I am going to order a 2012 JCW Hardtop. What are my options for connecting my iPhone. Is there an auxiliary jack for just a simple straight connection in AUX mode with the Harmon Kardon sound system? If not do I have to get the bluetooth option for $500?

I am building a very basic JCW. My 2003 MCS had everything but the Nav system. I don't really need all that. The only thing I think I may regret is not getting Leather.

Must haves are sunroof, HK sound system, auto climate (I like the look of the controls), black challenge spokes. Other than that its a simple build.

What do I need for my iPhone?

 

I believe that you need the Bluetooth option to get the USB port that will charge your ipod/iphone and let it talk to the stereo.

One of few options I got on my car, and I'm very glad I did.

 

Thats what I figured. Any simply auxillary ports like I have in my R53? I rarely (actually never) need to charge my phone in my Mini.

 

Post this up in the audio/navigation section and you will get more answers.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...and-audio-201/

 

We didn't order any bluetooth or iPod connectivity with our 2012 MCS. We do have an aux port that we can access via the radio. The car came with an adaptor that has USB, 1/8" stereo and iPod connector. We don't have the USB plugged in (since there's no USB port on the car) but with the 1/8" plugged in and the iPod plug used on my iPhone everything works and sounds great.

 

Was the aux port standard or add on? On my 2003 it I bought it from the dealer and installed it my self.

 

Best I can tell it's standard. The only stereo related upgrade we got was the HK system. I wish Mini was a little bit more straight-forward with what exactly your car comes with on their website.

 

Get the USB / Bluetooth pack and put your music library on a thumb drive - plug into the usb port and you do not have to plug your phone in!

 

Look, if you want to get the most out of your Iphone, spend the money and get the bluetooth option, and or the smartphone prep, or MINI connected option.

You should get bluetooth anyway, since almost evey state will soon require hands free cell.


If you really can't afford that, skip the JCW and get a Cooper S. It's almost 90% of the performance and almost $7K less. You can buy a lot of go fast, stop fast, handle better for less...

 

It's not about affording it... I just don't like stacking up tons of options. It's a fun weekend car that I will get into autox with. I'll think about the blue tooth, appreciate all the input.

 

That is cool, did not know that.

 

I''m not saying load it up, but heck, forgo the sunroof, and get something useful.... Just saying. (and yes the sunroof is the most useless thing I've got on my car...it's heavy and noisy, and you have to get it tinted to keep the car from being an oven.)

 

I ordered a 2012 MC 4 weeks ago and it's my understanding there is NO "standard" AUX port whatsoever. From what the guys at MINI in OK (and the limited research I've done on here and google) if you don't order it WITH the AUX/Bluetooth option you only get radio and CD. Which I think is horse sh** since it was a standard option in the past.

But I wasn't willing to pay $500 - so I'll be getting a high quality FM transmitter. Even if I could order it again, I still wouldn't pay $500 to use my iPhone. I really dislike that I'll have to use an fm transmitter in a 2012 model car. RI.DIC.U.LOUS!

That being said - if, surprise, there's one in there somehow without the bluetooth etc. etc., well hot diggity!

*APPARENTLY* According to Edmunds.com AND Miniusa.com the car DOES come with a standard "plug and play electronics system (Aux. Input Jack)". Well.. I am just smitten.

 

If I were ordering a basic JCW what would I option it with?

No sunroof

Mini connected, with smartphone prep. (Iphone in the armrest, charge and plays from there, no tangle of wires in the cubby.)

Xenon adaptive headlights

HK system.

Anthracite headliner, (depending on car color)

The auto AC is nice, as are the white turn signal lenses, but I could learn to live without them.

That would be pretty basic.

 

High quality FM transmitter? Oxymoron, like jumbo shrimp...