So I'm kinda regretting not getting the ipod installation done when I purchased the MINI last year. Does anyone know if MINI will install if after purchase and if so how much? Thanks.

 

Which adapter? There's the dealer installed adapter which I think is still compatible with the newer models. That ran a little over $500 installed, which I'm not convinced is worth it.

If you wanted the USB option, probably a lot more if its even possible.

I used a Griffin Autopilot for quite a while, I was very happy with it, I used it in preference to the dealer installed adapter until I got some of the MINI adapter's quirks worked out. I could leave the iPod in the glove box and forget it.

 

Yeah I was thinking the dealer installed adapter. I want to be able to control my tunes via the radio/mfsw.

 

I asked the same question of my SA. At the time, about 6 mo ago, he said that Mini was redesigning to accommodate the iPhone or iTouch. I *think* he said it was going to be available about now. The $500 installed is the number I was working with.

Seemed kinda steep to me but the through the head unit control is very appealing

 

I'm Actually getting the factory USB installed tomorrow. I'll post cost and functionality after messing with it.

DMC

 

Look forward to hearing the details.

 

After taking the first step in my audio upgrade to my R50, and a few hours of ownership, I can safely say that I am quite pleased with the factory USB iPod kit. I like having the ability to maintain functionality of the steering wheel controls, including the ability to juggle through tracks and playlists. I am a bit perplexed that I still need to name the playlists "MINI1, MINI2", etc., limiting me to 6 total playlists. I understand on the 2nd gen. integration kit for the R56, this has been corrected.

I like keeping OEM, and it cost $320.00 installed. Compared to the aftermarket options I shopped, which averaged around $250 and up, I feel it was well worth it. I've had the aftermarket (DICE) in other cars, and found good functionality, albeit with some things that bothered me enough not to do it again. 6 Playlists is easy enough for me to work with and be happy.

Hope this helps some of you considering.

DMC

 

JMTCW...
I installed the iPod interface myself and it only took 30 minutes to do it.
The installation is not that difficult and the instructions are available on
the internet from Motoringfile.com

 

My bad.... For the DIY set, the actual parts cost for the OEM iPod kit in my 03' R50 was $185.00.

DMC

 

On my 09, it was quoted $529 installed ($339 + labor). I got the adapter for $150 after a lot of negotiation. I installed it. Then I found out the 09 requires an ECU upgrade to activate it. So after a trip back to the dealer last Saturday and much more negotiation (I was led to believe it would work once I installed it) it now works. They did not charge me for the upgrade.

I'm not sure the 08 requires the ECU upgrade, for which they charge two hours labor.

Anyway, it is the best factory integration of an ipod that I have had in any new car. Easy to navigate, shows full playlist, artist and song titles, etc.

 

Do it yourself

 

excuse me, am I reading this right? there is a factory USB kit that will let me control my iphone on my 2006 MCS cabrio and doesn't have the obnoxious oem ipod limitations that the old model had?

 

Don't know about with the i-phone. I use a last gen i-pod classic for music, though I do have an iphone as well.

I doubt the phone will work honestly with this kit, as it thus far works identically to the factory kit I had in a BMW e46. That OEM kit did not support the phone either. (I believe the firmware is different from ipods to iphones.)

Either way though, I'm gonna try it out.

DMC

 

Yikes! 2 hrs of labour to flash your ECU with the Ipod software? That's whack!

 

Plugged the iPhone in, and the ipod feature works just as normal. The interface advises that the iPhone will be going into airplane mode however, and the "Phone" features will be disabled accordingly.

It also charges as normal.

DMC