I have a Jan 2002 MC with single cd player radio boost, and I want to add a simple 3.5mm input for my Ipod.
I've done loads of searching on this, and I've found loads of useful results, but not exactly what I want to know.
I know that my pre2003 head unit doesn't have a specific AUX port on the back of the head unit and that the CD changer port can be used instead.
I also know that there are some options available from newministuff.com (e.g. £52 aux cable kit or £99 icelink kit).
However, whilst I've heard those products work well, and I've heard only good things about newministuff.com, I don't want to pay those sort of prices for what I am sure is essentially something I can make myself with some bits from Maplins.
So, does anyone know of a cheap alternative? Either a kit or a way for me to make something myself?
Actually it is not easily made and you would have to be a programmer as well as a chip designer. The Icelink Plus has firmware that actually runs the ipod, not just circuits. The AUX cable is capable of being made but as you pointed out, your radio can't handle it. So I am afraid that you are stuck either buying a new OEM radio and making an AUX link or simply buying the Icelink.
Last edited by DaFlake; May 26th, 2007 at 05:13 PM.
Got to bmw .ask for an aux input for the relevant stereo. I got mine for circa £35. The guy in parts didnt automatically know what it was, but he worked it out after a few bits od describbing,
You can then install this into your car in no time. Somewhere on this site is a how to fit aux cable.
Although I think this is for a left hand drive. If you do a search there is a better guide on a post somewhere for RHD. All you need to do is take of the glove box and you can get to the back left hand side of the stereo and easily get the cable into the stereo without taking the stereo out. Anyone who has got there stereo out will tell you this is the better way to go. I started doing it the other way and was glad I found the post before I went any futher.
I am useless with these sorts of things and have done it very easily.
You dont get chargeing facility, but it all works well and you can sit the ipod in the drivers side cup holder and have use of it or if you want buy a holder from Mike the mini.
I pondered between this and buying a newer style itrip(which my girlfriend has now brought for her car) and I am so glad I went down the aux route.
To my knowledge there is no AUX capability on the 2002 radio, so buying parts is pointless. This is why I directed him to the Icelink or buying a new radio.
Your right flakey
Thats why our aux in for older boost radios is more expensive as it has to fool the stereo into thinking there is a cd changer connected
Thats the guide for a LHD install but it is useful, I've just done the aux on my RHD Works and it is very much along the same lines, however most things I find say you have to remove the radio to get to the connection on a RHD.
In actual fact this isn't the case. By following the guide for removing the glove box you can get similar access than removing the bolster on a LHD car, from that point its exactly the same as the guide you linked to
I think its worth putting this info in the FAQ? I was quite put off adding the aux because I didn't want to decapitate my gear stick and muck about with the centre console. Taking the glove box out is 100% easier and a lot quicker, 5 screws and the air con valve are all you have to worry about, I went with a ninja install and put the aux port on a very convenient little push out in the glove box it keeps everything nice and neat
I just got my aux cable for a 2002 mini with boost radio from my bmw dealer.
I installed it which was very easy to do once i had the radio out, just simply plug it into the hole in the back.
However when i click "mode" to change to aux, it doesn't come up, it just changes to CD or to Radio, there's no other options. :@
When i ordered the part they asked for my registration plate, so i presumed it would work, however apparently not.
I also bought a Auxiliary Input from my BMW dealer for my 2002 Cooper and just realized it is not compatible by doing a little research when it didn't work and came across this post. I am pleased with the stock Harman Kardon sound system. Is it possible for me to buy a 2003 unit and use it as an exact replacement. Im wondering if everything will connect easily without alterations and look stock or if it is better to go ahead and build a new sound system. Im satisfied with the quality but need auxiliary input...
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Ipod/MP3 AUX Input for 2002 Radio Boost 
it keeps everything nice and neat 
