I just took delivery of my MINI the other night and received the iPhone/iPod audio adapter. Does anyone know if similar adapters are available for phones with micro USB? How are you using the auxiliary inputs if you don't have an iPhone/iPod?

 

The stereo is capable of reading and playing audio files on a USB flash drive. If your phone can function like a standard USB mass storage device, then the stereo can play audio files stored on your phone. Whether it's possible depends on the type and configuration of your phone. Just connect your phone to the USB port and see if the stereo detects it. There was a long discussion on the topic: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...h-android.html

If the USB doesn't work for your phone, you can always connect a regular stereo cable from your phone's headphone jack to the aux input.

 

I use this microSD adapter. I originally got it so I could also put the card in my phone for trips, but my current phone doesn't have a microSD slot. It's small enough that you don't notice it, so I just leave it in the car all the time.

 

Thanks for the link rkw. I've seen conflicting statements about playing music via Bluetooth on MINIs without MINI Connected. I have a 2013, so Bluetooth is standard. I figured that it'd be simple enough to just play songs off my phone using Bluetooth, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

Thanks for the chrunk. I was actually at Best Buy last night and saw a whole bunch of those tiny USBs. I may end up going that route, but I really wanted to keep things simple and use my phone. So that I could charge it and play music at the same time. I really wish MINI/BMW made other Y cables for products other than Apple since a lot of phones use the Micro USB...

 

I thought the same thing but I also can't figure out how to play music using the Bluetooth connection to my HTC Amaze (Android). I have a 2013 with standard Bluetooth but not with Connected.

 

I connected my phone via USB for the first time yesterday to see if it would work. Like rkw said above, I just connected my HTC Aria as a "disk drive" and all my music files were in folders by artist and sub-folders by album. I didn't try initially because I figured I needed to use the auxiliary input and didn't have a cable. I wonder why you can't play music off the iPhone/iPod by just using the USB connection?

 

I have a 2011 MCS and I can't find the location of the USB port that is mentioned in the owners manual. On my car the only aux input is the small round pin type; approx 1/8". Was that an option that I did not get?

 

I'm not sure about the 2011s, but for my 2013 the USB and aux ports are right next to each in the recess below the door lock toggle behind the cup holders.

 

My aux input is in that location, but there is no USB port. The Manual shows it there, but it is not there. Perhaps it was part of the MINI Connect option.

 

While I am waiting on my MCS to cross the pond, I have ordered that plugs into the USB and then the Aux port and will allow me to stream audio from my phone via Bluetooth. I will post a review once I have it (and the car).

 

I don't have a USB connector as that was an option mine didn't have. I don't know whether they have ever made it standard or what packages it comes with. So entirely possible you may not have one.

 

Maybe it was part of the MINI Connected option in 2011, but I believe it's standard equipment in 2013.

I believe it's standard now for 2013s.

I'm content with hooking up my phone as a disk drive to the USB port since it will charge and I can control the music through the radio controls and steering wheel.

 

So I hooked up my phone on the drive home tonight and played some music. When I got home I just turned off the car and unplugged my phone. I guess this isn't the proper protocol, because my phone told me that I damaged my SD card and that it needed to be reformatted. I'll try to be more careful in the future. Either that, or I'll buy one of those mini USB drives and just leave it in the port all the time.

 

So I attempted to format the card on my phone and it's still saying it's damaged.

 

Oh yeah, you probably have to unmount it before unplugging the wires. Didn't really think of that.

I used an iPod in my 2003 MINI for the longest time, but I really got tired of plugging it in every time. I love being able to leave a thumb drive in all the time, though it's a little more hassle having to update another device.

 

It's weird, because the first time I hooked up my phone I didn't do anything before unplugging it.

I just bought a . It's super small and only $22, so I guess I can just do it your way and leave it in the car all the time. It'll make things easier and there'll be less risk of me screwing up my phone's microSD card again.