My iPod adapter stopped working so I was thinking of changing out the factory stereo head unit. I've done a bit of searching and couldn't find anything specific on the R52 cabrio. I've previously removed the head unit, so don't have any concerns here, it's more the wiring required.

Any advice? I'd really like to put in something like the Alpine CDE-147BT.

 

If your MINI does not have the Harman Kardon option you will be OK.

 

And you'll ned a BMW steering remote adaptor for 40 Pin cars.

 

Ok, so I just looked at the car, and the speakers have "Harmon Kardon" written on them (2006 mini cooper S cabrio). Nothing written on the head unit itself.

Does this mean all I need is the 40 pin adapter to get the steering wheel controls + a new head unit.

Sorry if I sound like a newbie -but would appreciate advice.

Phil

 

You have the HK. This means you cannot simply swap out the hu for an alpine. This is because the HK amplifier will not power up without a command to do so from the head unit over the iBus.

Which iPod adaptor do you have? There are several solutions that allow you to retain the factory head unit and the adaptor you have May be fixable.

 

Thanks joylove

I have the factory iPod adapter, but recently my battery started going dead after a week or so of sitting. The mini dealer said that the factory iPod unit was causing the issue and removed it (out of warranty, charged me $250).

Is there any way I can fix the factory unit? I am good with electronics & have all the gear, plus have previously pulled out the head unit.

I don't understand why I can't power the iPod adapter from an accessory line to it's definitely "dead" when the ignition is off.

Anyone have any suggestions - I can't stand going back to Radio!

Phil

 

Look for a used head unit on eBay.

 

Just to clarify, there is nothing wrong with the head unit. it's the factory iPod adapter that is draining the battery...

 

The BMW iPod adaptor is well past it's sell by date. Consider a Dension or Mediabridge or similar that use the cd changer sockets. They are kinda slow due to the restrictions of the 1993 data bus they have to use but they are better than the BMW version. Be sure to read up and understand they are a bit clunky, and some have audio whine if not installed carefully, but they get the job done.

Equally a genuine aux in is available for BMW for about $40, but it has issues with ground loops when charging for the cigarette lighter causing the aux in to disappear from the head unit.

Follow threads for e46, e39, e53, e83, e85 BMWs as they all use the same system as 1st gen minis. The e46 and pre 1999 e39/e53 use the old gen 17 pin connector at the radio. Mini and the later BMW use the 40 pin new gen connector.

 

Thanks Joylove. So I should be able to order one of these:

http://www.dension.com/product/gateway-lite-bt-gbl3xxx

Compatible item number: gbl3bm4

To fit the HK stereo option?

That's all I need?

Phil

 

Confirmed, but be sure to do your homework before ordering by googling for the experience of others. Understand if it has issues such as alternator whine, noise from the iBus, installation issues with the route the cables take, lockups or freezes, how good support is and how new the design or firmware is, if they have a new HW version coming out or some vendors have old hardware to flush out, if you can buy a version that connects at the radio end rather than the CD Changer end for lower noise etc etc. That way you know what you are buying.

 

philmonty,
what did you decide to do? I am also looking to replace the head, simply because it only has one cd. can a cd changer be added? or is a new head best way to go? was for sure looking at one with a usb connection.
thanks,
Kathy