1. Does the phone (iphone 5s) have to be plugged in via USB (Y Cable) to use MINI Connected? Can I not use this with bluetooth to avoid plugging if Iwant to see the status of my car (mileage/fuel/etc)... I just find it difficult to attach my iphone 5s with a thick case on the small attachment that has a garter just to have it connected.. i stream music via bluetooth anyways...




2. I also have the center armrest that has like a phone compartment inside. do i need ot buy a specific cradle ot use the iphone 5s ?




here are the pictures of what i have....


SMALL ATTACHMENT HOOK https://www.flickr.com/photos/118935...2/13101381074/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/118935...2/13101098155/

CENTER ARMREST
https://www.flickr.com/photos/118935...2/13101264423/


3. Also, any tips to have the maps aded via iphone to mini connected, then the "send to car" option from the desktop google maps? Any tricks to ake it easier. it makes it tme consuming to have to type each letter vs. a touchscreen but it has the analog button... i hope there are tricks to input address quickly....

THANKS!

 

My experience:


1) There are two settings you can pair your Iphone with the Mini Bluetooth settings. One is for Bluetooth and the second is called Bluetooth Audio--you will see a little musical note icon for this one. The phone (and contacts) works with Bluetooth and any streaming music from the Iphone plays if the Bluetooth Audio setting is turned on. The issue with music over Bluetooth is that album artwork does not show up on the screen. Nothing else with Mini Connect works over Bluetooth. Now, the issue that I found is that Bluetooth music audio works until I try to connect with the Mini Connect cord. Once I plug it in the Mini screen says there is a conflict and it turns off the Bluetooth Audio for music (it leaves the phone working). In order to get the Bluetooth Audio for music working again I need to pair again with both settings. Since that is a pain, I do not use Mini Connect.


2) That is for a cradle. Unfortunately, those cradles only works with Iphone 4 not 5. It does not fit with the Lightning Adaptor. For some reason, the new smaller plug in the 5 does not support video transfer with the 4 software. There are plenty of forums (if you search) that cradles were purchased and returned. Also, there are multiple cradles designed for various installed options in the Mini and Iphone 4. The latest I read, Mini nor BMW have a cradle that works with 5 AND Mini Connect.


3) While connected with the Mini Connect cord I can search from the Mini display (yes letter by letter) but it then transfers that data to the Mini. I have not been able to search on the Iphone and use the Send to Car function. I am not sure if that is the same Iphone 4 vs 5 issue or if I need an Iphone account to google maps. It does seem to save recent searches on for quick access again.

 

I have a 2012 CMS with Mini Connect and an iPhone 4S. I have only connected using Bluetooth so far. I have been able to play music from iTunes, stream Pandora and send and receive telephone calls through the car's speaker/mic system.

I have two questions....

1. If I buy the right cradle for the armrest, what functionality will I gain over what I have currently?

2. If I buy the right cable to plug in to the rear of the shifter trim (combo USB + 3 or 4 ring mini plug) from Apple or Mini, what functionality will I gain over what I have currently?

Thanks in advance!

 

Can you clarify the last part. "While connected with the Mini Connect cord I can search from the Mini display (yes letter by letter) but it then transfers that data to the Mini"

what transfers exactly, to where? thanks =)

 

There seems to be many choices for listening to music. I have the S Coupe but I do have the full Nav System and Mini Connected.

Leaving the iPod connected it does not always turn off and has to charge up again before it is available. It worked fine with the Y cable and I kept it on the passenger side in that fish net thing. (iPod Classic or iTouch)

Then I tried the USB Stick. Just copied several folders to the USB Stick from iTunes and it works great and Album Art work appears as well. The only disadvantage of USB Memory Stick is no playlists. Which is fine and not a huge deal. Some have tried and have done this but I have not attempted that yet.

Very pleased with using the USB Memory Stick and I think mine is 8GB which holds a massive amount of music. I use this method in my wife's Countryman as well.