Just got a 2008 UK spec non Sat Nav Cooper that has Bluetooth Telephone integration. It also has a center armrest with what looks like a cradle base installed inside it as many cars have. Also I see that there is an overpriced iPhone adapter to fit the cradle.

I would like to use the arm rest to house an iPod or iPhone 3S or 4S as that's what we have in the family and as they all share the same connector I am hoping this is possible.

I have some questions.

I assume that the wiring is already to connect the armrest in some way to the Boost Radio. If so, then is the audio out from the armrest connected to the Aux In or similar input?

Is there a cable that will connect to the armrest connector and then the iPod on the other end?

Has anyone done this?

One way to do this may be to cut the wire that enters the armrest and cut up USB/Aux cable and connect the iPod end in the cradle and cut the dash end and either connect directly to the back of the USB and AUx In or add on the flying lead for the USB and 1/8" jack. Just thinking out loud here.

The Mini seems to be such a well thought out design, yet when they decided to add the USB and Aux IN for iPhone integration they really didn't think it through. I don't like that the front cubby tray gets used up to rest an iPod and cables for any prying eyes to see. The armrest will be my first choice of location to put an iPod. If this is not possible or too much work I will use the secret storage compartment in the dash.

 

bump

 

I found a cable on eBay that reaches perfectly under the centre console and up the side of the arm rest and into the arm rest just like the phone adapter wire installation. The 2 plugs pop out into the cubby hole and then plug into the USB and 1/8" socket. Has been working fine for a few weeks. Sometimes the connection gets lost between the iPod and car but I think that is due to the crappy sockets Mini uses.

 

Conger, how did you run the cable into the armrest? It looks like that very back portion of it should snap out, but I haven't given it a try yet as I'm afraid I'll break it.