So, I just picked up my new mini about 3 weeks ago. It's everything I hoped it would be, the only thing missing was some better way to hook up my iPod than the crap iTrip FM tuner I'd been using on my last car. After checking out all the options I decided against the BMW/Mini iPod adapter for a few reasons, mostly because I'd get stuck using playlists (which I don't), and the ID3 tags wouldn't apperar on the deck (the factory Radio Boost one). These 2 things really put me off the high price of the adapter, even if I could use my steering wheel controls on the iPod itself.

The Denison Ice/Link was the second option. I believe that it overcomes the 2 drawbacks of the Mini adapter. The only thing holding me back was the high cost of the adapter + install (about 400 bucks, more than an actual iPod)

The final option was the AUX connector from BMW. It's obviously got it's drawbacks like not being able to control the iPod using the deck / steering wheel controls. But at $70 CDN for the part, which probably cost .40 cents to make, the price was right. The dealer wanted $230 to install it though, which seemed kind of steep to me, especially considering that the instructions that come with it list 0.5 hours as the estimated install time. In the end I decided to do the install myself. This way I could mount the part under the deck, keeping the iPod out of the glovebox in a usable position. Using the article linked below at mini2.com I was able to do the install myself in 40 minutes. It was so easy that even a non-mechanically inclined guy like myself could do it. Can't believe that the stealership wanted 230 bucks to do that!?!

So, in the end I've got the iPod connected and it only cost me $70 CDN, leaving all sorts of extra cash to make car payments!

install instructions here:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/faq.php?f..._faq_aux_input

 

I installed my ice link plus, it's ridiculously easy to do, it just connects with the existing cd changer harness in the back of the car and then route the cable to wherever you want, I ended up routing it back up to my glovebox. It's totally black and you can't even notice it running through the car as it's tucked under the rear seats.

Took me maybe 10 minutes, heh. Now I just need to figure out the best way to do the playlists .

 

I was with you on the IPOD adaptor too. I'm not into playlist at all but in the MINI they come in handy. To get around that all you would have to do is create one play list with all your music therefore making it like there is no playlist. But then you are stuck with the no ID3 tag info being displayed. Well what I did is create the five playlists each with one genre of music. So playlist 1 is Rock, 2 is Rap, 3 is Country.. etc etc. So now you can easily switch between all playlists or you can just do random and it plays from all the lists... In the end the ability to countol the IPOD from the steering wheel comes in really handy.

 

I did this install as well.

Here are a few things that will make it perfection!!!!

#1

Belkin
This Rocks for Holding the Ipod. They make it in Black as well. But white fit my Coop better.



#2

Belkin
This Powers it all, and fits like a glove in the lighter plug under the toggles. I tried the adapters built in amp and it worked nice!! but a little hum is to be heard. You can boost the signal from your AUX source to 5 and leave the Volume on the iPod at like 85% of max, this will result in the same levels as the radio and CD. The excess cords can be wraped around the support on the cup holder and tucked away out of site. It puts the iPod at perfact hight for crusing and selecting songs (I have an iPod Photo so it displays the Album art as well). It will also pause the iPod when you turn off your ignition.

This is so much better than Hiding in the glove box. Plus whole Job for me like 75$ us.

 

I think I found your problem: Country music. Delete that whole category, and everything will be just fine

As many have said, 1-5 are set up as playlists. #6 is the entire Ipod. Make enormous playlists with thousands of songs, and press Random.

 

Another option:
Panavise has a phone holder that works perfect for the ipod.
I have the MINI ipod, it's a little smaller but still works great.
Quick install and made car specific.