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2001-2006 Mini Cooper Radio Replacement

If the radio in your first generation Mini...

iFixit Library 2001-2006 Mini Cooper Easy 20 minutes Guide 132789

Licensed iFixit integration

This attributed iFixit guide is displayed through Fixonic's recorded commercial API permission. iFixit remains the independent source and author of the procedure.

Guide overview

Before you begin

If the radio in your first generation Mini Cooper (R50/52/53) has stopped working or you want to put in an aftermarket radio, this guide will show you how to remove the factory radio. There are no special skills required to do so. Some of the plastic dash panels may be older and more brittle, so be careful when pulling them. NOTE: If you’re putting in an aftermarket radio and want to retain the steering wheel controls, you need to make sure you buy an adapter kit.

Step 1

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP T20 Torx Screwdriver Bit Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP T30 Torx Screwdriver Bit Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Grab the knee bolster panel under the steering column with both hands.
Pull it down and out.
Using a Torx screwdriver with T30 tip, remove the two M5 x 2.5 x 25 screws in the left pillar.

Step 2

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP T20 Torx Screwdriver Bit Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP T30 Torx Screwdriver Bit Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Open the glovebox.
Using a Torx screwdriver with a T20 tip, remove the two M5 x 2.5 x 30 screws in the right hand side pillar.
Minis in America will usually have a cup holder attached with these 2 screws on the right. It will come off when the 2 screws are removed and can be set to the side.

Step 3

Repair step

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With the glovebox still open, grab the bottom of the passenger dash panel and pull it forward. The panel does not need to be removed, just popped out.
Grab under the driver side dash panel near the radio and pull it forward. Again, the panel does not need to be removed, just popped out.
Pull each side of the middle dash panel until it pops out, like the previous ones.

Step 4

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP T20 Torx Screwdriver Bit Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP T30 Torx Screwdriver Bit Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Grab the left hand side pillar, then pull it out and to the left.
Grab the right hand side pillar, then pull it out and to the right.
The four screws holding the radio in should now be exposed.

Step 5

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP T20 Torx Screwdriver Bit Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP T30 Torx Screwdriver Bit Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Using a screwdriver with a T20 bit, take out the four M3 x 2 x 20 screws holding the radio in place.
Some models have philips head screws instead of the regular torx head depending on age.

Step 6

Repair step

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Grab the radio and gently pull it out of the dash.

Step 7

Repair step

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Pinch the antenna connector and pull it straight out.

Step 8

Repair step

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For the main connector, pinch the lever arm with the piece of plastic next to it.
Lift up on the arm and pull the connector out.
The radio can now be removed from the car.