I have a 2011 R56 with Connected. I have not purchased the snap in adapter yet for the iPhone 4. I'm not sure if it is available.

I would prefer to get a snap in adapter that simply has a USB port. I've searched and one does not seem to be available. Is this true? Is this something that they may come out with soon?

Is there a mod to convert a "Connected" armrest to a USB armrest? The iphone/connected/mp3 all work with just a usb connection to the dash port.

I would like this as my GF and I have different phones (she an iPhone and me a blackberry but soon a droid [if/when connected support for droid happens]) and we both use the car. Additionally, we have a 160GB ipod that is permanently connected to the front USB port. It seems that as slow as they are to come out with new snap in adapters, a USB one that would accommodate all supported phones would be really useful.

At any rate, has anyone converted a connected armrest to usb input? Perhaps by modifying a snap in adapter?

I've seen lots of info on extending front usb to armrest, but not on converting connected armrest to usb.

Thanks, Pete

 

simple answer: no, as the whole unit is proprietary to BMW and cannot be altered by aftermarket products at this time.

But, that does not mean an independent modder cannot hack the system, and allow free access in the operating system.

I called the Mini dealership about an adaptor for my phone, and they said it has not been release by BMW. By the time they release the adapter, apple will probably have the Iphone 5 out!

 

It's unbelievable. What are they going to do when they start supporting android? Release a new adapter every 8 months? That's about the lifespan of a droid model I think.

It's incredible that with Connected they force you to buy an armrest, then you cannot use it because the adapter you need is not even available.

It sure seems like a USB snap in adapter could save a lot of us headaches.

 

As for adapters anyone with some electronics back ground can mod an adapter to USB if they want to.

As for the software in the car, yes i am sure someone could hack into it and mod it but it is so integrated into the stereo system that if may not be practical.

There is an adapter that has been released for the Iphone to work with the MINI Connected System it is part number 84-21-2-186-288. It is supposed to work for both the iPhone 3GS and 4.

 

I am not sure what they are going to do when they start supporting Android (if they ever do). But I can tell you this my Droid X barely fits side to side in the armrest as it is now and there would NOT be enough room in the current armrest for a side mount USB connection as my X would require so there is no way they will come out with an adapter for it.

but an adapter is available see above post for part number. If a dealer tells you they can not get it tell them to order it from Germany or the UK. It is available.

It would be a good idea but then again there are so many different phones that work in so many different ways for USB support that they will not be able to make it work for many of them. Then there is also the problem that many newer phones are so large that if they do fit in the current armrest then there is no way to connect a cable to them because there is no room for the cable connector.

now if they were to do what they did in the BMW's and make the armrest a little wider it may work out.

 

This might turn the snap in adapter into USB. I think I will try this with the new adapter.

http://www.cablejive.com/products/Un...Converter.html

 

unfortunately the USB and Audio connections are backwards on that, but I guess using another set of cables would do the trick.