How/where to install CD Changer

[bryfliesme]

Hello:
I am new here and a new owner of a 2004 Mini Cooper S. 400 miles as of today. I really want a CD changer. I was told the car was pre-wired for it, but I don't know where to look. I understand it is in the boot, but we have dug around there and can't find evidence of wiring other than the lights. I have looked at other posts here, but to no avail. Yes, I am female, blonde and from California. Any suggestions on what to buy and how to install?
Thanks!

[Rakey]

Quote: Originally Posted by bryfliesme

Hello: I am new here and a new Mini Cooper S owner. 400 miles. I really want a CD changer. I was told the car was pre-wired for it, but I don't know where to look. Yes, I am female, blonde and from California. Any suggestions on what to buy and how to install?
Thanks!

Blonde from California, hmm

Sorry, try looking in the boot of the car, if you car is set up for a changer it will be in there.

If you do a search the threads, you should be able to find fitting instructions and info on what to buy and what will work

[Mini_Blake]

I think the pre installed wire is in the right cubby hole of the boot.

[stryder]

Welcome to MINI2!

If you look in the Boot (trunk) of your car, there is a panel on the right side. There's clips on it that you can depress and pop the plastic cover off. Inside of that cubby at the bottom will be 2 plugs connected to a wiring harness. Its usually taped to some other wires that are running along the metal.

The key is how much effort you really want to spend on installing the changer. Its designed for a BMW/MINI changer, or an aftermarket equivalent. Those will just plug in, but you still need to attach the changer to the car with screws and such. Otherwise you can get an adapter for a few normal aftermarket brands to work with the plugs (I know there's one for Alpine, I can't remember what other brands) but you still have the task of physically installing one.

If you want to do the entire project yourself, then someone can guide you through the basics (but its all really just plugging in connectors) otherwise, If you give a more specific location in CA, perhaps someone can reccomend a trusted audio install place that could help you along.

Here's a picture from the galleries of someone's Sony changer:

You might also want to ask (once you decide what you want to know) in the appropriate regional forum, since local people would know where you'd need to buy stuff better.

[bryfliesme]

Much thanks for the help! I had gotten into tht part on the side of the boot, but wasn't sure about the wiring. I think I will take a look in eBay US (where I bought my Mini!) and see what they have listed. I look forward to joining your nifty group!

Quote: Originally Posted by stryder

Welcome to MINI2!
If you look in the Boot (trunk) of your car, there is a panel on the right side. There's clips on it that you can depress and pop the plastic cover off. Inside of that cubby at the bottom will be 2 plugs connected to a wiring harness. Its usually taped to some other wires that are running along the metal.

The key is how much effort you really want to spend on installing the changer. Its designed for a BMW/MINI changer, or an aftermarket equivalent. Those will just plug in, but you still need to attach the changer to the car with screws and such. Otherwise you can get an adapter for a few normal aftermarket brands to work with the plugs (I know there's one for Alpine, I can't remember what other brands) but you still have the task of physically installing one.

If you want to do the entire project yourself, then someone can guide you through the basics (but its all really just plugging in connectors) otherwise, If you give a more specific location in CA, perhaps someone can reccomend a trusted audio install place that could help you along.

Here's a picture from the galleries of someone's Sony changer:

You might also want to ask (once you decide what you want to know) in the appropriate regional forum, since local people would know where you'd need to buy stuff better.

[AidenL]

Oh, and welcome to MINI2......................

[mudshark]

Quote: Originally Posted by bryfliesme

Much thanks for the help! I had gotten into tht part on the side of the boot, but wasn't sure about the wiring. I think I will take a look in eBay US (where I bought my Mini!) and see what they have listed. I look forward to joining your nifty group!

bryfliesme,
I got an Alpine cha-s634 6cd changer (plays cd's, cdr/cdrw, and mp3's). I bought it from crutchfield.com. You need to order it with the Blitzsafe adapter. It's a simple install. It runs through the factory radio and works with the multi function steering wheel controls if you have them.

[bryfliesme]

Thanks so much! I am going to go order one now!

Oh yea, when you say simple install.....does that mean that a neohpite such as myself can do it on my own?