Hi guys;

Finally got around to pulling the radio out of the dash to verify if Tom's harness will work on my car. The model of the radio is "Alpine CD53 R50"

Will this work with Tom's adapter? (or another adapter?)

Here's the radio pulled....





A close-up of the connector....




The model number for the bottom of the unit....





...and a close-up of the connector unplugged from the unit...





Advice anyone?

 

There are 2 connectors that belong in these ports, were they removed?



If the connections are not there, this explains why you are not seeing the CD Changer prewiring, it doesn't exist in your configuration.

Either way, our harness will work in your application.

 

Nope, nothing was removed from the back of the radio in this shot. So I'm *NOT* crazy , there are no connections for a CD in my Mini's boot...

Good, looks like I'm ordering some parts from the U.S. then... here come the brokerage fees

 

I never seen anything that signified that you were not from the US, this changes everything. If the vehicle is not ordered with a CD Changer, there is a very good chance the vehicle is not prewired.

As for US-bound vehicles, they come prewired. Let me know when you place your order and I'll help you on the fees.

 

Hi Tom;

I just ordered the extra adapter for the head-unit from your website. USPS is usually much better than anyone else for brokerage fees, I'll let you know how this works out. Thanks for your help so far.

Now Im confused - is there more than one person using your NAM account? I don't know what else to say about the fact that you didn't know I was based in Canada I think I've made that perfectly clear - see below

 

Non-US vehicles are known for not having the prewiring is a CD Changer is not ordered with the vehicle. I'm not sure of the same is for Canada, but we've seen it overseas on BMW/MINI applications.

 

No problem Tom - the kit was ordered this morning and has already shipped, so everything is cool.

Now I have figure out where to put all of these modules! A Mini's cockpit is a pretty tight fit! Are there any pics/info anywhere showing where others have installed their XM direct modules?

 

Since you ordered the radio version, the XM module can remain in the cabin area, behind the glovebox. Simply plug in the XM module and route the antenna.

Antenna locations can be on the dash or on the roof - your choice.

 

Howdy all. I debated whether I should open this thread back up or just post a new one, but figured when in doubt, if there is a thread that is sort of about your question, use it.

We have a 2002 MINI Cooper that we believe is a very early build. The label on the door says 1/02 (can't get much earlier than that, right?). We are big fans of XM radio and wanted to put a unit in our Cooper. We also have the stock head unit and steering wheel stereo controls, love them, and want to continue to use them.

Reading through this thread, I came to the conclusion that due to the build date of our MINI we just wouldn't be able to do it. We were almost resigned to buying another plug and play XM unit. I had even looked behind the plastic panel on the wall of the boot where everyone was finding their CD changer control harnesses (and thus their confirmation, as I understand it, that they can use the steering wheel controls and have the head unit display satellite radio information), with no luck.

Then a funny thing happened one day in the boot. While looking around the floor of it, I pulled up the bottom closeout panel, the one underneath the floor of the boot. There, on the right hand side, were two unconnected wire harnesses looking up at me - one with a three pin connector and one with a six pin connector.

Finally my question: Is there anything else this could be besides the connection for the CD changer? And if it is, does that automatically mean that my head unit can display satellite radio information (with the proper XM box and interface, of course)? In other words, are there early head units that might have been wired for the CD changer that do *not* handle satellite radio?

Thanks in advance for any help or insight. I'm trying not to get excited because we know we have an early MINI, but it would be really nice to have a clean cockpit (no XM plug and play add-on visible) and be able to use the steering wheel controls.

 

The radio isn't compatible - but it can be upgraded to a new model in order to make you compatible for XM or Sirius.

Radio Boost upgrade w/ MP3 support - Mini Cooper/Cooper S
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=318

You can use a CD Changer with your current system, or the DICE with a portable XM if desired.

 

Tom - thanks for the quick response. I actually just noticed a question way back on page three of this thread that might have answered this for me, but a little independent confirmation is never a bad thing. Your radio upgrade is attractive in every way except price. ;~)

 

Keep a few things in mind:

1. Text display for either Sirius/XM
2. Text display for DICE & iPod
3. Your old radio can be sold to offset the cost.
4. OEM look and integration

We're here when needed.

 

You're a good salesman, Tom. Don't worry, EAS is already bookmarked on my browser.

 

Just wanted to thank those that brought this thread to the top again. I was looking for a stealth install for XM and had no idea that this existed. While not all that cheap compared to a discounted Roady this sure was worth it.
The install could be done by a four year old. Even running the wire from the antenna through the headliner and down the pillar was a snap. Took me about 15 minutes to put the whole thing in including tying up the wires and finding a piece of dual lock to fasten theXM box to the inner fender.
Great piece of kit! :D

 

chpsk8 - glad to be of service after all this time!

 

Do most people with this just have the XM direct sitting back there with the blitzsafe, or mounted? We've had some water leak down the C-pillar and got both pices wet - but they still work - however now I want to protect it in case that happens again...

 

Just leave the XM receiver in the trunk, there's no reason to have it up front with you.

 

Just leave the XM receiver in the trunk, there's no reason to have it up front with you.

 

At the risk of being repetitive, It IS in the boot. Both the Blitzsafe & the XMDirect are back where the CD changer wiring is - in that little side cubby below the C-pillar - but that's also the problem as we seem to have a water leak there.

My question was - do people usually just stuff them in there, or mount them against the body securely?

 

Just stuff them in there, no need to mount unless they are rattling around.

 

I used a piece of dual lock to mount the XM unit to the fender and tucked the Blitz up towards the front of the cubby. Mine looked very dry and I had just washed the car about an hour earlier. Is your sunroof drain tube connected right? I wonder if that would cause you to get some water down the C-pillar.

 

That's exactly what I'm concerned about, but it's rather difficult to check. It seems the leak has stopped, but I'm cautious. So I mounted everything inside of a rubbermaid food container - I used my dremel to cut out the bottom end for cables - and tucket it back into the cubby hole. If there's a leak, the electronics should not get wet this time - and we're in for a rather rainy weekend head here in NJ...

 

Hey Cooperb

I did the exact same install and you are right, takes 10 to 15 minutes and even if your brain dead it's easy. Works like a charm and all readouts are on the OEM radio.

 

I did the Velcro thing, but had no issues with water. Saw that you did the rubbermade mod, should work nicely for you.

BTW, Photos are on the way

 

I'm just getting inon this, and hope this not too redundant, but a question or two.
1. Are all 2005 MINI cooper satelite radio ready?
If so I have located at Myradiostore.com a DIRECT RECIEVER ,XM-RVR-D-101 FOR 159.99 Is this a good price, or is there some cheaper and or better out there? No IPOD here, so I guess I don't need the blitzsafe? Right??