I have spent hours scouring the internet and forums but it seems NO ONE on planet earth has commented or asked if it was possible to take the radio (or certain components of it) from the 2nd Gen to the 1st???
I used to own a 2009 Hardtop, then just recently acquired an 2003 S.
I like the OEM look of the R56 unit, and the fact that it actually has bluetooth.
I am not a fan of the OEM look of the R53 that I have, and would like bluetooth but do NOT WANT ANY MORE SCREENS in my car.

Has this been done before?
Would it fit in the existing dash area in the R53?
Would the wiring be plug and play or would I need to splice?

Any input would be appreciated.

 

I highly doubt it, but I’ve been wrong before.

I suppose that depends on your definition of “fit,” but it won’t just bolt in. The designs are completely different, as far as I know, though it’s been years since I sat in a second gen.

I doubt it would match, not to mention that the center speedo is an important part that you can’t just change *****-nilly.

I would recommend either swapping for a single-DIN head unit with Bluetooth, or adding a module to the stock unit, like the one the one Grom sells.

 

Never seen that.

Most people just get a retrofit single din radio that has all the perks of the newest MINIs with carplay/bluetooth etc.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-bremmen-...126977698~brp/