Hi all,

I am new to the MINI form. Recently purchased a 06 MCS.

I have the OEM IPOD interface kit and want to install on my MINI. It costs $150 at dealership. It's quite expensive for an hour job. I tried the local bestbuy but they said they don't have the AMP removal tool.

I want to see if anyone has done the install themselves, and whether the removal tool is a must have? Can I do it myself?

Suggestions welcome. Thank you

 

I recently installed a DICE iPod adaptor in my car one afternoon. It took me a bit longer than most people (about 45 min - 1 hr) because it was the first time I'd done anything to the MINI, so I was being a bit cautious. Plus I had a problem trying to find a place to put the control box (I probably spent 20 min or so just on this part).

I installed it myself with a flat-head screwdriver, a philips-head screw driver (both of which were to remove the console around the shifter), a T-40 torx screwdriver (to remove the two down-tubes around the radio), and a T-20 torx screwdriver (to remove the radio).

If the OEM iPod adaptor installs anything like this did (i.e. doesn't require any additional programing from the dealer), it shouldn't be difficult to do yourself (if you have any mechanical aptitude at all). If you look at the sticky in this section, it tells how to get the radio out and I believe the OEM iPod adaptor just plugs into the back of the radio (though I don't have one so I'm not 100% certain).

 

The OEM iPod adaptor should be plug and play (once you get to the plugs), just like any other device that emulates a CD changer (including the DICE).

However, if it's possible, you may want to consider returning the OEM iPod adapter, because it's a really limited implementation. You have to create fixed playlists in advance on iTunes called MINI1 through MINI5 (I believe it was only up to 5?), and you can't change or deviate what you listen to at all except what is on those playlists. Also, you can't control your iPod from the iPod itself any more.

I love OEM stuff most of the time (hey - my car is even named Mr. OEM), but the OEM iPod adapter for 1st Gen MINIs is so severely lacking that I don't ever recommend it.

However, if you don't mind the playlist limitations and lack of direct iPod control, then you will probably be very happy with the OEM iPod adapter.

 

It's a sign - get the DICE kit.

DICE iPod Integration Kit for Mini Cooper (Radio Interface)
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=629

The MINI kit and DICE have the same core functions (steering wheel/radio control), iPod charging and direct iPod connection), the DICE goes a bit further in features:

- Text display on your radio or navigation display
- unlimited Playlists (MINI kit is limited to only 5)
- ability to browse by song, album or Playlist
- Full control of iPod's Clickwheel (MINI kit locks out the wheel)
- Retains display on iPod (MINI kit places a logo in place)
- Integrated AUX input
- All iPod features are still functional (highest rated songs, play count, on-the-go playlists, etc)

No special tools are needed for installation - install and go!

 

Don't bother with the OEM version. Spend slightly more, buy the Dice version, and install it yourself. Take it from someone who has had both, you'll be much happier.

 

I spent $50 at a car stereo place to havemine installed.

 

I spent 0 dollars and about an hour installing my factory interface at home.

 

Thanks Boolean Bones. Do you need the AMP removal tool to remove the connection in the connector. I read the installation guides, and it required a special tooling. Do you need that?

I wish I could return the OEM part, but I got it as a gift. So no choice but to intall this, instead of spending another $150 for the ICE.

Anyone has pictures of the installation?

 

The tool is where I hit a dead end trying to uninstall my oem adapter. Except for that it looks pretty easy to install/uninstall. Personally, I'm going to do some checking into stereo shops to see how much they'll charge.

 

No special tools purchased for my install. I will look at the document again and see what "special tool" it is referencing.

 

I remember those little blue clips took a little bit of careful massaging to et out of there. I used a set of small electronics tools, and they worked fine. If you do install it yourself, just be gentle and pay close attention to the wires it references in the document. If you are uncomfortable pulling head units or working with wiring, I would not recommend trying. Just basic stuff. Mini probably wants 600.00 or something for that clip puller tool.

 

If I could figure out what the terminal looked like down inside and what I actually needed to do to 'free' the terminal I'd do it. Proabably end up taking it down to Cartoys who said they do it from around $35.

 

You can always pull the down tubes off and the head unit out to take a closer look. That is what I ended up doing. I'm on my second Mini, and have installed the same unit in both. 35.00 is a good price as long as they don't jack something up. Good luck.

 

Done that Boolean. took it out and stared at the wiring block several times. pulled and giggled and no joy. Wiring has never been my most confident skill. Is there a part that needs to be squeezed together and if so what? That's whay I couldn't tell/see when I looked down in there.

 

Or another option is the Alpine iDA-X001 receiver. Usually less than the cost of the factory ipod adapter, or the DICE unit (w/factory install). Just had it installed (free w/purchase of receiver) and like the way it looks and sounds.

 

You are right about the clasp that holds the wire in, but I think I need to pull out the harness to look at it again. The Mini install pictures suck. On another note, I put mine in a handier location (parcel shelf) than the glove box since it is a Nano. A little more convenient if you need to take it out or reset the Ipod. Sorry I can't envision the connector right now. I will check back next week and see how things turned out.

 

Problem is that I already have the XM adapter and DICE adapter and I guess the real problem is that I have these and the OEM adapter :( Car toys down in Dothan quoted (tenatively without seeing it) $35 to $55 which is reasonable. There is a local place here in Enterprise that has a good reputation but they were closed yesterday.

 

my friend installed mine last night (the box apparently didn't have the little replacement jacks, so he spliced everything) and i'm having the WEIRDEST problems!

the radio doesn't turn off when i shut the car off...and the ipod keeps charging past the 30min mark- as in...it was "charging" all last night.

now, i keep getting "no magazine" error code.

any suggestions?

 

oh and before when it WAS working, i couldn't advance songs.

???

 

Would like more info. on when the adapter is going to be fully compatible with the 3rd Gen Nano. I've tried a couple of the FM adapters and they are horrible.

Thanks,
Lee

 

OK, I'm game as I want to have iPod integration before my trip to AMVIV. However, the link doesn't work anymore??

Edit: OK, I think I found a new link to the DICE products. But which one do I need?

 

DICE kits have been changed to the SILVERLINE versions. Here's the kit you need:

DICE - SILVERLINE iPod Integration Kit for MINI Cooper (Radio Interface)
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...oducts_id=1637

Let me know if you should need anything else.

 

OK, that looks good; Is it compatible with the DPSM Sound system? And how easy is it to install? The only things I've managed in the MINI thus far is removing the big cup holder and changing the tail light assemblies...

 

The DICE is 100% compatible with the DPSM systems.

 

OK, I've got to drag this thread back up, since I'll want an iPod interface for the drive down to AMVIV!

Do I need / want the trunk or the radio interface? Will any wires need to be cut, similar to the OEM interface, or is it plug & play? And can the iPod live in the glove box / euro shelf, or should I get one of those big iPod holders?

Sorry for the seemingly silly questions, but I want to make sure I get the right stuff for my baby.