So...went to the dealer yesterday to pick up the auxillary input cable for the stock stereo. Took it home, took a few minutes to install, no biggie, but spent like an hour trying to get it to work with no success. Went over to buddies house to compare to his, and even swapped out the cables, still nothing. We later find that it doesnt work on builds prior to October 2002, which i'm assuming mine is since I purchased it in December 2002. I was more pissed that they guy at the dealer sold it to me when he had asked for my name to pull up all the information for my car right in front of him...he should know this stuff.

Anyways, does anybody know if there is something I can do to make this cable work with the factory stereo, or if there is a software upgrade the dealer can do, or should i just take it back and find another alternative.

suggestions please...

 

If you don't have a CD changer, you can get a Blitzsafe adaptor that will act as your Aux for pre 10/02 builds. Another option is to obtain a newer headunit. With so many people going aftermarket, people often have their stock HUs for sale quite reasonably. Some friendlier dealers may be willing to swap HUs for a nominal fee as well.

 

What is the process for installing the Auxillary Input to the HU? does it plug straight in or do I need to do some soldering? Also, how long is the cable? I'm looking to mount my Rio CD-MP3 under the seat so it is accessible and safe.

 

Aux cable simply plugs into the back of the headunit. There may or may not be some connector issues if you have Nav. The aux cable is about 4 feet long, so it can be mounted just about anywhere you desire. Be creative!

 

Excellent! Thanks for the info... after searching a little further I found your photos of the install with the nav. is there a possibility that I could go to radioshack and find the same components and connectors to create this myself? I realize that is a long shot with the connector, but worth asking.

If you don't think that is wise/possible, where can I get an OEM aux cable other than my nearest dealer (over an hour away for any of 3). Thanks again!

 

The OEM aux cable actually contains a small circuit board in it's length. If you just directly connect the wiring to the headunit the headunit does not recognize anything being connected; the circuit interfaces with the headunit and 'activates' the option, as well as eliminates any potential ground loop issues.

I got my aux port from Classic MINI in Ohio. You can get it cheaper there than at your local dealer. Classic is in the vendor directory here at NAM. I HIGHLY recommend ordering from them. Excellent customer service and fast shipping.

 

I am pleased to announce that with only a little effort I was able to install my Aux cable without difficulty. I simply reached around behind the head unit until I felt where the plug went and then plugged it in... no disassembly required. I routed the jack to the shroud for the steering column and installed it such that I can mount my MP3 player out of site behind the knee bolster and plug into the jack right there. I also mounted a triple powerpoint [so I can provide juice to the MP3 player and my cell phone (and one extra just in case)] on the back of the knee bolster as well.

Thanks everyone for your help!