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My 2007 Mini Cooper S only came with a 3.5mm AUX IN port from the factory. This was soon made redundant after I swapped out the stock stereo for an aftermarket android unit. My new android head unit came with 2 USB cables - I've used one for a DAB tuner (all concealed behind the dashboard) and I was left with the other USB cable kind of just dangling through the gap the AUX IN port had left..
So I started looking for a solution to this - I wanted a functional USB port to fit this space and to look as factory as possible - whilst still retaining full functionality with my android head unit. I did a lot of searching on this to see if it had been done before and couldn't find any information - so thought I'd share here in case anyone wants to do the same.
My starting point was to buy a Mini R56 USB port (given it is exactly the right dimensions I needed) and looks factory because it is! LOL! - I managed to pick one up on eBay for £10. The slight issue is that the port on the rear of the USB port is round and a non standard USB interface. I needed something to connect this port to the USB cable in the car. After a LOT more research i identified that Volkswagen also use the same connector for some of their nav and aux units. Unfortunately, the shorted length of cable I could find was 1.5M! (good job there is plenty space behind the dash!) - both parts arrived today and i've just gotten around to testing and fitting it.
And the great news is that it works as expected!! - the USB port is now fitted and looks factory and all USB functionality still works with my new android head unit - some pictures for reference.
Last edited by cerberus; Jan 18, 2023 at 10:14 AM.
Reason: Wrong content
Awesome and good to know. I've been looking at getting an aftermarket head unit and have the same as you, AUX only. Looked about a month ago on what parts maybe needed. I do want to go with the dual though, keeping the AUX and adding the USB. So mine will probably be a little different, but good to know that VW has some similar setups. Thanks!
