Contacted my dealer this morning in Toronto to arrange to have an iPod interface installed in my new Cooper. They told me that they didn't have any of the kits on hand and that a new version was coming down the pipe. They couldn't tell me what was different in the new version, only that it was in it's way. I wonder what's updated in the new version.

Apparently they can't get the old version anymore and don't have an ETA on when the new kit might be available. So, I'm either stuck waiting whilst (not) enjoying the sound from my iTrip FM transmitter. Or, I could look into 3rd party options. Anyone know if I can get a 3rd party adapter that works with the factory deck and will let me use the steering wheel controls on the iPod?

Thanks!

 

my mistake, this was supposed to be in the general talk forum. Perhaps a nice admin can move the thread to it's proper home!

 

You could check out the Dension ice>Link: Plus. It makes the iPod appear as a CD changer to the factory head unit. If you've got a post-Januray '05 build MINI, it can even display the ID3 text on the head unit. I've got one, and I'm mostly happy with it. In most respects, it works the same as the MINI adapter, but you have a couple of options for seeing what's playing (text on the HU or mount the iPod where you can see it and it'll display the currently playing info on the iPod screen), and the Dension unit allows you to select any artist, album or playlist, instead of just a set 5.

 

do a search on the denison ice-link system. theres been a lot of good and bad said about it but from what i've heard, alot of the early problems have been solved by later firmware updates

 

You can also use an Auxiliary Input accessory, which is available from your dealer at a much lower price than the full iPod accessory. For highest quality sound, make sure that you connect to the line-out at the bottom of the iPod, rather than the headphone output (use a connector such as PocketDock).

 

I use the Aux input with the Belkin Car Connector and a mount next to the radio. Gives great sound quality and total control over the ipod. Skip the MINI ipod kit...

 

Ok, you got my attention...
I am extremely interested in the what the differences will be for a new MINI IPOD adapter. I have one now, but hate the lack of control I have with it.
The only thing it has going for it is the ability to jump a song with the MFSW.
I was just about to add an Aux port and buy a charger just so I could have some control over my songs.

If anyone knows what features a "new" MINI IPOD adapter may have....please share.