Sony radio not connecting to CD changer

[Stratosea]

I wish to connect a sony cdx-f7500 head unit to a sony cdx-t69 cd-changer in the boot of a Jan 03 Mini Cooper. The vehicle has CD prep wiring, so the boot-end has been fitted with a Connects2 ABMS005 adapter. The problem is at the head-unit where the mini's 17-pin "wave" wiring has an additional small 10-pin female connector for the CD player. Unfortunately, the wiring from the cdx-f7500 does not have a matching 10-pin male connector. Is there a solution for this?

[Root Ginger]

Speak (or PM) mikeythemini. He owns New MINI Stuff and they specialise in fitting stereos and other electronic goodness to MINI's.

Check out NewMINIStuff.com

[Richard_P]

You can't use the stock CD Changer connections if you have a third party head unit and third party CD Changer. You need to run a Sony cable back to the CD Changer and connect them that way. You don't need the Connects2 box, you would only need that if you were using a Mini head unit.

[Stratosea]

Thanks to Root Ginger and especially Richard_P who is spot-on (that the CD Prep wiring can only be used with an original Mini Head Unit). I have now run the Sony cables to the boot by pushing under the door-sill and fishing through the rear side-panel (with back seat squab removed). It took about 1 hr - as opposed to several hours on the Internet trying to find a non-existent solution! I presume there could be earlier Mini2 Threads on this subject as this must be a common encounter.

[shinchan]

who make the OEM headunit? can I get the CD stacker from the same manufacturer? or I have to get it from BMW/Mini

[DaFlake]

Quote: Originally Posted by shinchan (original)

who make the OEM headunit? can I get the CD stacker from the same manufacturer? or I have to get it from BMW/Mini

If you want to use a CD sixpack with the OEM, you will have to buy the OEM. There are several vendors that make the radio for the MINI (Siemens VDO and Alpine) being the top two, but 3rd party changers don't work with them. Mikey has tried and it has been hit and miss so he doesn't advise it.

I do know that Crutchfields (USA Vendor) sells a BMW model compatible one as well, but I have have heard of nobody using it.