Hi everyone,

I replaced the OEM radio (CD53 R50) in my wife's '06 MINI Cooper S after she fried it by spilling coffee onto it (buttons all got really sticky depite cleaning it, resulting in battery dying after the radio spent a weekend trying to eject a non-existent CD).

The used radio's (http://www.ebay.com/itm/261702829346) buttons light up when the headlights are on so it's clearly getting power, but that's all it seems to do.

I was thinking of hooking the radio up directly to a battery to make sure the wiring harness is good (lots of eBay sellers show used radios with the display on; this one didn't, which I'm noticing perhaps too late).

Any suggestions on troubleshooting steps greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

Check the fuses in the car?
The lighting fuse is different than the radio power fuse....

 

Great point and uh, I should have thought of that. Thanks!

 

Check the ibus pin for evidence of damage or disconnect. Google images 'BMW 40 pin pinout' will direct you.

 

It was the fuse - even worse, I was the one the pulled the fuse to keep the old radio from killing the battery.

Thanks so much!

 

as Homer Simpsons said "DOAHHHHH!".
Think we have all "been there done that" those that haven't just will not admit it!!
Glad to hear it was simple!!

 

I have an R55 and my radio went completely out a few months ago. (The display is not working, no sound, etc.) The CD player still powers and discs can still be inserted and ejected.

I was told that I can't purchase a used radio because each radio is "assigned" to a specific car. I was told that a re manufactured radio may work.

Is it really true that I can't purchase a used radio (maybe from a salvaged mini cooper) and install that? If I can, can I purchase just the radio without the speedometer or CD? Any other suggestions?

Thanks.

 

You can definitely purchase a used radio and install it without issues in an R53 (I can personally attest to that). Not sure if there is anything different in the R55.

 

That is great. Yeah I just heard from my mechanic today that it shouldn't be a problem.

Thanks for the reply!