Originally I thought plug ipod into the aux port in the parcel shelf would be good enough.

Unfortunately soon I found Ipod ran out of battery, another annoying thing is that Ipod doesn't automatically stop playing after ignition is off, if I'm not super careful it could easily run of juice after the first drive.
After some research, Monster iCarCharger came into help
http://www.monstercable.com/computer...ple%20Products
Although not mentioned anywhere, it actually offers a line out port on the side of adaptor, surprise!

The setup is straightforward, I ran the power wire through two clips into parcel shelf.


The best part is that the style/color of 12v plug fits the Mini interior quite well


And it looks fantastic with the red light, which will turn into green after ipod is fully charged.


Overall I'm pretty happy with the setup, most of the parts are hidden out of sight, connecting to ipod is a quick snap, and ipod automatically pauses after ignition is turned off (though I wish it could resume playing once car is started). Total cost is around $70.

 

very cool. may I suggest that you install an extra socket into the parcel shelf for a even cleaner set up

 

The old telephone style cord is a little annoying, I might replace it with a lamp cord or just pull it straight.
It would be nice to get all the wires out of sight, though adding a power outlet on parcel shelf sounds like a lot of work, in that sense it may be easier to just go with a factory Ipod adaptor

 

Very nice, glad to know there is an alternative to the $150 OEM option.

 

AARRGHH!! bye bye $40....bestbuy here I come!!!



* Hong, what generation ipod do you have? I checked out a ipod forum and there saying that the icarcharger will not work w/ 5g ipods in regards to it turning off when you turn off your ignition.

 

Do a search for the ICE hookup for the Ipod. It palys through the 6 cd cord and is controllable from the buttons on your steering wheel. It mounts on the downtubes. It's the sh#t!

 

4g