Why won't the AUX port work for an '02 factory radio?
 

I took apart my dash and had a look at the back of the factory unit. It looks like the AUX port should fit, but on OutMotoring, they state that it wont.

Does anyone know why? I wrote OM an email, with no response yet.
I guess im just getting antsy.

"There is no reason for it, it's just our policy". It's the same reason that 03's don't have a power socket in the boot. It was a MINI corporate decision.

SO is the MINI ipod interface really the only option with a stock radio in the 02?

It is possible to use an adaptor to convert the cd changer input into an aux - I believe blitzafe do one over your side, or you could fit the icelink plus

I don't believe the '02 radios support the IPOD interface, either.

Owning an iPod and an 02 MINI can be frustrating. It all depends on your build date. If your car has a build date of 9/02 or later, the AUX cable should work. Just looking at the back of the head unit doesn't really prove anything. Trust me. My '02 MCS was built in 6/02, the AUX cable plugged in the back just fine, but the HU didn't recognize it. The BMW iPod adapter MAY just work in your car. I can't remember the build date cutoff for it, but a call to your dealer will let you know if your car will work.

I decided not to go with the BMW iPod interface through the CD changer connection, and instead opted to change out my factory head unit with an aftermarket unit, and will wire my iPod through its AUX input.

I feel your pain, there's no real answer as to why the '02 model of our car has this problem. All I can come up with is that BMW/MINI didn't think to have the AUX option available until over halfway through the model year production.

huh?
 

what is this power socket in the boot you're talking about? never heard of it!

The '02 and '04+ have a 'power point' (aka cigarette lighter socket) in the boot - upper left side. For some mysterious reason, this feature went away on the '03. I haven't used it, but I'm glad I have it. :)

Confirming that the Aux doesn't work on an April '02 head unit. Swapped one out for a friend - she's happy to have the Aux now.
The '02 was also not pre-wired for the factory alarm.

Did you buy the '02 you have new? If not, are you SURE it is an '02 radio? Reason I say that is because I bought a '04 radio from someone here at NAM and replaced the '02 radio in our '02 MCS. I wanted the XM to work thru the HU on my '02. I didn't take the '04 radio out before trading the car for our new '05 MCSC.




That sounded more complicated than it really was... :lol: :sly:

I didnt buy the car new, so i guess i really have no idea if its the '02 radio or if someone swapped it out. I did find the '02 with only 13k miles on it, so that was a pretty sweet deal, the car is basically brand new.

I came from a 4runner and i had the whole stereo rework, the head unit was a Pioneer AVH-P6500DVD. Built in DVD player with a flip up screen. I am considering installing this into the mini, which would give me options to add in extra screens, (like i need them), but rear camera hookup, ipod hookup, xbox, etc. BUT, i think i might have to cut the dash to do that, since the screen comes out and flips up. And i'm not sure if there is enough room, since there is the bulge below the speedometer.

Anyone install an aftermarket headunit with a flip up screen?