Dude, your really WAY off the mark, on ALL of this. See my comments below:

Ok, that would NOT make me feel "bad". I bought the car, knowing FULL WELL, it DID NOT have a USB port in it. So if new folks get one added, good for them. If I had really needed a car with a USB port, I would have bought one that stated "comes with USB port". But the MINI did not. If I could add one later for $270, cause MINI did a GREAT job of more R&D and came up with an add on, GREAT, now I even have that option I didn't even know I would have. So in fact, I have a GOOD feelling about it, not bad.


That would NOT be in the "spirit" of what we are talking about here. I bought the MINI WITH THE OPTION (PAID EXTRA FOR) to plug my phone in to get charged, and use an external antenna. So having to spend more to add what is already a feature on the car I PAID for is not the same. You on the other hand, did NOT pay anything extra to have a USB port. So the solution of instead utilizing the aux port is simply a good alternative to not having the option of paying more for a USB port at time of purchase. I still haven't gotten an explanation as why the AUX port isn't just as good as the USB port for this anyway??? I have not seen an MP3 player that did not have a audio OUT. So why not use it??? Why is this a problem, am I missing something?

So you have a USB memory stick, which is what was being discussed here as the need for a USB port, that holds 200 CD's burnt to MP3's?? My largest memory stick is a 2gb, which only holds a few CD's worth of MP3 CD's. So I have to carry 3 or 4 MP3 burnt CD's, instead of my memory stick because of the lack of the USB port.

Now if you are tyring to use a music keg type device or something, that's another story. in that case, you should have bought a car that DID offer a USB port prior to purchasing. OR, researched your options of making an add-on for such a device. BUT, again, MOST of those devices have a AUX out on them, so why not use the AUX in port?

And PS, there are USB adapter devices that convert a USB cable to audio cable, they cost about $30. Maybe that would be a solution.

I'm not trying to be an MP3 killer here, I just don't get all the USB / Ipod crap. My phone (Blackjack) has a 2gb mirco memory card in it. I have about 10 CD's worth of music in MP3 format stored on it to listen to (the blackjack has Stereo BT output, as well as a hard headset stereo jack output). So I plug that into my aux port and listen to mp3's that way as well (kind of like using a memory stick basically since I simply copy the music to the micro chip via the desktop).

I have a 10 CD holder on my sun visor, and a 20 CD case in the "secret compartment". So I have 30 MP3 CD's, plus the couple or so stored on my phone at any given time in my MINI. Lets just say that is about 35 TOTAL MP3 CD's. That is about 300 regular music CD's at the touch of my fingers. That is a TON of music for a 30 minute ride to work!!

So I think you can see, this really is a dumb issue, don't ya think???

 

The guy from Germany who supposedly got this usb port says nothing about support for an IPod. So egon if you're assuming that he can just plug his Ipod into it and have full integration I think you're assuming too much. It could just be a different input to the headunit and nothing more. I figure they'll still hose you bigtime for the integration software in the future. I mean people have already paid over $1000 to see the menus on the little display and pick their artist. And the layout/choices aren't half as good as on the iPod itself. If there's no integration and all you have is an iPod a usb port is not needed. The sound will be the same as aux in because both input empty into the same headunit.

 

@TheBigNewt,

Actually I believe that he said that he's tried hooking up his iPod to the USB port but can't get it to work. He also says that the owner's manual section that talks about the USB port says that it should work with an iPod (to what extent I don't know???). I'd like to see the manual.

EDIT: Also, most folks claim that the sound quality from the iPod kit (i.e. via the iPod's 30-pin connector) is MUCH better than via the AUX input jack. I guess that's up to the listener to decide though.

 

The problem with waiting for a 2008 model MINI is that, if we use the convertible MINI's pricing guide as a reference, then ALL of the options and packages are going up by $50 to $100 (wheels are going up by $150!). Thus, a well equipped 08 could cost you nearly $1,000 more than the EXACT same 07 model (with the cars themselves being darn near identical with exception of the USB port, digital cruise control speed display, and the auto-up driver's side window). While I'd love to have the USB port, it's not worth paying the higher prices (speculative) for an 08 model at this point just to get it.

If you're interested, I started a thread topic that talked about the possible price increases.

 

Those people probably connected the aux input to the iPod's headphone jack, which degrades sound because of the headphone amplifier. The sound is better when you connect aux input to the the line-out in the Ipod dock connector. You can do this using a cable for under $10. The line-out is the same signal used by the iPod adapter kit, and should give the same sound quality.

Many people mistakingly believe that the iPod adapter kit uses digital audio. Ipods do not have digital audio output, only analog. If the USB works for iPod, it would probably just access the iPod's disk like generic storage, same as for an MP3 player, and probably play MP3 music files only, not any stored in Apple's proprietary formats.

 

............And PS, there are USB adapter devices that convert a USB cable to audio cable, they cost about $30. Maybe that would be a solution.........


BirdMan..
I am interested in these adaptors.. where can i find one, or whats a name of a brand to look for?
Help me out fellow DS owner (i await mine...)

mjaro.

 

@Birdman,

Full-blown mp3 player with a 100Gb hard drive with USB interface (which I have), or tiny flash USB memory stick, it doesn't matter. You can't, and these devices don't, stream the actual audio over the USB connection. These devices do not do that; this is not how it works. You need to understand that so that you can understand I'm not talking about attaching a 'thumb drive', and wondering how I can store so much on one.

Flash memory sticks, mp3 players with USB interfaces, etc. all expose themselves over USB as a USB storage device, and something else integrated into the stereo system reads the file/folder information from them, the tag information from the files, and transfers that information to the stereo unit that can display it. When you play a song, the USB adapter integrated into the stereo just reads the actual data from the mp3/wma/wav/whatever files over the USB, decodes them using the appropriate codec, and pushes that audio stream to the unit. So it should not matter not if its a thumb drive or a full USB player. This is typically how USB integration works in other vehicles that have it.

So why not use the AUX? That gets the sound to the stereo, sure. Quality can suffer compared to the above method, but that's not the main reason. I like to drive, listen to any of my music that I feel like listening to without hunting through 30 CDs, a thumb drive and a cell phone to find it, easily skip past the tracks I don't want to hear at the push of a button, oh and one other minor thing - keep my eyes on the road and hands on the wheel at all times. Driving into / out of Manhattan from New Jersey at rush hour requires close attention with the shitty pothole strewn roads, congested roads, lots of chopping lanes and fast stop/go driving, plenty of lunatic drivers, etc. My car bounces like a lunatic coming in to the Holland Tunnel on the 1/9 route, and I need a good grip on the wheel and be paying attention to stay in control for a lot of my commute. So I want to move my thumb on the steering wheel to skip a track, and that's it. And not hunt down on the floor or wherever I can figure out to even mount my mp3 player and then find the small button to skip a track and press it twice - once to 'wake up' the device out of the power-sving mode where the screen goes blank, and then again to skip the track. And that's skipping a track. If I want to find a different artist/album, forget it. With it integrated into the dash and at a better eye-level, you can do that a lot more safely by flicking your eyes, rather than turning your head/body to a non-integrated solution on the floor / in the cupholders / whatever. So I want the integration for safety reasons as much as convenience reasons.

And again, just like you do with your phone, I want it integrated directly, and not half-assed with a bunch wires hanging around. I have a single device, compact device, that has all my music collection on it, and I'd like to integrate that.

As for your long speech about getting what you paid for and that not applying to me, if you read the original post you will see that the claim is a *US SPEC'D* MINI, with the EXACT same options that I paid for, and no mention of USB in that configuration, apparently showed up with a USB connection. That is what lead to my complaint, if this is true. In this alleged case, it's not a new spec'd item, it's a hidden change to what is the same spec'd item I paid for, and I feel a bit gypped by that, esp. as I'd have to now spend $1,000 to get that myself. Change the spec items, descriptions, etc., be explicit about it, that's fine, but my miffedness comes at an indentical spec coming with more than I got. Some of the mid year improvements I notice are less about MINI innovating and more about it appears that they intended to release the features at the beginning, but couldn't pull it off in time, so early buyers get less for the same price than later buyers of a new model year, when they finally figure it out.

And DAMN, it's 2007 for petes sake. This technology aint new, or that expensive. As the manager of my dealership said to me - "You're paying $1400 - $1400 - for the Audio package upgrade, and you still can't plug in an mp3 player or iPod"

 

I appreciate the frustration, but one should note the legal information that Mini provides. An example would be from the Mini Brochure:
"At MINI we try hard to be accurate, however mistakes happen and things change, Therefore we do not assume any liability for the accuracy or completeness of the information presented".
Now given that most automobiles built today are complex, electronic products, the parts therein get upgraded to be cheaper or better all the time regardless of the manufacturer. Same goes for any electronic product be it a DVD player, a cell phone, or even an iPod (5th generation now?). Change happens, deal with it. Or you could go buy a nice, safe hardback book that never changes. Oh wait, look a second edition with updates just got published. The point is, while we all understand your frustration, there are only a few options to alleviate it and all of them start with you. Berating NAM users does not help. My take would be to be patient. I am sure someone, somewhere will figure out a solution to the problem since it does not only affect you.

 

Well said!

 

Yeah, I know. I did say in a previous post that I was just whining!

Oh, and who is berating NAM users? I never used the words 'dopey', 'IDIOTIC' and 'dumb' about my fellow NAM'ers. Anyway, as some people say, arguing on the internet is like running in the special olympics, so I'll just stop.

 

Ah... I didn't know that. Thanks for the info and for the link to the 30-pin connector to AUX output cable.

I'm an iPod dummy since I don't actually own one. I've never liked them (nor Apple) and would prefer not to have to purchase one if I can at all avoid it. I have ordered the iPod kit to be installed in my new MINI, but I'm really hoping that the FIPO stereo BT unit works so I don't have to break down and actually buy one.

 

http://www.automotoportal.com/articl...-compatibility

Here's what BMW says.. Perhaps MINIs will get the same.. It looks like it..

" Access to the iPod application of the iPhone via the in-vehicle controls and central information or radio display will be possible on models equipped with the optional iPod/USB Interface. This factory option is currently available on BMW 3 and 5 Series models including M5 (as of March 2007 production) and the BMW X5 (as of April 2007 production). The iPod/USB Interface will be available on 6 Series models, including M6, beginning with September 2007 production.

The iPod/USB Interface option utilizes an adapter cable to provide full integration and functionality of an iPod or the iPhone's music player application. The cable has an iPod docking connector on one end and separate cables on the other end for connection to the in-vehicle AUX IN jack and USB connector. Full iPod menu functionality is available in the Control Display monitor or radio display on non-iDrive models.

 

Finally picked mine week 32 R56 tonight - no USB - but a cutout where it's supposed to go.

Two significant changes - the ice cream truck bell with a cleft pallet has been banished - it now sounds like a digital bong. It's actually labeled GONG on the stereo controls and you can turn it up or down.

Second significant thing is the cruise control does indeed show the new active display showing the cruise control with the speed framed by a "frown turned upside-down" crescent.

 

How is a "frown turned upside-down" crescent different from a smile crecent? Any difference in the functions of the steering wheel buttons?

 

It's above the indicated speed.

 

Well, at least you got one out of the three new featues of the 08 cars anyway (make that 1.25 out of 3 since you have the cut out for the USB port).

Thanks for the info.

 

Two if you consider the DINKDANKDINKDANK! banished.

 

I wanted to buy a laptop, but every time I got ready to buy one, Apple added something new. And then I wondered what they were then working on to add a couple of months later and figured I should wait a little longer. Then, they added something else, and, again, it caused me to wait some more to make my purchase.

Ten years later, I'm still waiting. I just can't pull the trigger. But I imagine I'll get tired of using pen and paper and soon I'll join the information superhighway. But I think I'll wait a couple of months more.

Like Birdman, I bought my R56 earlier this year based upon what was being offered at the time. No way would I wish Mini to wait until the '08 model year to add anything different that might benefit other new owners. After all, I've enjoyed my new car since April. If they've had to wait longer than me to enjoy the R56, they deserve some extras.

I lied about the laptop experience, but Apple did start adding wireless cards two months after I bought mine. I didn't feel cheated when I had to go out and buy one. I benefited from the added memory and capability of the new computer at a lower price of earlier models.

 

So you quote an example where you were actually able to incorporate the new feature easily/cheaply, and that is supposed to make me feel better?

And as for your 'made-up' Apple analogy, I have an Apple analogy that has the additional benefit of being true - I bought the wife a 4Gb iPod nano just over a year ago from an Apple store. 10 days later, they released the next generation iPod nano - slightly bigger screen, longer battery life and DOUBLE the capacity, all for the same price. Ungh. I was able to return the one I purchased and swap it out for the new one, as I was within their 14 day return policy timeframe. And we're talking about something that costs just a rounding error on the price of a MINI. Also, Apple have been issuing me free firmware / software updates ever since that keeps me up to 'spec' with the latest model on the shelves.

(and no, I don't expect to be able to get my dealer to swap out my MINI and no, I am not an Apple 'fanboy' - don't personally own or would choose their products (I'm a 'function over form' gadgeteer) - although they did offer a great consumer experience above)

 

in the clubman configurator i remeber that USB was related to the Bluetooth as a option. So if you are getting bluetooth on your late model 07, after clubman release i would imagine they are all the same now and you would get the USB.

that is purley my theory.

 

All,

You can use the ipod with the USB but the USB only charges it. to listen to music you have to plug a male to male headphone jack into the AUX port. You cannot control the IPOD through the radio. YOu can use a thumb drive and can control it through the radio

 

Will it play actual MP3 (not Apple format) files stored on the iPod? The question is whether it can access the iPod like generic USB storage. An iPod does look like a generic USB disk when conected to a computer (you may need to turn on the "Enable disk use" setting in iTunes). This would not be an entirely satisfactory way to play an iPod, but it would be a way to get some extra use from it and the USB connector.

 

if it did that, then you couuld just attach a 500 gd hard drive with a USB data cable and provide 12 vlots to it from a 10$ power supply. THen you couuld have all the songs you ever want on a massive USB drive.

 

If you go with a storage solution that big, I hope the folder/song navigation is extremely responsive and snappy, or that there's some way to identify playlists on the drive, or else it'll take forever to navigate to a particular song/artist.

 

@EUROKOKE - Interesting you say the iPod doesn't work over USB, but the thumb drive does? Thumb / flash drives implement the USB mass storage device class and, if you are saying that a thumb drive works via the USB and can be controlled via the factory radio, then you should be able to use ANY device that exposes this interface over USB; the car should not care about the actual storage mechanism behind the interface. The iPod claims to be able to via the "Enable Disc Use" option (I'm sure it can, have never done this), as can many hard drive based mp3 players or a hard drive encased in an external hard drive enclosure.

When you tried your iPod over the USB, did you change it to "Enable Disc Use" mode?