Ok, so waiting for my MCS to get here. Have an iPhone. Intend to use it plugged into the USB and AUX as it is supposed to be used. However, I'd like to add and aftermarket XM receiver. Any suggestions on how to do this and be able to choose it from the radio as a source without having to unplug/swap inputs with the phone? Is there an open source available to hook up to where the factory Sirius would have been and if aftermarket is hooked up to this, will the radio recognize it? Can another aux be installed? Or, for all the times I listen to CD's, was thinking I could use that input instead and hardwire XM receiver to that input. Thoughts?

 

You might look into this. Gives you an extra aux port. Recognize the ipod does not work through the radio.

http://www.diceelectronics.com/aux_integration.htm

This allows an ipod to be used by the aux port and also allows the an extra aux port. I've considered one, but not sure if it will work. The company claims it will. It looks like from the wiring you'd have to have a RCA to aux connector to do it, and I don't know about hiding everything.

Another option would be to just by the ipod connector then the ipod will be controllable through the car radio and you can use the aux port for a xm device.

I'm still mulling over these options. Let me know what you decide.

There are currently no xm devices that will work with the factory radio as there are with the first gen models, although some are rumored. I"m kind of holding out for that.

 

Yeah, I need to be able to control the full iphone features through the radio. So I need a totally separate in for the XM. I may wait a bit and see also if anything comes up, otherwise, like I said, I may just sacrifice my CD input for XM. The last time I played a CD in my car was about 8 years ago!

 

glangford
the ipod connector (y cable) actually requires use of the AUX port in order to hear the audio. Is that what you are referring to?
The Y cable is also not FULLY compatible with the iPhone. It doesn't charge for me, and gives the annoying "3rd party device" message when you plug it in. It also cuts out every now and again.
I'm hoping for a better solution, or an update on the cable/chipset before I drop the $125 for the Y cable!!

 

Exactly. Thats why I'm looking for an ADDITIONAL aux or input for the XM. Hence, using the CD one if thats possible. Might talk to the guys at ABT and ask them.

 

Jolyrogr
would there not be wires already under your passenger seat for hooking up XM?
I gather that's where the factory XM unit goes when they install it - but I'm no expert on this. Not sure how it would have plugged in from the factory either.... but wouldn't those ports be open - where ever they are?

We need a gallery of what the guts of the '08 Mini's audio setup looks like and where all the plugs and wires are. I would seriously pay money for that!

 

I totally agree. I dont even have my car yet (it's at sea) so I have no clue what the audio guts look like or how many inputs there are.

 

Jolyrogr
I just had an idea that might work for you. Get a Y headphone cable splitter and use it for 1 output from 2 audio sources instead of 2 outputs from 1 audio source like they are meant for.
You may suffer some loss in volume... but you can set the AUX input to have a higher gain in the Hi Fi menu.
That would allow both the XM AND the iPhone to be plugged in an ready to send signals when engaged and selected in the HiFi setup.
AH - just realized you may need to unplug the iphone OR the USB end of the Y cable in order for the Hi Fi to allow you to use the "AUX" option in the menu. It usually takes the AUX option away when iPod is plugged in and working.
hmmm... the good news is the splitter wont run you more than $10. Let us know how it goes if you try!
Good luck!

 

Yeah, I dont want to have to unplug anything to get anything else to work. I think this sounds like it will be a tall order and maybe not able to be done. I guess my only real question would be, if you order the car with Sirius, then you get the Sirius option in the list of inputs on the radio. If you dont order sat when you buy the car, where is that input hiding? You've got to be able to find it somewhere and use it for aftermarket sat.

 

yeah.... fair....
I'd bet the input is there, at the back of the Hi Fi deck, and the cable MIGHT be there under the passenger seat.
I could see them not running the cable though, given you didn't get it factory installed.
That leaves you trying to "see" the backside of the Hi Fi deck for it's inputs. I romantically imagine it to look like the back end of my stereo at home, sporting a few RCA inputs.
I hope I'm not wrong! I'd like to add some more techie gear myself!