which wire is needed to connect an ipod to the auxiliary jack?
I have the ipod adaptor but I don't like the fact that you cannot control it through the actual ipod...

 

I assume you already have the aux jack installed? If so you just need a standard stereo cable with 1/8" stereo plugs on each end. Some folks buy cables that have plug into the dock connector on the ipod and provide a 1/8" line out plug instead - do a search for "ipod line out cable" and I think you'll find it.

 

I had the ipod adapter on my first car which was a lemon and I only owned for 4 days.. see 1st gear lol (update on my mini thread) ANYWAY i hated the ipod adapter so I would like to control the songs thru the actual ipod and I think that can be done thru aux input.. thank you for your help

 

I think you need a 3.5" male-male cable, radioshack has em

 

Incorrect: you need a special cable with the OEM stereo.

If you have an MP3 player (iPod or other brand) and you want to use an alanog signal through the OEM stereo's "AUX" setting, you'll need a special $45 cable. The cable has a male stereo jack on one end and a wiring loom on the other that plugs into the rear of the head unit. Installing the cable will allow you to select "AUX" with the stereo's the MODE button (AUX is not present unless you have the cable installed).

If you have an iPod, you can get a more expensive kit (about $125) that will also let you contriol the iPod with the
wheel-mounted stereo controls. If you don't want to spend the extra money or deal with the iPod adapter's limitations (only 4 recognized playlists, disabling of the iPod's track info display, etc.) you can still just use the cheaper, analog cable mentioned above with that, or any other player.

Be advised that even with the "less functional" AUX cable, you can still control volume with the wheel controls - you will just have to switch tracks or load playlists directly via the player unit. I have the AUX cable and installed it in less than 10 minutes and use it with an iRiver MP3 player. We also learned to our delight that if you use a portable DVD player, the "line out" can be used via the AUX cable as well, for superior audio quality when the kids watch Sponge Bob in the back.

There are MINI-official instructions for the iPod adapter and the AUX cable installation all over the web: Google is your friend. Installing the iPod adapter is considerably more involved.

Good luck and happy motoring!

 

I simply want to plug one end into the ipod and the other end into the aux jack and play my songs using my ipod...

 

If you have the AUX installed, all you need is the 3.5mm male-to-male lead that plugs into the headphone socket on your iPod, and into the AUX socket - to make it really easy, both ends are the same.

to make it really easy to explain - here is my iPod solution

Radioshack sell the cables in anything from 12" to about 10' !

I chose a 4ft long cable that allows my wife to pickup and control the iPod from the passenger seat.

 

If you already have the Aux input installed here is what you need

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=family



or any other brand male to male 3.5mm audio/stereo connector

 

I used a 4' cable myself, but yeah, if you have the jack installed already (read as: you can access "AUX" mode on the stereo with the MODE button) then all you need for basic sound reproduction is the $6 cable pictured above. If you want the additional ability to control the tracks with the wheel controls, then you'll need the full-boat iPod adapter.

BTW: it's better to get the shortest cable you can for this application as longer cables can degrade the signal quality or cause noise interference. I need a somewhat loinger cable since I mounted my player on rthe deiver's side up by the windsheild, where I can more easily see the display. If you cna get away with a shorter cable, I recommend doing so.

ALSO: If you plan to use the iPod with a power cinverter unit plugged into the cigarette lighter, you might experience the stereo occasionally "dropping" AUX mode until you turn the stereo on and off... This is a known issue and, if this happens to you, you'll need a small device called a Ground Loop Isolater. I've been running my MP3 player on a power adapter daily for months and have never had that issue, but others have, just so you know...

 

you guys are great thank you, if we ever meet up I'll make rice pudding or something!

 

If fixed the link. It kept sending me to a different product. Either way just make sure it's 3.5mm and male to male.

 

mmm... rice pudding... where do i sign up?

 

Er, yeah, like I said in my first reply... geesh. Thread overkill...

 

You TURN UP at the pub on Sunday