I have just ordered an iPod. I know this subject has been talked about a lot and I'm sorry about the redundancy of this.

What I would like to know is what can I use with the iPod for my stereo? I have the NAV system so the BMW/Apple adapter is out of the question, I don't like the idea of the aux. input going into the glove box because I can't control what I want to hear without causing an accident. I know that people have been creative in choosing different locations for the aux. input but I don't think the dealer will put it in any location other than the glovebox. Next option is a FM modulator. I've heard these are not good solutions (reduced sound quality, fading in and out, etc.). I have the standard stereo w/CD and a changer. Any suggestions would be great. Also, if anyone is in the SoCal area, and can recommend a reliable, not too pricey, car audio shop that will do an install of the aux. input, please let me know.

TIA.

 

Skrutzen, here is how I am using my iPod in my MCS:


I had the aux adapter installed into the glove box. I am able to run the audio cable out of the glove box, and still close the door easily. So I have a wire that comes down behind the center console and down to the area where the cigarette lighter is. I have tucked this wire in such a way that you can't see it at all, and you can open and close the glove box with no problems.

I then got the Belkin car adapter that plugs into the cigarette lighter, in order to power the iPod. The great thing about this charger is that it has a line out on it. So my audio cable from the glove box plugs straight into this, rather than the top of the ipod.

So all I have to do is plug the single wire from the power adapter into the port on the bottom of the iPod, and it gets powered, and it comes through the stereo. I then just stick the iPod in one of the cup holders. I can easily reach it to select and album or playlist, and then I can control the volume from the MFSW. The wires are all tucked neatly out of the way, and it looks clean. And the sound is better through the line out than if I was plugging into the headphone jack. This solution has been great so far.

If you have any questions, or want to see pics of how I have done this, let me know.

 

You want a wired solution, not an FM modulator.

If your dealership really will not route the aux cable anyplace other than the glovebox, find a new dealer

The easiest solution is to just let the aux cable come out at the bottom of the plastic door thingy between the dash tubes. No cutting involved.

If you're at all capable of removing the head unit yourself, which isn't that hard, it's easy to install the aux input cable yourself. If you've done it enough, you can actually do it by feel without removing the radio at all. Or, at least, I know people who can do it by feel. Not me, though.

So, see if your dealership will route the cable out at the bottom of the dash tubes (where those storage pocket thingies go, behind the cupholders). If not, just buy the part, and either install it yourself or find a local MINI owner who can do it for you. Done by feel, it's a 2 minute job (or less). Done by removing the radio, it only takes 5 minutes. Of course, that's without drilling a hole to mount the input "plate", but that's the way I like it.