Exactly.

 

Here's a 2nd-hand report of USBs spotted in the US:

 

Hmm.... maybe the USB won't allow a big cheap USB portable drive to sub for an IPod? Update from http://www.mini2.com/forum/2nd-gen-i...ion-how-2.html :

 

I came across this post on MINI2 for USB on a stereo without Nav:

 

What's the deal with the fuel level indicator? Does that mean there is no gas in this car?

 

That is exactly what I am hoping for..
(continues to wait.. :impatient )

 

866-ask-mini claimed that it would not show up in the US for the 2007 model year, but no one knows for certain at this point. I'm now a week 39 build; maybe we'll start seeing it in deliveries in the next few weeks.

 

that pic is of a US car? cause it is MPH

 

England/UK still uses the english (miles) system rather than the metric system, as far as I know. We're the last two countries in the world to convert...

 

looks like it bhatch..
EDIT - its a UK car..

sorry i didn't get back to you.. i too am dealing with MINI Markham.. like you said.. excellent staff.

i find once you cross the little 'border' into the bmw shop - its so cold and stuffy in there..

when your's due? mine is 'expected' end of october.. waiting..:impatient

 

I think the ignition is in accessory mode, not fully turned on

 

I tried emailing mini on the US usb port timing, but they won't give up any information. I guess we'll just have to wait and see if it shows up!

 

from our friend at motoringfile.
http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/...08-model-year/

note -> this was one of the few things in this article that did not say for EU use only.. so i suppose its good (although unconfirmed) news..

New equipment and features for even greater driving comfort and flair.
Optionally available Cruise Control presenting the speed selected by the driver in a digital cockpit display as of August 2007 enhances driving comfort in the new MINI as of the 2008 model year to an even higher standard.
A further point is that not only the MINI Cooper S, the MINI Cooper and the MINI One, but now also the MINI Cooper D is available in the 2008 model year with six-speed automatic transmission.

The range of entertainment features on board the new MINI is enhanced as of August 2008 (typo) by an USB plug including a Bluetooth function serving as an option to integrate external audio sources. This allows the user to integrate USB-compatible storage media as well as an MP3 player such as the Apple iPod via the USB port, making such features part of the MINI’s entertainment system.

Access to the music available is very convenient through the control units on the audio system offering various selection criteria such as the artist or the album. And last but not least, the user is also able to connect a mobile phone through the Bluetooth interface with wireless technology.

 

Let's hope that's August 2007....

 

I noticed the same thing about the Clubman PR at MotoringFile too:But:So, hopefully that means for us in 2007 too, and not 2008?

 

The editor's comment at the top of the article says:

"Official MINI Press Release meant for the European market."

They might be planning to have a slightly different version of the press release for the US.

gl

 

Me:
I have reviewed the upcoming changes from the MINI plant as of August 2007. This from a BMW / MINI press release.

It states that there will be a USB input for those customers who ordered the Bluetooth option.

My question is: Will this be available in Canada?

Thank you in advance.


MINI Canada:
September 2007 marks the beginning of the model year 2008 MINIs for the rest of the world. Model Year 2008 MINIs in the U.S. and Canada will actually be available later at the end of 2007 or beginning of 2008.

Unfortunately, the press release you are referring to concerns European vehicles. We do confirm however that the USB input will come with the Bluetooth option.

 

I guess that confirms USB will come. It doesn't seem to say anything about when (2008 US models? 2007 US models staring August?).

BTW, any confirmed sightings yet of USB in the US? I've been monitoring the 'support group' threads for week 32-34, so I guess not. After reading updates on the mini2 thread, I'm not sure I'm as excited about this. It seems the USB power may not be enough to power an inexpensive portable hard drive?

 

run power from the 12v socket, run data into usb


will North American MINI's get auto window ups?

 

I guess that would work in a pinch, assuming the portable drive had a two USB inputs, or a power input. But I hate wires hanging all over the place. The mini2 thread mentioned the Buffalo line of hard drives that have a 'power booster', so that may be a solution (assuming there's actually a problem).

 

I can't recall where I read it at the moment, but at least one NAM member has already reported that his late build 07 U.S. delivered MINI has auto-up.

 

Hi All,

An interesting tidbit of information for those wanting the USB port...

According to posts over on one of the Bimmer boards, using the USB port with an iPod is a analog connection instead of a digital one like you get with the iPod adapter. This basically amounts to doing the same thing as simply plugging your iPod into the AUX port (except that it gives you control over the iPod as well).

Apparently, in order to use an iPod with the USB port, you have to purchase an additional adapter (which will probably sell for $50 to $100 here in the U.S. I'm guessing since it is 40 Quid in the UK). The adapter is required in order to convert the USB connection into a serial connection so that the iPod can be controlled via the MINI's stereo system. Apparently Apple doesn't allow their iPods to play music through a USB connection and so you have to still use the AUX port with the USB port (via the adapter - which has been pictured here and over on MINI2 if you are interested - part number: 61 12 0 431 424). This results in the same analog sound quality for your iPod as using the AUX port alone.

Thus, those of you who are looking for the best (i.e. digital) sound quality from your iPod, the USB port might not be for you (and you'd still want to get the iPod adapter instead). Lots of folks have mentioned that the iPod sounds quite a bit better when connected digitally through the iPod adapter than it does when connected through the analog AUX port (which makes sense). Others have reported that they feel the AUX connection is just fine for them. I guess the choice is up to you to make.

Note that the USB port will produce digital sound quality when used with a thumb drive though. It's only Apple's restrictions on the USB connection that is the problem here. Thus, if you are planning on using the USB port with a thumb drive, then you'll be just fine (i.e. you'll get digital sound quality form the songs on the thumb drive).

Just thought that I'd pass the info along...

BTW, here's the Bimmer forum thread I'm referencing (note that the USB port in the MINI will more than likely be identical to the one in the BMWs and so they can in essence be considered as being one in the same):

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...t=45991&page=4

More specifically, here are the two main posts of interest:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...6&postcount=82

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...0&postcount=86

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...1&postcount=92

 

I think because the aux input from the new cable comes from the line out on the iPod, you would get the same quality sound as the original ipod kit?

 

Not according to the folks over on the Bimmer board. Apparently Apple doesn't allow that to happen in order to protect their intellectual property (or some such foolishness). Also, remember that the AUX port IS an analog connection, thus if the music is being piped through the AUX port (which it is with the required adapter), then it would HAVE to be analog.

 

I was curious about the same thing- wasn't the previous iPod kit esentially an AUX port with a specialized iPod dongle? Wouldn't that make it a line out also?