Navigation & Audio 2008 USB/iPod interface
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 7,578
Likes: 4
From: Paradise
Wow, all of this really sucks.
MINI's configurator shows, for the "Bluetooth and USB/Ipod Integration ($500)" option, an Ipod in what looks to be the hidden compartment. It's the exact same image as the Comfort Bluetooth. I find it lame that they would charge these prices for a Y-adapter cable which should be included in the cost of the vehicle. I know you get Bluetooth integration as well, but who cares? These are two completely different technologies and should not be combined.
What's worse that MINI messing this all up is the MA's complete ignorance on the subject. My MA couldn't tell me the difference between any one of the three options.
In the end, I opt'ed for the Bluetooth and USB ($500) option thinking that it would keep my cockpit clean from cables and provide Bluetooth in case my BT headset ever died. (It will be illegal to use a cell phone without some hands free technology in California in June) My current car is a mess with power cables and Ipod adapters and I didn't want this mess. I didn't opt for the Ipod adaptor dealer installed option ($330 + $170 install fee) since my MA told me it was the same thing only you got BT for free if I ordered the factory option.
All these issues offend my techno geekiness and make me want to go back to the cassette tape adapter. I'd love to hear if anyone rigs an extension to the USB adapter and hides the ipod somewhere.
MINI's configurator shows, for the "Bluetooth and USB/Ipod Integration ($500)" option, an Ipod in what looks to be the hidden compartment. It's the exact same image as the Comfort Bluetooth. I find it lame that they would charge these prices for a Y-adapter cable which should be included in the cost of the vehicle. I know you get Bluetooth integration as well, but who cares? These are two completely different technologies and should not be combined.
What's worse that MINI messing this all up is the MA's complete ignorance on the subject. My MA couldn't tell me the difference between any one of the three options.
In the end, I opt'ed for the Bluetooth and USB ($500) option thinking that it would keep my cockpit clean from cables and provide Bluetooth in case my BT headset ever died. (It will be illegal to use a cell phone without some hands free technology in California in June) My current car is a mess with power cables and Ipod adapters and I didn't want this mess. I didn't opt for the Ipod adaptor dealer installed option ($330 + $170 install fee) since my MA told me it was the same thing only you got BT for free if I ordered the factory option.
All these issues offend my techno geekiness and make me want to go back to the cassette tape adapter. I'd love to hear if anyone rigs an extension to the USB adapter and hides the ipod somewhere.
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 357
Likes: 1
From: Boulder, CO
Agreed 
There are threads showing people running extensions to the arm rest for the iPhone. You could do that and just connect your iPod instead. They included procedures, price lists, etc. See the thread:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=135178
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=135178
I use a Griffin Autopilot to do the aux and power, it also gives you a few handy control buttons.
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 68
Likes: 1
From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Thread resurrection...
So after skimming through this thread, I have a couple questions regarding the USB/AUX port:
1. I've been told that the USB power output from the center console is low, but I want to know how low? Is it enough to power a GPS unit per say?
2. Does the USB provide power AND the ability to read data from an iPod to the head unit; or are you using a combination of the USB and AUX ports to listen/charge your mp3 players?
I'm trying to connect my new Garmin to my car, hopefully avoiding the use of the AUX input altogether. I find the volume of the AUX input to be very low, that when I switch back to the radio, I come close to blowing out my speakers. I am also trying to use the Garmin as my primary mp3 player, and I am comfortable without using the radio controls for this feature.
I need answers because I have an 07 R56 MCS, and I don't want to shell out the $500 or whatever it costs to get the USB module (remember, non-iPod in the secret compartment adapter) if I don't have to.
My alternative is to stick it out with the AUX input and rip the cigarette lighter apart for a power source. I can't tolerate wires hanging and something constantly plugged into my cigarette lighter, so I would need a clean install, having everything hidden.
So after skimming through this thread, I have a couple questions regarding the USB/AUX port:
1. I've been told that the USB power output from the center console is low, but I want to know how low? Is it enough to power a GPS unit per say?
2. Does the USB provide power AND the ability to read data from an iPod to the head unit; or are you using a combination of the USB and AUX ports to listen/charge your mp3 players?
I'm trying to connect my new Garmin to my car, hopefully avoiding the use of the AUX input altogether. I find the volume of the AUX input to be very low, that when I switch back to the radio, I come close to blowing out my speakers. I am also trying to use the Garmin as my primary mp3 player, and I am comfortable without using the radio controls for this feature.
I need answers because I have an 07 R56 MCS, and I don't want to shell out the $500 or whatever it costs to get the USB module (remember, non-iPod in the secret compartment adapter) if I don't have to.
My alternative is to stick it out with the AUX input and rip the cigarette lighter apart for a power source. I can't tolerate wires hanging and something constantly plugged into my cigarette lighter, so I would need a clean install, having everything hidden.
OVERDRIVE
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,233
Likes: 127
From: San Francisco
$500 is for the Bluetooth/USB factory option. A dealer retrofit would cost hundreds more. I can imagine someone feeling that they really, really want Bluetooth, but that's a lot to spend for just the USB feature.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
Hey guys, for those of you that are using a flash drive and have a Mac, this should help with the slowness... http://borloz.com/applescript-to-eas...dio-interface/
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