I was just wondering how hard it was to install the OEM Ipod adapter (the one that places the ipod in the glove box). Has anyone done this themselves? How difficult is it to do? How much time will it require? The dealer has quoted me a price of $153.00 just for the labor. (I already have the part).

I had a local stereo installation guy install mine for $75 bucks, you can download the instructions off the internet. It was a Mom and Pop shop, not a big box store. Goodluck

Ray

It mounts in the glove box!! Like they're frightened if you are diddling with it and have a wreck, you're gonna sue BMW, (which, of course, a lot of a**h**** WOULD!)

Anyway, like the man said, get thee to a local reputable auto stereo shop, and have it installed with a good mount so you can see it easily. I bought the Craven mounting system since I want to add a couple of temp and pressure gauges anyway, down the road. It works great, and it looks fully integrated into the car.

Here are the Craven sites:
http://www.cravenspeed.com/index.php?productID=52
http://www.cravenspeed.com/index.php?productID=69

And here is the site for the electrical portion:
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=314
(this is the DICE iPOD integration unit. It allows you to control the iPOD from your steering wheel or radio interface. Super slick. Keeps the unit charged all the time.

Hope this helps.

I had a dealer tell me it would cost $339 installed, or $140 for the unit, then after I installed it I'd have to have them reprogram the computer ... wtf?? and that could take anywhere from 45 minutes to 4 hours at hourly labor charge.
Has anyone actually bought the MINI ipod adapter and done this themselves? Are they blowing smoke up my tailpipe?

Your being scammed... Why would they need to "reprogram" it? It's not like it interfaces with the computer.... Btw, it doesnt seem like a hard DIY at all. Read through the instruction found online first and see if you can tackle it!

Are you thinking of the Aux Input?
The OEM ipod adaptor renders the ipod controls useless - you get 6 playlists (MINI1, MINI2, etc), and all the functions are controlled via the MFSW.

The Aux input official instructions call for it to be 'installed' in the glovebox, but it can go pretty much anywhere.

To the OP, it depends how comfortable you are with instructions. If you can follow them, it's not really tough. I believe the new kits are plug and play, and don't require the cuts shown in these V1.0 instructions.

I'd get the DICE adaptor, the Craven steering wheel pod hardware, and have a local auto stereo expert do the install. I'm thrilled with it, the cost is reasonable, and the iPod ends up at fingertip control positioned right behind the steering wheel and you have full iPod visibility and control over everything -- better than through your OEM radio. I love it. the install my guy did was like $60 and it's perfect, and NOT in the friggin glovebox. Here's another area where MINIUSA blows!! my dealer wouldn't put it in anywhere but in the glove box!! I didn't even get past that part of the conversation with them. My next words were "good" and "bye"

Thanks for the replies everyone. This is the same service writer who doesn't own a MINI, never heard of NAM, and never heard of water under the door seals...
I surprised myself with my politeness, that I did not insult her for trying to tell me it might take 4 hours to reprogram the computer after I add an ipod adapter. I think a good tech could probably drop and reinstall an engine and transmission in 4 hours. I can download all new maps of North America onto my GPS in way less time than that!
Has anyone actually done this install and can give me firsthand experience?
Jim

I did it my self, it is realy easy, but I wish I wouldnt bought the OEM interface, Ive heard that the DICE is much better.
The thing that Eric Rowland said about the playlist is realy annoying, check this Thread out https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...highlight=ipod
If you alredy have the OEM one, the first DIY is for installing the interface, and the second one is how to take the stereo off.
http://new.minimania.com/images/inst...ctions_new.pdf
http://www.newministuff.com/new/inde...ion=13&diyid=6

This is very helpful, I think I'll get the DICE kit.
I mean, I hope SANTA brings my wife the DICE kit this Christmas

Yes, definitely get the DICE kit. I just had the OEM iPod kit put in my car and have been somewhat disappointed with it. It works fine, but is not user-friendly at all. There is no song/artist displayed on the display when in use....just track/playlist numbers which are of no help unless you have memorized the track numbers/titles on your iPod. My Jeep OEM kit even let you browse by album/artist and displayed info, etc.....not this MINI kit, though.

Go with the DICE. I think it gives you an aux input as well for more flexibility.

I did a DIY install with the factory iPod adapter. It was not that hard. It took a couple of hours in my driveway. The way the factory kit goes in it is very clean, and looks like it was installed at the factory. The only trouble I had was getting the correct installation instructions for my specific kit.

Thanks MM, obviously you didn't need to have anything reprogrammed then?