I've had an iPod for years and would never do without one. But, I'm wondering whether it makes sense to get the iPod adapter for my coming Mini or just burn a bunch of MP3 CDs and leave them in the car. I realize 700 MB is not 20 Gig, but each CD would be a decent size playlist, and without the adapter I wouldn't have to worry about theft or heat damage to the iPod.

I would definitely get the iPod adapter if the Mini's CD player only played store-bought CDs. But since it also plays MP3 CDs and you can't really navigate through the iPod very well with the Mini adapter, maybe I should forget about the adapter and use the money for a wind deflector?

 

I got my MINI last May and burnt CDs until I got my ipod for Christmas - get the adapter! Actually, I just bought the aux input cable (cheap @ $30 on eBay) and installed it myself. With CDs you are just too limited unless you burn every thing you own to CD. Plus, the very song you want to hear is probably in the CD wallet in your glove box at any given time. I make playlists and use those when I drive.

With the aux input cable you can't use the head unit for ID3 tags or contol the iPod through controls on the steering wheel (you can control volume with the steering wheel, though), but since I make playlists there are no songs I don't want to hear. I put my ipod (5G 30 GB) in my cup holder and it fits perfectly. I can track forward on it without taking my eyes off the road.

I never, ever leave my ipod in my car, so heat isn't an issue. Even if I run in to pay for gas, the ipod gets put in my pocket/bag and brought in with me. Not only will my iPod not get stolen from my car, no one will be tempted to bash in one of my MINI's windows to get it. The Aux input cable is very inconspicuous and no one can tell that I might have an iPod inside.

 

I'm fine with CDs, if I should happen to come upon an iPod I'd say it was worth it to get the adapter

 

I had this debate too before ordering my Cooper S and decided to just go with the MP3 CD player and order the aux. adaptor for the glovebox.

I decided that the 700MB size MP3 CDs are more than enough. I put my full Pink Floyd collection on one MP3 CD. Push it in, turn it up and drive. On my 12 mile commute to work I get through a few songs at most.

If I want to listen to that specific song, I'll just plug in my Mac PowerBook or my wife's 12" iBookG4 into the aux. output and crank up iTunes. DVDs are nice too.

 

I burn my MP3 CD's. They sound fine, I just wish I had more info than the track number. When you have around 100 tracks on a disk it can be difficult finding that perfect track.

I also wish that all of the radio stations in Indy would put their call letters artist and song title on the air waves also. Frustrating having radiostations that aren't up to date.

 

I've just burned MP3 CDR's for use in the MC so far and leave my iPod at home. I will probably get an aux input adapter later this year though, just for more flexibility. I can't take my iPod into work, and wouldn't want to leave it in the car in the work parking lot since I've been broken into before there. I keep 20-25 MP3 CDR's in the door pocket so I can have a wide selection of music available, about 15 GB worth.

-Keith

 

Get an aux input.

Cheaper than the ipod adapter but more flexibility than mp3 cds.

 

IceLink +, very few unsatisfied customers.

 

Till someone comes out with an exceptional interface (ie. USE MY NAV SCREEN EFFECTIVELY)...I'll just burn CD's.

Paul

 

For me, the combination of XM Radio and occasional MP3 CD use is more than enough variety in my music. BTW, I have a 4GB iPod nano for the gym and a 60GB iPod with Video for main MP3 player use, but in the car, it's XM all the way!

 

Honestly, I really do think XM is the way to go, but I wanted an iPOd too, so this is what I did.

-- Aux for ipod installed it myself and if I can do it...anyone can. http://www.mini2.com/forum/interior-...stall+aux+ipod The Aux was $40.

-- XM direct which plugs into the CH changer plug with an adaptor. This was about $140

I thought I'd listen to the iPod much more than XM since i never had it. Only listen to books the iPOd and XM the rest of the time.

I love this set up.

Good luck

 

Ok, we all know the fm connection produces pretty poor audio.

But does the iPod adaptor ($200) or the aux connection ($40) produce as good, or almost as good sound as a cd on the oem non-hk head unit?