hey i just recently bought a new 06 mini cooper s convertible and i was wondering if it is worth it to bring it back to the dealer and get the option or if i should conitue using my fm transmiter

 

Either get the kit and do it yourself, or ditch the built-in and get a Alpine with good iPod integration.

FM is a poor substitute for line-in quality.

 

thanks

 

I've been using a Dension Ice-Link since mid-'04 and have been really happy with it. It's not cheap, but it may not be as expensive as changing to a high-end, iPod friendly HU. Benefits in addition to sound quality (over FM transmitter) include:

compatability with MFSW controls

charges battery while the ignition is switched on

Switches iPod off when you switch over to radio or CD. Resumes play where you left off when you switch back to iPod

All this through one wire, so you don't have to garbage up your interior with a seperate cigarette lighter charge adaptor.

The earliest version required minor dash area disassembly for installation. Mine plugs into the CD changer wiring harness behind the boot access panel, so installation takes seconds, but if you don't want exposed wiring/hardware running from your trunk to wherever you keep your iPod you will have 95% of your work ahead of you. I routed my wiring underneath the carpet alongside the exhaust tunnel. Major PITA. I'm not sure where the current version connects.

 

The sound of an iPod wired directly to the head unit of a car stereo is a million times better than the best FM transmitter on the market. Get it wired!

 

Dang, I just bought an FM transmitter today. Maybe eventually I will get the Alpine with the iPod integration and give the ghetto FM transmitter to the wife for her SUV.

 

The Mini kit is not hard at all to install if you have any kind of DIY skills. Took me about 15 minutes. I would definitely not pay a tech to do it for the money they are asking per hour.

 

Don't get me wrong. An Fm transmitter is a must-own accessory... for the friend's car, or the rental car travelling. But the sound on them usually (OK, allways) leaves somthing to be desired. Hard wiring is the way to go with your primary driver.

 

I believe these are now the DICE found here. You'll want the i-BMW-T. For the full story see this thread.

I've been pretty pleased with mine as well. Definately better than the FM transmitter. I forget who said it (it's in the thread) but I agree they are the current version of tape adapters. Handy for a rental though, as msh441 said.

 

This is good info. Appears to be a different product from the same company with increased functionality and a lower price. It seems that the connection point is still via the CD changer harness rather than directly to the HU. This is unfortunate.

 

For any interested I have a "review" for the Alpine CDA-9857.