a "Line Out" that's a 1/8" stereo tip plug. Does it make sense that all one would need is a "Y" cable to adapt it to the Blitzsafe's RCA inputs -- or do "dedicated" MP3 playerd have a different kind of output? It sure would be nice to be able to put together a disk with hours of surf music to listen to while my public radio station is doing its two week long beg-a-thons
>>
>>Mark of Pemburnia

you can just get a stereo to RCA adapter at just about any store that has audio stuff (Radio Shack even has them) plug this into either the LineOut or the headphone jack and get a regular audio cable (preferably one that you can snake up to the driver's seat) and plug it all in and you should be good to go.
-Chris

 

Still waiting.... I find it absolutely unbelievable too.

This is the response I wrote to James Frost over on the Mini Owner's Lounge Customization forum:

James,

Thank you for your reply to this thread. I hope you, or someone from Mini USA, will continue to follow this thread. This issue has been a major frustration to many people, and it has not been resolved.

Your answer, sadly, is wholly unsatisfactory, if not deceptive.

First, the question of the "input jack on the back of the stereo head". It is not exactly correct to call it an input jack. Although technically it is a jack, it is so non-standard and so proprietary in design that nothing can currently be plugged into it. Thus, no input.

The 2003 Minis were sold as "auxiliary input ready". So far they are not ready to input ANYTHING auxiliary. So this was a demonstrably false claim.

Asking owners to go to the dealers is just plain silly. As I've learned from experience with two separate dealers, they know nothing about this. Why should they? After all the so-called "jack" on the back of the stereo head is useless to the consumer without an adaptor, which STILL does not exist. Dealers can call the technical support hotline and that is what they will be told: there is a jack, but it is useless without this "vaporware" adaptor.

Now, as to the timing. Somewhere in the next 30-60 days?!! In October, we were told by December. In December, we were told by January. Now here at the end of January we're being told it could still be April Fools?

Your suggestion to stay in touch with Mini USA is nearly as useless as the suggestion to stay in touch with the dealers. That is, unless people at Mini USA, such as yourself, decide to actually intervene for the consumer with the mysterious engineers. I learned last year that representatives at Mini USA knew nothing about this issue, continually tried to refer me to my dealer, and when finally pressed to find something out, proved her ignorance about what an MP3 player even was rather quickly.

What we need is someone like yourself to make it clear to engineering that consumers wanted this adaptor last year. It's really not that difficult of a product to manufacture, if indeed there is already a "jack". It would be a matter of connecting two wires (right and left channel) to the "jack" on the back of the stereo head on one end and to a minijack (available at any radio shack) on the other. So any further delays should require more of an explanation than you've given here.

Then dealers and consumers should be alerted immediately when it is available, and consumers should be able to order it directly for self-installation, for those of us that live 3 hours from the nearest dealership.

Best...

I'm collecting names for a possible class action suit for owners who bought 2003 Minis that were "aux input ready". Please e-mail loren_ryter@hotmail.nospam.com & remove the nospam.

 

Is this an option on 03 MCS or suppose to be standard?

I am waiting delivery of a 03 MCS and dont remember this being discussed w/by motor advisor.

 

I have come to understand from the dealership that I work at, that the jack does indeed require and adaptor that will plug into it and run down to the down tubes where you then can plug in your ipod, pda, ect.. MINI will be sending these to the dealers and you will have to bring the car in for the installation. Hope this helps.

_________________
Anthony Guido
Motoring Advisor
Westchester MINI

 

there is a how to now.. check it out, and you can make your own