I recently acquired a Gen 1 2003 S model that has a very sketchy stock radio (no HK). The sound is scratchy and the volume control is a mystery - sometime works well other times not so much . The car was built in late 2002. I purchased a very clean identical radio from a guy that had upgraded his system. When installed the new radio I get ZIP- Nada- no lights - no signs of life. I replaced the original radio and it works as well as it ever did. I was under the impression that Gen 1 Radios do not need to be re coded/programmed by the dealer. Am I incorrect ? What is the process to move forward ?

My radio built 02 July P/No 6 921 965
New radio built 02 May P/No 6 917 521
Both are CD R50

 

AFAIK, you are correct and the radio shouldn’t need a code as long as it’s installed in a MINI (1st gen only??). They radios are supposed to be automatically unlocked by the BCM, or some other module, and the code lock should only appear when bench testing or installing in a non-MINI.

Both of those are also HK capable as there wasn’t a separate HK radio of that type. The HK functions are unlocked when connected to the HK amp/system. Your radios are also very early ones which aren’t compatible with the aux input harness. I believe they became aux capable with 9/2002 production.

Maybe the volume pot on your original radio can be cleaned with deox-it or something similar.

 

Did you know the replacement radio was functional before? Otherwise, you may have just gotten unlucky and have a broken one.

 

I was told it was working - I will try in again but with no lights on the front panel I am not very hopeful. I am have been bamboozled.

 

RB- I did take it out and tried some contact cleaner on the volume ****- Helped some but still not right- and - the quality of sound is real poor.
Is it your guess that this new head unit is DOA seeing as though there are NO lights on the front panel at all ? No nag for a code -

 

Solved- It didn't occur to me to check the 10 amp fuse on the radio. Sure enough - does not look blown but still bad. I'll check it out when time allows.

Thx for looking