I'm looking for a few suggestons regarding an install in my "S". As stated, I have an '04 with the standard radio and no CD changer in the back. I've been using my MINI ipod on my bike (HD '03 Roadglide) by simply plugging it into the aux. jack on my radio. It works fine. I would like to start using it in my car. From what I understand there are a coulpe of ways I can do this.

1. Buy the aux. jack from BMW and plug the ipod into this.
2. Buy one of those digital thingies that plug into the ipod with no other connections necessary. Tune the radio to a perscribed station and away I go.

My questions are if I install the aux. jack, will the tags show up on the ipod, and is there anything plugged into the terminal on the stock HU that I have to unplug to accept the aux. jack cable? I've read that some wires could possibly have to be removed from the BMW aux. jack cable and incerted into the plug that is already there which would mean disassembly of both down posts to remove the stock HU. Other threads say that all you have to do is to reach up behind the post (after removing the package tray) and plug in the aux. jack cable. Do some MINI's have this plug vacent and some don't? I guess the next question would be what method of connection do you guys prefer, the aux. jack or the wireless connection? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Bill

 

Roadglide,
I've got the same configuration as you, 04 no changer. I would recommend against any sort of wireless transmitter. They are weak with poor sound quality, and if you travel though different areas you are forced to find a "clear" station. The tuning also tends to drift. I've had experience with the Griffin iTrip and although you can select from any station (some units only have 4 selectable frequencies) I could never find a channel that would last for very long.

There are 2 ways you can go with the BMW inputs:
1: aux in, (this is the way I went) which plugs a remote connector into theback of the HU. You then connect the ipod Headphone out to this connector. Its nothing fancy, no readout on the head unit, no steering wheel controls, you use the iPod's screen for info and iPod controls.

Pro's: If you keep the iPod handy(in view) you have all the song and artist info at a glance. If you mount it the controls are just as handy as using the radio controls on the HU.

Cheap $40

Con's: No steering wheel controls

2: BMW's iPod interface. (I don't have this) But this will allow use of the sterring controls to navigate songs on the iPod (limited to skip songs Fwd and Rev within 6 playlists). The only thing that shows up on the HU display is MINI1, MINI2,3,4 etc. (the names of the HU reckonized playlists) And from what I understand you can't use the display or the controls on the iPod while it is connected to the car.

Pro's: Steering wheel controls work.
you can keep the ipod hidden.

Con's: Limited display of info.
Expensive $150

There are other companies making interfaces now, but from what I've read, thay arre not fully functional yet, and they are pricey.

Hope this helps.

Keith

 

I would agree with this. With the BMW/MINI iPod adapter, you cannot see anything on the iPod except "MINI" I believe. I know you cannot control the iPod while it is connected. That is all done through the MFSW or the HU, which does not display anything except the playlist number.

 

I installed the Mini AUX connector. Then, i got the Belkin auto adapter. This plugs into the cigarette lighter. From there, a patch cable plugs into the AUX connector. A dock connector also comes out of the Belkin, which hooks up directly to the iPod and the iPod Mini. This dock connector powers the iPod (and iPod Mini) and carries the sound to the radio. The Belkin comes with a **** that controls the input level into the radio. this is a simple solution and gives excellent sound. It does not show any info on the head unit, but then as of right now no solution out there does this. Plus, you just mount the iPod where you can see it and you can choose from ALL your playlists and songs and not just a couple of them!

 

My setup is like rg's. See here for pics http://www.mini2.com/gallery/persona...ery_11982.html
You definately want the Belkin car adapter...don't go from your headphone jack to the AUX input...the signal is attenuated so you lose quality & volume.

Just to clarify Audioman's con w/ regards to this setup....you can use the volume controls on the steering wheel....you can't advance the track, etc. But w/ the iPod in plain view w/ the navigation is easy.

The other option (> the BMW) is the Dension Icelink....this gives full control. But I think it's in the neighborhood of US$299.

Also, the price of $40 for the AUX cable is the parts cost. Mine cost $140 or so installed. If you're handy, it's a fairly easy installation, it merely goes into the back of the HU. It's the female end that can get trickly. The default location is in the glovebox, but that didn't make any sense to me as I wanted the iPod visible, and I didn't want the glovebox door open all the time. So I had the dealer install it in the downtube as you can see from my pics. Very happy to pay the $$ to have this done.

 

The glove box thing didn't make sense to me for the same reason, so I mounted elsewhere for the same reason. I had a buddy with small hands reach up be hind the radio and plug the connector in, no disassembly what-so-ever, couldn't justify the dealer's $90 install cost.

Right-o on the steering volume control, thought it was a given and neglected to mention, thanks.