I JUST (Saturday 9/10/11) drove home with a 2012 convertible. I have the Nav/MINI connected system. The Y cable seems to work everything in my iPhone 4. I was on here to find any secrets I needed to know. I didn't know if I needed the armrest cradle. I went out and watched part of a video, (Surprising to me!) while parked, of course, for safety. Coming home from the dealer, album artwork came up, phone directories, and everything mentioned above came up. So, I am thinking I don't need the armrest cradle since the Y cable works? And since I do have a cover on the phone, it is easy to plug in and remove.

 

In theory you need the cradle to access all the features of MINI Connected, including mission control... but MINI has I believe stated that will work with the Y-Cable when iOS5 comes out, so there may be no reason to get the cradle.

 

it works right now with the firmware that pre March builds came with
iOS notifications even work, but only if you're in the connected menu

 

Except that the Y-cable is 6 inches short, which makes it useless for any kind of mounting without relegating your iPhone to somewhere in very unsafely-out-of-the-line-of-sight, inconveniently close proximity to the enormously over-designed parking brake lever.

 

I'd argue it's safer out of sight vs. being interacted with while driving...

 

don't know why you'd leave the phone in the car at all if you're not in there.

 

For long periods probably not..but for a quick stop of Java
or convenience store pick-up..you definitely want it out of site. My adaption of the rail sunglass holder works great. Connected via the Y cable and a short extension works and hidden..even will accept the phone with most cases on Still looking forward to the correct cradle…or more so of Office working…more interested in need of schedules/emails etc…than Facebook.
Hopefully with the sooooon ios5 release and an update to mini-connected.

 

The problem is the cradle requires removal of the iphone from your case. It is form fitting. Really that is worthless to most iphone users because they carry their phone in a case to protect form glass breakage.

Who wants to constantly fight with taking your phone in and out of the case? The y-adapter is an easy un-plug of a couple of connectors and then you take your phone. The rail system is worthless for much more than allowing the phone to lay down in, in front of the brake.

I plan on skipping the whole cradle option as it is big inconvenience. Besides I can use the arm rest to store other small items that I normally carry in the car.

 

I totally agree. I'm at a dealer as I write and they said they are awaiting the new version that won't be out until the iPhone 5 is launched. Way too expensive a proposition for me to fork over the cash on something that isn't needed. My Y adapter works like a champ.

 

FYI -- found another inexpensive iPhone dock extender cable that carries power, music, album data and video. Just tested and the cable works like a charm!

It's actually a combo set of 3-foot dock extension, 3-foot USB charge & sync cable and a velcro cable tie -- only $8.99!



http://www.amazon.com/Cosmos-Charge-.../dp/B005C84H54

I'm gonna finally attach the FlexPod mount for my iPhone 4 -- it's been waiting on a cable that'll reach!

 

Skids, can you post later on in Oct when you get a chance to evaluate the compatibility of your new mini & iphone5? Im curious to know how this is going to pan out as Im getting the iphone 5 and my MCS early Nov. I had a hell of a time testing out the functionality with a MC & my 3gs... tech @ the shop was on vaca.

 

I can confirm that an iPhone 4 (not S, since it ain't out) works great with iOS 5 installed and the A/V Y-cable. I used to get "you need the cradle for that" messages, and now I don't! Everything works!

 

I may hold off now on my iphone until I can get one for free through work when it is upgrade time. I am actually pretty pleased with what my Blackberry can do right now. And it does it through Bluetooth which is even better than the cable. I don't really care about my Facebook and Twitter feeds on the screen.

 

Just thought I'd confirm here too, in case folks don't see the other thread. Yep, iPhone 4 with iOS5 makes everything work!!

No needs cradle messages, as tippykayak indicated!

 

I downloaded and installed iOS 5 last night and had Mission Control and MINIMALISM Analyser working today with the Y-cable and a 2' extender cable added to the end. I keep the iPhone in the mesh pocket by the passenger floorboard. Does anyone know what mls stands for with the Analyser? I want to say miles but the number I am getting is about double the amount I traveled.

 

Anyone able to see iOS notifications on their mini connected news feed screen??? I've heard it was enabled in the past but I've never experienced it. Its shown 7 seconds into this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yFDm...layer_embedded

 

jadedfairy - see my post to your same question in the other thread in the problems and fixes section. What's shown at the 7 sec mark is not an iOS notification. Those are "office" alerts if you have a phone that is compatible with Connected's office functionality.

The notifications - when they worked - looked exactly like the blue balloon notifications that you get on your iOS device.

 

bentyyc - Thanks for the clarification & the save of sanity! I searched for hours on the topic the other night.

 

Which cradle is compatible with the iPhone 4S for a 2012 Countryman with Nav/Connected?

 

Last I knew, one that does all that the supplied Y cable does is not available.
I've tried three over the past 9 months... They each offered something but none offered all that you can get through the Y cable.

 

Thanks. Did you try P/N 84 21 2 199 392 -- Snap-In adaptor media (6NF music + video)?

 

Checked my records, last cradle tried had #'s ending 390-2 which meant 2nd edition of the 390 series. Not sure if that cradle differs from this one. Where did you see this one listed?

 

Just picked mine up on Friday and my y adaptor with the car. Mini connected doesn't show that it's connected. iPod function works fine. Do I need a different cable or are you guys working fine with standard cable? IPhone 4s ios5. MA stated that there is a $60 video y adaptor and the armrest one.

 

I have the 84 21 2 218 390 and it gives me full functionality in my '11 with nav and connected.

 

Lightyr, does yours have a fan installed ?