Maybe it's a conservative estimate, but not surprising -- it is a fair amount work to get to the radio, and dealers charge 2-3 hours installation for the OEM iPod adapter. Personally, I'd consider mObridge for the factory Nav, but for the standard radio I'd just go with the OEM USB/Bluetooth.

 

I just installed a what I thought was the Mini Ipod cable...it sure don't look like this one....I'm running an HK sound system and the instructs that came with cable are for the standard Mini system....does anyone know if there are specific HK instructs out there anywhere...for running a nano.

 

I'm pretty sure the 1st gen system is rather different; you're in a 2nd gen/R56 forum. You might find your answer in the R52 forum.

 

Btwyx's post earlier seems to right on the money, since the PL-2303HX looks like a USB to Serial converter.

 

I tried the idea I mentioned earlier, I got a USB extension cable, and a mini jack extension cable, all plugged together it works and the iPod is now in the glove box. Currently the excess cable is coiled up in the cargo net in the passenger footwell. I'm thinking of cutting the cables and soldering them into the adapter in place of the short cables. If they're not too expensive I'll try it on a sacrificial Y-Cable.

By the way, USB extension cables are in fact illegal under the USB spec. This is because they could possibly screw things up so the USB didn't work. If you use an extension cable, try to find a good quality one and don't be surprised if it doesn't work. (I was pleasantly surprised when this did.)

 

Here is a post on how to someone else did all the cabling work to put their iPod secret compartment.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d+in+glove+box

They gave pretty detailed instructions. You may need to look at the rest of the thread as well.

 

I asked my MA about the USB/iPod adapter ($500 factory install option on the 08 ClubmanS), and he said that option is an iPod dock connector located in the cubbie above the glove box. He said I wouldn't need any other cable (MINI Y cable or suitable substite) to attach at the USB and AUX at the base of the center console.

Does this jive with others who opted for the option for their Clubman?

thanks,
albert

 

There are two different options on the 08's unsure yet about 09's as the configurator seems to be a little confusing on these parts and where they are located.

USB/Ipod option with out Conv. Package puts the iPod connection in the glove box and come with the cable needed.

Conv Package has the USB/iPod has the connections near the bottom of the center console. this also then includes the bluetooth features for hands free connection of your cell phone. (a feature needed in more and more states)
The iPod must be connected with the Mini Supplied cable and it IS part of the package so do not let them charge you extra for it.

I hope this helps

 

Thanks. I guess since I got the USB/iPod option w/o the Conv. Pkg, I should get the interface cable in the cubbie above the glove box.

I have been reading that there are limitations to the iPod interface (limit to songs, playlist, etc.) Does that sound correct?

Will this option also have the center console USB and AUX connectors to use a Y cable if I want?

I'm overloaded with threads and info on the USB/iPod adapter. I'm trying to work through it all.

Thanks for answering my questions, tho.

cheers,
albert

 

I have the conv package and I connect my Ipod via the usb/aux connector which is at the bottom of the console by the cupholders not in the glovebox or the secret compartment.
I'm not sure about the connection in the armrest, I haven't messed with that yet but I think it's more for cell phones. YOu can get a cradle to dock your phone and use the bluetooth and it will charge your phone too.

 

I just PMed you with a very long explanation of the connections if you have any other questions after that let me know

 

I just did that, it seems to be working. If I could have worked out how to remove the secret compartment liner, I would have tried to mount the iPod in the secret compartment. Currently, the adapter's in the glovebox. The wires are run under the trim for the footwell heating vent so there are no visible wires running around. (Apart from the plugs under the radio.)

 

Oh man. This thread read like a suspense novel. I was really hoping that Kenwood cable would be a sufficient alternative to the dealer cable. Is there any other source for the Y-cable for those of us without the dealer installed iPod interface?

 

The big question is do you have the USB option. If not then you will have to go with the iPod Integration kit which puts the iPod in the secret compartment or with an aftermarket unit.

 

Darn it. I thought I had all this figured out. USB option? Are you referring to the USB/3.5mm aux jack on the bottom right console??? If so, I thought all '08 Mini's had this as standard. I DO NOT have the integration with the cable in the glove box.

BTW, I called the local dealership. $67+tax for the Y-cable.

 

There are what look like aftermarket iPod Y-cables for BMW S6FL head units on eBay. I'm willing to bet that if they work on BMW systems (people on E90Post say they work just fine) they'll work on the MINI. They're $30 and, as a bonus, longer than the OEM BMW cable.

 

Only Y-cables I found on ebay were for two-into-one aux jacks. I didn't see any USB/3.5 mm aux cables. Do you have a link?

 

Ok I am not sure I missed something in the 3 pages of this thread, but I have the iPod/USB connection under the toggle switches and I connect my iPod to it... PROBLEM IS: the iPod goes dead every three days. Then I have to recharge it in my home charging connection. I thought that the Mini iPod/ USB connection would charge the iPod too. My BMW used to, why not the Mini?

 

There are two different types of iPod connections.

1. iPod intergrations with the iPod in the secret compartment. Can be added to all cars by dealer.

2. Comfort Bluetooth USB/iPod Only comes as a factory option. NOT a dealer installed option. Has a USB and AUX port in the center stack just below the toggles.

If you have the USB port in the center stack the there are two ways of using the usb port.

1. along with the AUX port with an iPod and you get control of the iPod in from the dash controls and MFSW (if installed). Aloows for paly of DRM Music i.e. purchsed from iTunes.

2. as a USB Thumb drive connection. thsi way you just plug in a USB THumb drive and the car recognizes it and plays the music on it. control is fromt eh dash controls as well. it show music in a folder structure. DRM music will not play.

The cable for the iPod to USB option is special nad has a "Serial to USB converter" in the cable. this is a proprietary chip that works with the MINI USB. Other chips in other cable are not designed to work with the MIN USB.

As for the cables on e-bay. They may or may not work. Yes they state they are for the S6FLA option but but them go on to say that they will not work with other USB opeitons in R55/R56. Here is teh actual wording:
Link for e-bay cables: http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-BMW-MINI-CAR-CABLE-ADAPTOR-FOR-APPLE-iPOD-USB-UK_W0QQitemZ280350459018QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Audi oVideoElectronics_PortableAudio_MP3PlayerCarKits?h ash=item414630848a&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms= 72%3A1171|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1 |293%3A1|294%3A50

I am unhappy with the listing for these as they have the following discrepancies.

Listing title states UK and listing is for British Pounds. BUT the parts are located in Hon Kong China.

The listing sounds to good to be true.

Also the size of the box on the cable would be a killer for me. It is jsut way to big to have sitting around the center console, or in the parcel net in the passanger foot well.

 

What version of iPod and MINI Y-Cable do you have. If you have an older (before Nov 2008) cable and a newer iPod they are not compatable for charging. You will need to see if the dealer to see about a replacement upgraded cable.

 

Now THAT is an informative post. Thanks schatzy.
I apologize for this other newb question, but I finally tried out my iPod this morning and for s**t' and giggles, I used just the USB cord that came with my iPod (i.e. no aux cord). Functionality seemed fine with the exception of not listing playlists (it does provide artist, album, etc. on the menu). Even charged the iPod. What will the addition of a Y-cable provide that I'm not getting now?

 

Check to see how many tracks you have listed and if there is any long (more than 3-4 seconds) delay somewhere in the tracks listing.

ALso a couple of questions for you, As this is different than what it used to work as.

1. Do you have any iTones DRM'ed music?

2. If so does it play?

3. Is you iPod set for "Disk Use"? (this would be checked via iTunes)

4. What month/year was your car built?

 

1) yes
2) don't know yet but I'll find out
3) no idea, but I'll check when I get home
4) not sure (used car), but I'll check on that too

Thanks.

 

1-2-3 okay
4. should be on teh sitcker onthe drivers door pillar.

 

Thanks for the info. I am using an earlier 20gig iPod and I just bought the 2009 JCW so it must have had a build date just a few months ago. So are you saying they updated the charging capability of the cable after Nov 2008? Maybe I just need a new cable? Otherwise the iPod features are working great through the console and steering wheel controls. Thanx