Hi All,

Well, it looks as if some folks are starting to get their US-spec 07 MINIs with the USB port installed. See EUROKOKE's post here:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...&postcount=264

Note that he has a week 52 built US-spec car, but he resides in Germany and so I don't know if that has anything to do with it or not (I assume that since it is a US-spec car it was built at the same time as all the other US-spec cars were). See here for his comments on that:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...&postcount=266

Anyway...

Apparently the USB port is now part of (or will be part of) the Bluetooth Prep/Convenience Package. Thus, it appears that the Bluetooth module is what's controlling the USB functions for the port. This also means that it will be a fairly expensive retrofit since it will require a new/updated Bluetooth module and coding by the dealer.

Man! I really hope that my week 34 build R56 gets the USB port. Guess I'll know for sure in just a few weeks.

If your week 32+ built MINI has the USB port (it will be located next to the AUX input port) please do let us know.

 

I have a car arriving this week with the Convenience Package - will definitely check for the USB port.

I wonder if the new Bluetooth module fixes the issue with "unsupported" phones nuking the module's memory after a couple of months.

 

According to my MA. I am equipped with Bluetooth. They did change the seatbelt dong for late 07. It no longer sounds like an ice cream truck with a speech impedement.

 

Hmm...

That's too bad. I guess that we'll just have to see what other week 32+ owners come up with. Maybe EUROKOKE's car was just a fluke???

I'm not familiar with the seatbelt issue you are refering to. Could you explain briefly?

 

I really wanted integrated audio in the MINI from my own mp3 player. But, I don't use an iPod and, given the iPod integration is installed post-factory, I figured I would ponder on it some more.

I going to be more than a little perturbed if, within two weeks of taking delivery of mine, MINIs of the exact same model year start getting USB audio integration, which I don't have, for the exact same dollars I paid. To get to integrated audio right now, I've got to fork out nearly $1,000 when you consider the cost of the iPod dock part, installation/reprogramming, and actually getting an iPod to hook into it. To hear that (maybe), if I had waited / told to wait 2-3 weeks, I could save that $1,000 and have my own preferred mp3 player integrated...I am not going to be happy. At all. We'll see.

 

MINI/BMW does this sort of stuff quite often as they attempt to "improve" the car over time. I know that in 2005, I had to wait until the Jan production in order to get the larger washer fluid tanks, low washer fluid level warning light, passenger seat air bag warning system, etc. as they weren't available on the earlier build 05's.

They're also good at doing "late" releases on many of their options (as early R56 owners know full well). However, as you pointed out, those would be paid options. Technically, the USB port is a paid option as well since it's part of the Bluetooth Prep package. I guess that MINI/BMW is just improving on it over time in order to keep up (or ahead) of the competition.

I believe that there have been more than 11 different versions of the Bluetooth module since it was first released in MINIs. With each one being a bit better than the previous version it superseded. Just part of life/evolution I guess.

Oh, and the one that really bugged me, is the later build 05's getting radios that can display text (for the iPod kits, etc.). Whereas, the early ones can't (i.e. my Jan build 05). It is a bit maddening if you happen to be the one that gets left behind.

EDIT: Also, we still don't have any further conformation of the USB port in 07's and so we don't know for sure if it's really happening or not at this point.

 

Ugh. I do have the Bluetooth prep package, so to be THIS close in time to an unexpected (to me) incremental upgrade of something I really want......with the cost to me of getting the same thing being so high....frustrating. There is nothing about the choices I had / choices I made when buying this car that bothers me in any way - everything I wanted, I ordered, and the options I didn't order, I didn't want in any way, so I've had no pining or regret about not having certain things that I knew were available. The only issue I had was non-iPod integration (which didn't appear to be available), and I've spent a LOT of time looking for after-market or DIY alternatives in the past two weeks, and I'm drawing a blank....

I can see what they did to you in the early '05 MY being maddening, too!

EDIT: Thats true that there is no confirmation about '07s getting USB, which is why I wrote "To hear that (maybe)", but you're right, my whining might be presumptious and premature. But doesn't it feel good to whine, sometimes, anyway? I get so tired of normally being the rational one at work / in my life!

 

It is maddening and annoying that they would do something like that in the same model year. But what is even more maddening is that it's USB to a bluetooth connection to the receiver. Why can't they just add USB either next to the RCA or in the hidden compartment. I am just now seeing CD changer options on the build site but it's not available.

I say just leave it out until the next model year. Of coarse by putting into the late model yeaer releases it keeps potential buyers from waiting a few weeks to make their order and keeps the factroy churning out cars.

 

Well, perhaps you should get the kind of phone Coffeeman has that trashes the Bluetooth module and then join him in a class action suit to get MINI to replace it. They'd probably have to use the new USB module.

 

@egon,

No arguments there! I'm all about being irrational.

 

@valthun,

I doubt that it is a USB via Bluetooth connection. My guess is that the USB port is hard wired into the Bluetooth module so that it can easily communicate with the appropriate systems of the car (i.e. the same systems that the Bluetooth module already happens to be using). Thus, it was cheaper/easier for MINI to do it that way.

EDIT: Also, is it really fair to wish that MINI would leave it out until the next model year since it would be a nice option for other new MINI owners to have??? Sure, I'd be really bummed if my 07 didn't get it when others did, but I wouldn't wish that others didn't get it simply because I didn't.

 

If mine doesn't come with the USB port, I guess I'll have to find some way to legitimately make my bluetooth module fail!

Let's see... I wonder what happens if I touch this wire to this wire....

gl

 

A valid point, I wouldn't want to wish that others didn't get it. As a consumer, though, it's easier for me to stomach if something you wanted was included in a different model than in the SAME model - "You have USB audio? Oh, you have the '08? I have the '07, thats why" rather than "Wait, *I* have the '07 too!". We're talking about a $25-$35k thing here, too, not easily 'upgradeable' like, say, a GPS or MP3 player. If I knew changes were coming, and only coming, in each MY, then I can time my purchase accordingly. Early enough in the year, I'll take the extra few months of having the car over waiting and take my lumps, but later in the year, maybe I'll wait and see. But in this case, I (may) not have been given even that 'choice', so I guess that is where the frustration is. For a cheap consumer device, it wouldn't both me. But for a relatively expensive car that I'm obsessing over, like many of you?! No way

As for that potentially slowing down sales at the end of a 'year'; that's not my problem, and also not unique to MINI. Firms have many tatics to overcome that, with price reductions, extra goodies, etc. and again, I have something to console myself with - "Yeah, if I had waited a few weeks for the '08, I'd have that, but at least I got a discount, some shiny things and free rubber mats by getting the '07".

Interesting debate, whilst we await further news about our idle speculations Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to buy a non-approved bluetooth cellphone to blow out the module.....

 

How can you be so sure the USB port is related to the Bluetooth module?
From what I read the USB port will be coming on all 2008 models. Not just ones with Bluetooth. I assumed it was no different then the Aux input.

 

I've noticed (through Google searches) that Visteon have some relationship with BMW to provide audio integration products. Also, Visteon now have an audio interface that connects to, and communicates over, the cars CD-changer interface. This Visteon interface has USB, iPod and AUX connectivity, and does the heavy lifting of decoding various formats to stream over the CD-changer interface. I have no idea what I'm talking about, of course, but I'd guess this is the way to go for BMW, given that the CD-changer is also imminent for MINI, and it'd be a much cheaper, more flexible and factory-installable option? Random thoughtless speculation, though, but it makes sense to me

EDIT: Just looked at the UK MINI configurator, and the option to include it there is labelled "Bluetooth with USB Audio".......maybe the bluetooth crew are correct, or it at least explains the reasoning behind thinking they are somehow doing it that way

 

This all reminds me when I ordered my early build 05 MCS back in June of 04 and spec'd the free option of anthracite headliner - do you remember all the whining that happened when MINI discontinued it after several months and then brought it back as a paid option?

Stuff like this can disappear as easily as it appears!

 

Go take a look at the MINI UK web site (which is already selling/configuring what we call the 2008 models along with the new Clubman) and you'll see that the ONLY way to get the USB audio port is with the Bluetooth option. You can't get Bluetooth without the USB and you can't get the USB without the Bluetooth.

EDIT: @egon Oops! I missed your last edit. I now see that you already posted the same thing as I just did.

 

@kurt,

Yes, I was caught up right in the middle of that. My first 05 MCS was ordered with the free anthracite headliner and ended up without one. It turned out that MINI dropped the option right when my car went into production. I was really bummed. Then, I was really mad to find out that MINI decided to bring it back as a paid option (as I would have gladly paid to of had it). Fortunately, it all worked out in the end as the car turned out to be a lemon and had to be bought back by MINI. The replacement car was ordered (and received) with the "paid" anthracite headliner.

 

WHY would you dopey people be "upset" in ANY WAY that MINI is improving an option on the car in ANY WAY for newer cars???? That is just IDIOTIC, I'm sorry.

I would HOPE that MINI improves on things i nthe car that we "complain" or bring light to going forward. THAT is exactly why I like the MINI, it has lots of cool features many other cars don't. And the features that are missing or wrong, I hope they continue to improve upon, even if it means a guy getting the same care a week after mine, with something I didn't get, SO WHAT!!!

What I don't understand is, you IPOD folks. Ipods have an AUDIO out option. Why not us THAT instead of worrying about a USB connection????? Yes, it would be cool to be able to plug in a USB memory stick with some MP3's on it, but instead just burn them onto a CD/RW and get the same MP3's playing in the player.

Now what SHOULD **** everyone off, and IS pissing me off, is that there are no PHONE CRADLES for the MINI, and no UPDATES to it at all. THAT, is soemthing we should be discussing.

 

Birdman, here's the scoop: so many people have complained about the center armrest that they are redesigning it to be more useful and have less issues with the cover sliding back and forth at will. Whilst improving this option on the car, this basically also means they've got to redesign the phone cradles that fit inside the center armrest. All '07 cars produced from next week on will have this new arm rest. For those of you with what is now the 'old' armrest (that includes me), you've got to spend $270 + install to get the new armrest before you can get the new phone cradle.

So how does THAT make you feel? Hopefully, your blood boiled a little? You didn't take the high ground and say 'well, it improves the MINI for all those who are getting it after me and will have it for the years that I don't'? Anyway, I just made that up in the hope you might have some insight about how *I* feel about my personal pet peeve. (Although this might be a possible scenario for the phone cradles??!!)

Also, in the spirit of your own argument, just buy an external antenna for your phone and a car lighter charger to charge it; it'll do the 'same thing' as the phone cradle in much the same way as the AUX is also a 'solution' for integrated music from an mp3 player.

P.S. I'll burn the CD/RWs if you tell me where I can get a 200 disc CD changer for the MINI, because that's how many I would need to, as you stated, "get the same MP3's playing in the player"

 

At least you all know about what to expect on your cars..

Poor old me.. up here in Canada - I have no idea if any of the changes will be made on my car.. I have to wait and see.

Does anyone know if USB is included on Canadian MINIs after August 2008?

 

@mikeyjaro,

Actually, despite my whining about this, we don't actually know if it is included on US MINIs after August 2008!!

 

Yes.. I suppose you don't know.. we can't track boats or build stages.. nothing. At least you have a 'clue'..

fyi - love your MINI.. mine is coming with
- DS/B
- Black Bonnet Stripes
- 17" all season Crown Spokes (hey, i get the car end of october in toronto.. don't laugh)
- Premium Pack (Sunroof, OBC, Auto Dim Mirro, Funky Wipers, Auto Lamps)
- bi-Xenons
- Front and Rear Fogs
- Sport Pack (Sport Susp., Anthracite headliner)
- BT
- Chrome (int and ext)
- Hi-Fi
- LSD
- Electric Front Defroster
- Heated Mirrors, Seats
- Piano Black
- Leatherette

Can you see why I can't wait any longer..:impatient

 

Sweet package and GREAT colour choice, although I'm a tad biased

Late October? That wait is painful - I thought mine was bad, and it was only really 4 weeks. On the upside though, your chances of getting the USB might be MUCH higher

 

If MINI comes through with a USB port - there may be an 08 Cooper S in my future

I hate car mfg's that integrate stereo HU's into dash...