Within a few days, I am about to pick up my new MCS equipped with Nav system at Irvine Mini. I want to order Ipod adaptor with the dealer. HOWEVER, someone also said Irvine Mini service department was not good. They did not return my call for the quote. My MA does not know much about the Ipod with Nav system.

Should I order it with Irvine Mini or go somewhere like Long Beach Mini?

 

I've read others post that their are just buying the extra iPod aux cable and plugging it into the port located underneath the console up front in the middle. Anyone buy this piece yet?

 

Go to a dealer that you feel can do the job. Most of the install is software. I had mine put in early April and it works well. The $400+ install gives you some extra functionality and charges the IPod. I like it but it's a spendy accessory.

 

There are several options for the AUX port.

1. Griffin TuneFlex AUX Flexible Charging Cradle (Apple Store online) plugs into the cigarette lighter outlet, has a stalk with a cradle for the iPod, a preamp, and a cord to connect to the AUX. It charges the iPod and uses the iPod's cradle connector for output. This is what I use, currently.



2. An iPod Dock Conn To 3.5MM Cable from Amazon.com. No preamp, but some people say it works fine. I haven't tried it.

3. A male 3.5mm to male 3.5mm cable that plugs into the earphone port on the MINI and into the AUX. I've tried this, and it does work.

What the iPod Integration gives you that the above options don't, is:

1. Forward and back control on the Multi-function Steering Wheel.
2. Your iPod is hidden from view in the secret compartment so it can be left in the car.
3. View and selection of playlists on the NAV screen.
4. Possibly better sound quality. Or, so it was reported in another thread.

 

Since Irvine Mini will be setting up the nav system, you should have them do the ipod adapter. That way, you remove their ability to finger point if a problem comes up. Normally I'd say stay away from dealers you don't trust completely, but in this case, it seems logical to have the one dealer responsible for the whole nav system.

I have the nav system w/ipod adapter and except for times it takes forever to load, it works pretty nice with the nav display. If you have the nav system, and you have an ipod, then the adapter is really a must have accessory. Sure you can save a few hundred bucks and use the AUX socket, but is that really where you want to save money.

I skipped the leather seating to help pay for other things. The plastic seats ain't so bad, and for $1900 less, they're downright luxurious, and a joy to spill food on.