Just curious what others are doing. I opted for a Garmin 680 instead of the builtin Nav. I am still on the fence about the iPod interface due to the small 2-line display. I would have steering wheel control of course but would probably have to have the iPod out where I could see it.

Any of you other non-builtin Nav people gone with the iPod interface?

 

I just had it installed and i have no NAV. The 2 line is not great but it works. I'm used to using the BlueTooth interface with my phone so it was an easy transition. Yes, you can use the steering wheel controls but only after you have entered a play list (works if you list by artist, song, etc. You must use the joystick. The iPod connector is installed in the "secret compartment" where the CD changer would go.

 

Yep ....just got it installed today, not the most "user" friendly device, but seems to beat most of the other options out there for the R56( had hoped HK Drive+play 2 would solve some problems, but it would create others)...Bit of a learning curve....but in the short 2 hours I had to play with it while driving, seems it will work out just fine. I was at the dealer anyway having the "above glove box" unlocked(early build)so for the $550 I opted to have it installed at the same time.

 

I was wondering about the possibility of installing the iPod interface but having the cable routed out near the bottom of the center console. The idea is that I would have control via the steering wheel and I could use something like a cup holder mount and still be able to see the screen. Have you guys noticed if the screen displays normally when connected or is it like when you connect to your PC when the screen is basically blank?

 

Damnit! That's what my hopes were pinned on! What's wrong with it then?

 

had mine installed when I ordered it. One thing I don't like is that if you put it into random play mode, as soon as you use the steering wheel controls, it just goes to the next song in the list, it doesn't jump to a random song in the list....kinda sux.... aftermarket head units with ipod integration, like ones from alpine smoke this thing. just my .02

 

My son bought me a rechargable 40 hr. external battery for my iPod for Christmas (I didn't know such a thing was avaialble). The iPod slides into a holder on the side of the battery. i no longer need to be concerned about the iPod charge. I just use a fairly long cord and plug it in to the jack in the glove box and play ii through the Aux setting. I can place the iPod pretty much anwhere I like. And, unless I plan to drive more than 40 hours with stopping to sleep (where I recharge the batterry) I no longer have any iPod charge issues.

 

Yeah, but you can't change tracks with the MFSW and you can't view track info on the MINI's head unit/nav system. To me, that's the main advantage to the OEM iPod kit (as well as charging the iPod). Your route is a MUCH cheaper solution though.