Please bear with me as I'm a newbie at this kinda stuff. I've searched a bunch of threads but since I'm not familiar with this stuff I can't say that I've fully understood what was being said.

We just got a Garmin NUVI 360 with the Bluetooth. I want to install it so that the audio is routed through the factory stereo. I understand that I need some kind of wiring "interface" between the Garmin and the stereo. Which one do I need?

I have the stock radio in my 2006 MCSA built Oct 2005. No factory navigation. No Sirius but I do have the IPOD adaptor.


Thanks in advance and excuse my ignorance.

 

You may be out of luck, unless you plan on using the Nuvi as your music source as well.

Most people that want the GPS alerts to play through the stereo use the AUX IN connection on the stereo. The problem is, that means that you have to have AUX selected on your head unit in order to hear the GPS, and that means that you can't listen to the radio, a CD, or your iPod at the same time.

The problem is that even though the factory stereo has a bunch of "sources" available to it (Radio, CD, CD Changer/iPod, and AUX in), you can only listen to one at a time - there's no way to mix the inputs from multiple sources and play them at the same time.

I think there's an aftermarket kit that lets you route the GPS alerts to *one* of the car's speakers, while allowing you to still listen to other sources, but I don't know if it will automatically mute the stereo when a GPS alert comes up.

 

I noticed that there is also some kind of kit for the Garmin 360 from Mini also. I wonder if that addresses the above issues...

 

MikeyTheMINI can do that for you:

http://www.newministuff.com/new/shop...uctshow&id=188

I did a write-up of the older version of his interface on MotoringFile (the new one is even better I'm told and will work with the audio jack on the nuvi):

http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/06/...v_integration/

Very easy install too as long as you're comfortable with working on your MINI.

 

Not sure if you saw the DIY I wrote up for the MikeTheMINI adapter here https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=114700 It should work with the bluetooth as well but it only mutes the front speakers so if the radio is real loud, you may have trouble with background noise.

 

Thanks all. I'll check out those links in the next couple of days. Have some IBM certs to do...

Anyone have any input on the Dealer setup for the new Mini?

 

Our nav interface mutes the front speakers in standard mode
But you can make it mute all speakers by 2 methods
1. Open the module (4 screws) and move both jumpers to their second position
or
2. Run a wire from the spade terminal in the end of the module (exposed) to pin 10 on the factory radio plug