I just installed a new head unit in my r53. Steering wheel controls for the stereo work without issue, but the new head unit has integrated phone connection and the wheel phone control doesn't function. Is it possible to code the car so that the steering wheel controls work? There was no phone in the Mini from the factory but the wiring is all there and connected to the head unit.

 

You need an adapter: https://www.crutchfield.com/S-Rprx8C...-adapters.html
Axxess and PAC have been mentioned in this forum.

 

I have an adapter (that one in fact) - that is how the rest of the controls work. I'm guessing, and that is all it is, that because there was no phone system from the factory that the buttons have to be enabled.

 

Lol... well this is embarrassing. It works fine, just not the way I expected.

 

I also swapped the HU, and mine is also not "working". Or maybe is does? How did you get it to work?

 

In my case, I used the adapter from Crutchfield. The head unit only answers, holds and hangs up calls from the steering wheel. I was trying to initiate calls and my HU doesn't support that from the steering wheel. Also, only certain HU brands support the steering wheel control. Crutchfield has that list as well, I think it is Kenwood, Sony, Pioneer, Alpine and another couple that I didn't look at.

 

I bought an Alpine and steering wheel connector from Crutchfield. I will play with it a bit more!

 

I wish I could be more help. Good luck!