For those of you who think that BMW needs a reality check on their IT pricing and execution......here's some help.

http://www.radtech.us/Products/proca...usb-audio.aspx

I got this today and i'm VERY happy with it.

So 19.95= reasonable length y-cable that does everything, including reach the cup holder, seat or your hand!

79.99= stupid short y-cable that is good for the troll that lives under your rail and laughs at your 250.00 armrest.

259.00= cradle that should have been out 9 months ago and still doesn't work.

Special thanks to devmini for finding this.

 

I didn't opt for any of what I consider to be silly integrated crap (sorry, but my smartphone does everything MINI wanted $$$ for), however, I used to work for a major audio manufacturer, and I can tell you that cables and connectivity is where the money is in manufacturing. Margin on some items was in the 90% ballpark, and was what kept the company afloat in the lean times when amps and speakers were thin on profits.

Also, there's often very little difference in quality until you get into really high-end stuff with good shielding, real 24k plated connectors etc.

Good for you for finding a cheaper alternative and sharing with the community though. Hope none of that integrated crap breaks on any of you, and wonder what value it will add to a car in 6 or 8 years when Apple launches the iPhone 17, which will no doubt be incompatible.

Cheers,
Tad

 

It'll be compatible. We'll have it hacked by then!

 

I think you may have posted the wrong link--is this the right one?

http://www.amazon.com/Black-3-5mm-Ch...ef=pd_cp_cps_0

 

Oops. Thank you. I did get the link wrong, but the one you have isn't quite what I got either. I edited the original post. Here it is again:
http://www.radtech.us/Products/proca...usb-audio.aspx

 

I think they need a reality check on the pricing of their cars. It only makes sense that all the gadgets and gizmos are over priced as well

 

Have you used this cable for all functions is there anything it doesn't do that the stock Y cable does?

 

Nope. Mission Control, Plug-in, charging, it's all the same as the MINI Y-Cable.

 

I've got the black version and keep the iPod (also black) on the tray under the center stack. Can't tell any of it is there. The only thing I've noticed is that the iPod occasionally gets unrecognized - I have to unplug the USB and then replug. I'm guessing it's not the cables fault.

 

I have attached a pic of the two different cables that BMW/MINI has... The cable on the left works with the iPhone 4 and provides video through the 3.5mm jack (4 rings on the connector) and does all the MINI connected features... The cable on the right will charge the iPhone 4 and will play/control audio.. it does not work with MINI connected or play video, and gives a message that it's not meant to work with the iPhone 4.
Video is provided on the 4th ring of the 3.5mm jack, otherwise you just get audio with the other style jack... also the white Apple iPhone connector will work with MINI connected.
The cable I have was provided with the car....

 

You don't get the "Silly rabbit - you can only do that with the cradle." message? Hmmmm . . .

 

I bought mine off the lot, I just looked on the door frame and it has a 02/11 manufacturing date.. I think cars made after March are getting that message...

 

Correct. Hows it feel knowing you can never have your software updated?

 

Just a helpful hint ... if you use promo code SAVESUM1 by 7/4/11, you can save 10%.

 

Hey Guys…just received my Cable from Radtech..And it's nice and thin..flexible..plays all the audio…through the external USB when connected and through Mini connected…but no cover art at all..no video for sure (not a big deal) but those liking to see album info and pictures..will not work with part # 13335..thats the # for cable in black. I've got the extender from buy.com that does ALL when using it attached to the Mini supplied Y Cable. Thought I would neaten things up just with 1 Cable..but not using the one from Radtech…guess it's going to be a return.
Also for those interested a NEW armrest with the base for the cradle wired and ready to install is $340.
Only (2) so far in the US….well now only 1 Let's just chalk it up to R&D costs...

 

the dealer gave me the correct Y cable after i brought my MINI back in b/c the old one wasn't working properly. They had to order it which took about a week or so. In the meantime, I was at Best Buy and purchased a Pioneer iPod cable for Pioneer head units. It has USB and the video aux jack. I tried it out and it worked perfectly. The part was $12. You can get them at Best Buy in the car audio section if you don't want to have to pay for the MINI proprietary cable. I use the MINI cable now, just because it was free. The Pioneer cable was longer, but I keep my phone/ipod in the cup holder, so I wanted a shorter cable.

 

Thanks…lonestar. I've got the extension thats works well…but it's 4' plus the provided Y cable from Mini, so a lot more length than I'm looking for.

 

I cannot figure out what it is about the manufacturer's Y-cable that's different from other Y-cables. It's driving me batty.

 

I ordered the Y-Cable from Radtech and the audio works fine, but it is not charging, is there anything I can do to resolve this problem?

 

Extension cables are available in many different lengths from 6 in. to 6 ft. Google this: iphone dock extension cable

 

Audio works fine…it's the video..or more important the cover art.
I have the extension cable…was looking for a single straight length,,w/o extension.
The key is the RCS plug…needs to be a 4 conductor. Most have pins with either a single or two black rings..ours needs the 3rd for video/cover art. The USB part of the cord is the charging part Did you get part # 13335 (white) that charges fine with audio only.

 

Thanks Flyer53
The part number I ordered is #13692. I believe #13335 is the black one and #13692 is the white one.

 

That's the right # for it in white..I ordered it in black # 13335.
Again no video or album art. Just went out checked it does charge..(USB plug)

 

Mine is 2009 model year, I do not know whether that is the reason?

 

Oh : Not sure if were talking apples to apples here…Mine is a 2011 Countryman S All4….perhaps need to be asking or posting, checking the threads in 2nd Generation ? Not sure if it's all the same