So I go online to Crutchfield and look at the Alpine IVA-D310 and below the list of features it says

Installation Details for your 2006 Cooper
» The factory navigation system will be lost if radio is replaced.


That freaks me out now, I really wanted an indash for my IPOD but it would be ridiculous if I lost my navi.

 

The factory nav talks through the stock stereo presumably - you'd need to find an aftermarket stereo that could support that same feature (unlikely!)

MikeyTheMINI / NewMINIstuff (a sponsor) has an adaptor that basically routes the nav voice direct to a speaker ... searching ... here you are:
http://www.newministuff.com/new/shop...ductshow&id=51

 

Thanks... but since all I have ever done was install a stereo, this extra adapter requiring splicing and the like, I am definitely upset that I won't be able to fit an aftermarket stereo, I just can't risk screwing something up.

Anybody have an idea to what an alternative is to using an IPOD?

 

You need a helpful and competent installer friend ...

 

That I do, I need someone experienced. But I don't know anybody in the area who I would trust with a MINI to do this sort of job.

 

What area? Your profile doesn't say.
Maybe someone else will have a suggestion if they know where you are ...

 

I live in the Bay Area in California. Are there any alternatives besides auxilary?

 

You are going to spend $1300 on a IPOD soution? Why not just get an Icelink for $150 that will work with your current radio and nav?

 

we just did a sysem up grade on my mini. The Installers op'ed to keep the stock head unit becuase of the nav. less hassel to keep it than to replace it.

my syste still kicks nice!

 

The reason I'd rather have a display is the ability to select my music faster. With the Icelink its not the case, but since this might be my only viable option now, I'll need to look into it. Because if I understand correctly, the navi takes up the aux port in the back of the stereo, where does the ICElink hook up?

 

I've got Nav and Aux input. No problem.

 

Really? I wonder what the problem is with having aftermarket stereos and Nav. Well, I guess I'll be ordering a DICE now.

 

The radio is designed to partially mute and play the voice where as an aftermarket would not be. Your nav will still work with a radio change, you just won't have voice instructions.

Icelink is not a bad solution at all.

 

I concur, I think the conflict has only to do with voice instructions. Without some very special trickery and the right aftermarket model, expect no spoken directions at all. Zilch - nada.

If you don't care about the cute British voice directions, and will rely solely on the screen to guide you, then proceed!

 

Just get the OEM iPod adapter (pretty cheap from Classic, right around $100 as I recall?) - you can even install yourself. Works fine with the factory nav.

 

Yes, but there are downsides to the OEM iPod adapter:

• You also lose any direct control of the iPod while it is plugged in
• You must have created playlists in advance of the music you want to hear - you can't just pick any album on the iPod to listen to (unless it's already in one of the predefined playlists)
• The unit does not display the artist & song titles

Hey, I love OEM stuff (after all, my car is named Mr. OEM!), but I think the OEM implementation of the iPod adapter is sorely lacking - that's why I don't have it. I instead rely on the Aux input, connected directly to a line output adapter on my iPod.

 

I just play all and random, most fun for me that way If I hit a song and want to stick with that album I just de-select the random option. It may not be the most high tech but is the safest/most convenient to me as I can use the steering wheel controls (which I use a lot for volume and track control). Song titles and stuff would be nice but its not really necessary to me, even if it wasn't music I already chose I guess I don't think it is absolutely necessary to know the song info while driving.

I suppose I'd have demanded more from it if it cost more, and the extra stuff would be nice, but the bottom line is it works and gives me the steering wheel controls. I've had cars with aux in only and having to control the iPod manually is distracting while driving.

 

What about the Monster icruze?

http://www.monstercable.com/icruze/

I was just reading through quickly and it looks like you are restricted to a certain Number of playlists like the MINI OEM adapter but on the other hand you have a secondary screen that will allow you to view your selections.