I have searched threads and looked at various posts but couldn't find what I was looking for. I have a 2005 mini S with Nav and want to get an ipod connection and bluetooth kit. I couldn't find any reviews or comparisons between the factory setup and the various kits from Dice and bimmer nav. I'm looking for some guidance from those who may have seen all or some the different options. What has been the best solution so far? I understand there is some issues with the Dice units and Nav and the intravee seems to workout better for NAv cars but does that hold true for cars that are also adding bluetooth?

Thanks for the help and sorry if this has already been discussed....

 

gioc,

Sorry for the slow reply, I've been offline from NAM this week (very unusual for me!).

There isn't really "one" solution for both iPod & Bluetooth, especially with Nav integration. You have to attack them separately.

The best solution for iPod integration with your Nav is, without question (IMO), the Intravee II paired with the Alpine KCA-420i. However, this is not an inexpensive solution, because the Intravee will run you $250 and the Alpine KCA-420i will run you another $100. So it's a $350 solution... but you asked what the best one was!

I have this setup, and I love it. It's fantastic. The DICE is a good product for MINIs without Nav, but it doesn't do a great job with Nav integration (at the present time, anyway).

As for the Bluetooth solution, the only real way to go (and have Nav integration) is with an official Bluetooth adapter, which plugs right in and is designed specifically to interface with the Nav. You can spend a fortune getting it via your dealership (like I did), or you can buy a "kit" that includes everything you really need from other vendors.

The main difference in the vendor "kits" is that they generally don't include the armrest stuff. The armrest pieces are optional - they basically allow you to "dock" your phone in the armrest, which serves to keep the phone charged and to boost your signal through an external antenna connection. Since there are a limited number of phones that have a supporting "adapter" for the armrest, it may not be worth bothering with the armrest stuff. Besides, it adds a bunch to the cost.

All said, I am very happy with both my Bluetooth and iPod setups - they really make that OEM Nav screen much more useful!

 

Thanks for the input. I think I'm going with the intravee setup and factory bluetooth at this point. The seem to integrate the best with the nav and keep the factory feel.

 

Keep in mind that some of the "kits" I mention above do use the "factory" (i.e. OEM) bluetooth adapter. That one component is the most important. The only thing you'd miss is the armrest dock/charger.

If you try to go through your dealer... be prepared for enormous sticker shock.

 

I was thinking of buying through bimmernav. Any experience with them? Do you reccommend any others?

 

That's where I bought my Intravee from (and the only USA vendor who sells it, I think). However, European Auto Source (who sponsors this forum) also sells a Bluetooth kit that also uses the OEM module, so it would probably be worth your while to comparison shop with them as well.

I can't speak to which kit is better implemented... because I bought my Bluetooth via the dealer, before the other vendors even made a scaled-down kit. Ouch.

 

I have a 2008 convertible, H/K radio, MFSW, without nav. I solved ipod+bluetooth by installing the Gateway-100 for ipod, and the Parrot 3000 EVO with MFSW integration (multicam). I bought both from newministuff.com because of their expertise and helpfulness. I combined the wiring harness that came with each, into one harness before installation. then I pulled the radio, removed the factory radio connector and installed my combined harness, installed the microphone (next to the tachometer on the steering column housing, connected and tied up the harness and boxes that came in the kits, installed the ipod connector and Parrot controller in the glovebox, tested it all, and lastly, put the dash back together.

I also enabled text display of ipod menus and songs/artists,etc. on the radio display. This also allows radio and steering wheel control of ipod menus - selection of playlsts, artists, albums, etc. When you enable text display, the program (loaded from your iPOD as an MP3 file) will ask you what device you want as your display device: radio? nav display?

If you ask newministuff.com they can tell you the best options for your mini with nav. My guess is the solution I implemented will give you more lines of information on the nav display than I get on the radio. I selected the Parrot 3000 EVO because I wanted my MFSW(multifunction steering wheel) Phone and R/T buttons to control the phone.

If you have the MFSW, get the MFSW multicom interface to control the bluetooth from the steering wheels Phone and R/T buttons. It was a learning experience for me but everything worked first try! If anyone wants to know more detail on any of this feel free to ask.

 

Hi--I have ordered a MY MC 2009 with NAV and I am trying to determine if I am going to be sorely disappointed if I don't get the Bluetooth/USB IPOD adaptor. I have been reading many threads and I have figured out that I don't actually have to use and IPOD since I would have a USB port. However, without this adaptor feature I assume I will not be able to fully utilize the NAV and MFSW system. Any thoughts? Currently I have a 2005 Chili Red MC thanks

 

OOps--I just realized that this thread was listed under the 1st generation MINIs and I assume I should have posted it with the 2nd generation thread. I started a thread there. of course--if you have input would love to hear it. Thanks Clearly I am new to this Forum!

 

bobj, I've got the MFSW and I would love to use it fully (buttons don't work) with my nav system. What part/piece am I looking for to make this work with my car?

 

yep, i'm a noob at the quotes... I'll work on that.

 

Well, that depends on whether you want to spend a lot of money on it or not. I don't know what bobj specifically meant about "multicom", whether that's an aftermarket brandname or something...

BUT

There does exist a full-fledged OEM Bluetooth kit for the 1st Gen MINIs, which ties into an armrest dock to keep the phone charged (and connect to an external antenna), and also ties into the steering wheel buttons and your factory Nav. As far as I'm aware, it's the only way to get full integration with the 1st Gen factory Nav.

The thing is... it's crazy expensive. I have it, but I'm one of those crazy people who will spend beyond reason on my car.

Here's a couple of links:

MotoringFile » Archive » New Bluetooth Kit Comes to the US
MotoringFile » Archive » Universal Bluetooth Handsfree Install PDF

Note that you can buy the components you need from places like European Auto Source and Bimmernav, for around $850.Fixed.

 

Let me make sure I have this straight before I go buy something that is not what I want. The intraveII gets the ipod onto the nav screen and the Alpine gives me control and power for the solution right?

As for the bluetooth retro kit at Bimmernav, I don't think that's too much to pay, but I am sure my other half will think I've jumped off the deep end when I complete my order.

 

Not exactly.

What the Intravee II really does is translate between the BMW/MINI I-BUS and the Alpine Ai-Net. Technically it's the Alpine KCA-420i that actually controls the iPod... and the Intravee translates the input and output to and from the KCA-420i to your MINI.

The Intravee website is http://www.intravention.co.uk, if you want to check it out.Heh - it's a slippery slope, watch out!

 

Ok so where or does the ipod get power from? the intravee or the alpine? That would suck to have to charge the thing daily.

If you see anything related to dead guy buried in mini cooper in the obituaries don't wonder why....

 

What's the difference with this factory iPod adapter? Will I still get tracks and playlists on the nav screen with this one?