Have seen some reports that my old 3rd-generation iPod (four buttons) is not compatible with the new USB interface with which my car will be equipped.

Does anyone know if a new 80GB HDD-based iPod "Classic" will be compatible?

It seems like it should be, but I thought I should seek confirmation before plunking down Benjamins.

TIA!

 

Take your ipod in on a test drive :-)

 

Ha! Sounds like you're fishing for an excuse to get a new iPod.

The reports I've seen say that the Classic works but the USB doesn't provide enough power to recharge the battery.

 

Actually, I'd rather not! I'm happy with my old one -- I only use it for music, and only usually keep about 30GB on it, so the nice display and all that is not really necessary for me. It's imperative that it work in my MINI, though!

The "not enough power" thing makes sense... the HDD iPods definitely suck down more juice. Just to be clear, a Nano or Touch iPod would charge normally from the USB?

Thanks for the info!

 

Yes, all models of iPod normally charge from the USB.

See this thread: http://www.mini2.com/forum/2nd-gen-i...d-warning.html
The recharging problem was reported to be across the latest generation iPods. However, someone here on NAM reported that his iPhone charges fine on the USB.

 

If you tell me you cannot charge a HDD iPod with the Mini's new usb port I say it's pretty much a worthless feature and I wouldn't pay a cent for it (fortunately it's free). I can already play mine fine without it.

 

My Iphone charges on the USB port

 

Read here for full USB description from MINI.

EDIT: Disclaimer. This was from the mini.com international site, but should be relevant to the 08 USB which is called the 6ND option for us in the US.

 

I was looking at getting it because I could just leave a flash stick plugged in and not have to mess with the Ipod. In the end I decided $500 is not worth it. I am planning on running a NUVI 660 instead which will play flash memory (SD card) and do bluetooth.

 

Perfect! Thank you!

 

Are you going to get it? If it were offered seperately, like for $250 without the woes of MINI bluetooth I would be more interested. For the full $500, I feel the cash is much better spent on the Garmin....

 

Yes, I'm getting it... the whole nice and neat integration of the OBC/Car preference settings, navi with dead reckoning, bluetooth, Sirius, iPod and voice command functions makes it worth it to me, even though I know it's overpriced. I also hate having non-integrated after-market bolt-ons in the cabin (my V1 is enough), so spending a little extra to have it all nicely incorporated into the single display is okay with me.

I'll probably run the iPod cable from the USB jack up into the secret compartment (like the old adapter), if I can figure out a way to do so cleanly. I'd rather have it out of the way than in the cupholder or something.

It's just too bad I can't plug in my old iPod! But it looks like a 60GB iPod classic should work fine, so I'll go that route.

Thanks again!

 

Cool!! Looks like you will have a good setup, especially since you are getting the navi! oh.. and don't forget to make sure your bluetooth mic is moved to the left side of the overhead...

 

With the Y-cable both iPods are charged - No Problem .

 

My 08 Clubman w/Bluetooth and USB, under center console, doesn't recognize a 4 button 3rd gen iPod. The USB info on the Mini radio reads out "empty" and the iPod itself says "ok to disconnect". I have read conflicting reports about the compatibility of 3rd gen vs. 4th gen iPods. Anyone have an answer?

If in fact the iPod does integrate, do you have to "dismount" it prior to unplugging?

Thanks

Jim

 

I've got an 08 with the USB/Bluetooth option. My 80GB ipod classic charges while playing. It works much better than I expected it too!

 

Yes, it's been working great for me too. After years of clumsy FM Transmitters and flaky CD changer adapters, it's wonderful to have such a great integration solution!

 

Does anyone know of a aftermarket usb / 3.5mm ipod dock connector cable.

The factory one is too stiff, I am looking for one that is slightly longer and more flexible.

 

I have a classic, at first the unit did not charge through the usb port (Firmware 1.0.3). When i upgraded the firmware of the classic it started to charge through the usb port.

 

You do realize the bluetooth function of the Nuvi 660 is just for connecting to a phone, not a headset. You can't connect the Nuvi to the car's bluetooth system, for either the phone or music. You can run the audio out of the Nuvi to the Aux in the Mini though.

 

Both Hubby & I got iPods today...Hubby got the 80g Classic and I got the 8g Nano...both sync PERFECTLY w/Molly!!!

 

Just picked up my car yesterday, and tried my 8G Nano, and my wife's new 8G nano (just purchased 2 days ago), and neither are recognized by the car. It is an 08 MCS.

 

After reading mini's USB pamhlet, I'm noticing they keep talking about the "Apple iPod/iPhone (Y adapter 30-pin plug to USB and AUX-IN)" adapter. Do I need a special cable to connect my Nano to my Mini? I've been using the one that came with my Nano (ipod to USB). Do I need a Y-cable with both a small audio plug and USB (pluggin both into the Mini's USB and audio jack)? Is this my problem?

 

Yes, you need that cable, or something like it. Then you'll find out if it works (or not). Most people say it works.

 

Both my Husband's iPod Classic 80g and my iPod Nano 8g work with the USB Connector supplied with the Convience Package (Comfort Bluetooth with USB/iPod Adaptor). Both sound very crisp and clear!!