Is it possible to buy the parts from a dealer and install the OEM iPod interface yourself? Will a MINI with the Nav system make it more difficult? I installed the DICE system in my R53 H/K with relative ease, so hopefully it would be a comparable set-up.

I am interested in the interface system, but not interested in paying a premium to have it installed.

Has anyone done or attmepted to do this? What was your experience?

I've looked up the issue here on NAM, but have not been able to pinpoint an answer.

 

Take a look at http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/06/...dfs/#more-5865
for the official installation instructions. They have different sets for 'wave' and 'boost'. I guess one is for 'HiFi' option?

Also, note that earlier R56s required an ECU update from the dealer. I would guess that the newer ones don't need that?

 

Mine needed the ECU update. Dealer told me it took 5 hours to run the update. they had to keep it over night :(

 

The base stereo in the US is the Boost one (I think it even says Boost on plastic trim around the CD slot). The poor bastiges in the UK get an even baser option, the Wave stereo. Maybe it's got a tape deck.

 

What about HiFi?--Does that change things?

Also, since I just ordered my MINI today, do you think it would need an ECU update too?

 

Yes, it will always require what you guys are calling an "ECU update".

Actually, a software update isn't necessarily required (assuming your car already has the latest software installed). What is required is that the dealer tell the car's software that the iPod adapter has been retrofitted so that it knows it is there.

Thus, even if you install it yourself, you will still need a trip to the dealer in order to have them code the software to recognize/use the adapter. Depending on your dealer, that could cost a lot and so doing it yourself may not save you a whole lot of money.

Some dealers even go as far as stating that if you didn't buy the part from them, and they didn't install it, that they won't code it for you. However, you could get lucky and end up with a cool dealer that only charges you a few bucks for coding it. All depends I guess.

 

It looks like the answer to my self-install question is a genuine "maybe, but probably not."

It's too bad...'cause it's difficult to justify buying an adapter that costs more than the actual unit! The dealer I talked to charges $599 installed--a hefty fee indeed.

 

Yes indeed. That's about $100 too much IMO as it seems that many folks here (including us) got it installed for $499 (which is still a rip off mind you ).

EDIT: Although... We had our iPod adapter installed at the VDC when the car first arrived. I recall our dealer saying that it was cheaper to get it installed at the VDC and so that might be the reason for the $100 price difference???

 

Especially when you consider what you get. I was pondering this option until I found out here how very limiting and quirky the iPod adapter is.

 

I asked my MA which options you can get installed at the VDC and he graciously showed me their official spread sheet. The iPod from the VDC is indeed $499. I was quoted $607 from the dealer.

 

That means they're giving you free labor. The kit itself retailed for $599 last month when I ordered mine. Classic Mini in Ohio offered it for $479 with the NAM discount. Labor is extra.

 

So has anyone done their own IPod install on and R56? If so, any issues getting the dealer to perform the system update to allow the audio system to see the interface? Also, any documents out there that explain the trim removal?

 

I have to ask - - why? Given my experience with the very serious limitations of the Sirius OEM interface through the headunit, I would never pay that much for the same type of interface with the IPOD. I am very happy with plugging my IPOD into AUX in with a line out adapter and controlling the music from the IPOD. Perhaps this is all different enough when you have the NAV unit but the feedback from the Non-NAV unit is just too minimal. If I had it over to do again, I would have mounted a Sportster 5 with all of it's cool features vs the Sirius OEM unit. Browsing your music is just too difficult with both the IPOD and the Sirius integrated systems. Just my two cents. Does anyone agree?

poyzin

 

I do have the NAV system but held off on the IPOD adapter at delivery because of the limitations on number of songs and playlists (I have the 80 GB IPOD). I don't have any faith that Mini/BMW will address this but the ability to integrate into my car's system and be hidden away is becoming enough reason to get it. I am finding myself not wanting to mess around with the AUX cable and therefore I end up not using my IPod. Additionally, the AUX sound quality is not that great if you ask me. For those that use it, what volume output do you use?

As for asking about a self install, I am just looking to avoid the dealer install cost. I also enjoy working on my own car (as long as I have the instructions).

 

For best sound on the Ipod to Aux connection, use a line out cable like this http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000J022G6 instead of a 3.5mm to 3.5mm from the headphone jack. You'll get much better audio.

poyzin

 

I second that. I use zero or 1+ volume. It's much louder with the lineout wire than with the headphone wire I used at first, sounds much better. Use the "Dance" EQ setting too.

 

I have the Harmann Kardon Gen 1 Drive+Play in my R56, I mounted the controller behind the shifter and the screen on the color line. It sounds GREAT through the aux in b/c it uses the digital line, but gives the ipod a little bit of a volume boost, not enough to distort, but enough to make it sound good.

Best part was these things are superceded and they are overstocked so you can get them for like $50 on Amazon, etc.

 

Big contributing reason to why I ordered the Nav.

 

I used the auxiliary port initially for my Ipod and that worked good, but it was frustrating trying to change menus while driving. It's much easier to do that on the nav screen. Same thing with the Sirius.

I'm happy to have had both added to my car.

 

Thanks for all the replys but has anyone been successful with their own DIY install of the Mini IPOD adapter? If yes, did the dealer need to program anything? Issues / Cost?

 

It looks pretty easy to install. I called my dealer and told them that my wife had bought me the part for christmas and that I had already installed it but it didn't work. They quoted me $230 to code it. Seems a bit high to me.

 

I assume that you did not really install, just called

That price is ridiculous. They seem to be charging labor time for the computer used to program the car. I know there is difference between the ECU update and just coding for the IPod adapter. I have heard it can take an hour to several hours but that time is (I have to assume) 95% hands off for the technician.

 

Why aren't people burning mp3s to CD or DVD instead of trying to use the IPOD?

 

Couple reasons come to mind for me:

1. more space on my 80 GB IPod and would not have to mess around with multiple disks.
2. Could use DVD but then I could not use NAV when DVD is in the drive

 

Can you really not Navigate without the nav DVD in the drive? Just for reference I've only had my MINI for a month, and don't really know all the tech issues.