Within a week after getting the MC40 I was missing my iPod connectivity. I did a lot of searching and decided that the functional gains of the DICE units and what not were not worth the cost for my needs. As most of us know...the radio comes stock with an AUX jack in the back of the unit, but not necessarily hooked up (why mini didn't just make the 35$ cable standard is beyond me ).

After doing some hunting I was able to find this option on Amazon, an OEM BMW part, but guess what its exactly the same as the Cooper!
http://www.amazon.com/BMW-Genuine-Au...0016809&sr=8-1

After ordering it arrived quick with all that was needed. Wire Harness/AUX connection, face plate, two screws, a nut, and some zip ties. Thanks to some other reading I came to realize that there was no need to take apart the center console. I Pulled the knee bolster down (it takes a little bit of force) and using the radio diagram, "felt" for the port on the back. It took a little bit of finessing, but once it was where it was supposed to be it popped right in.



Now where to run the cable?? Right down the drivers side (OEM recommends you pass it over the top of the radio and connect in glove box, I didnt want my iPhone in the glove box).

It fits right in between the floor vents and whatever else that is LOL (thats the technical term )

Look its gone!

I have Battery and oil temp gauges (part of the MC 40 package) so i chose to mount on the gauge face plate...aside from trying to fit a not small drill in a small space, and cringing at drilling holes in my newly purchase vehicle, it was easy! Now i just need to hardwire that radar thats in the way.....

End result for me...iPod music at fraction of the cost, iPhone sits right there in the cup holder which is perfect for my needs, although a EURO shelf for storage may be a future purchase....very happy!
I mainly wanted to share the amazon link, for someone searching for a little cheaper OEM option, then it got to the point where it might as well have became a how to! ENJOY

 

Nice write up and good find... Just ordered one myself!!

 

How much more expensive did you find it? I think I picked mine up at Morristown MINI for about $35. The link you posted is $34.23...?

ECS Tuning has the MINI part for $33.90:

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/82110153367/ES194874/

 

And, annoyingly, ECS also has the BMW part for $32.81 - about a dollar less...?!

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/82110149390/ES194846/

 

Not really a good deal from ECS... Did you see their shipping charges??!!
They must be hand delivering it for $12 to WV!!

$6 shipping with the OP part... Works out the better deal.

 

I feel like these places have moving price points....i got free shipping so liked the option, and i think it was 15$ less than mini mania; idk i thought it was a decent find....easy install...thanks for the feedback ill do more shopping if it ever needs a replace!

 

Wasn't even necessary for me, just put the steering wheel all the way up and stick your arm up there and feel for the back end of the radio. Make sureyou have the orientation right and it slots right in. (that's what she said)