Sincere apologies if this has been covered, but all my seasrches didn't seem to find the answer to this.

Not sure that I fully understand the way the USB input works for iPod and/or if it is any different if you have the Comfort Access...but I'll have both. (I THINK that it means that since I have "Comfort Access" it means I should get the connector cable included, whereas if I did not have that I'd have to buy the connector cable?)

So my question is, I want to hide the iPod in the "secret compartment" (the CD changer cubby in the dash). I believe the "Comfort Access" package I bought will get me a cable that will connect my iPod to the USB and Aux input at the bottom of the stereo/HVAC column. Has anyone purchases extension cables for both the USB and the aux cable, and stored their iPod in the secret compartment?

I don't want to have to remember to hide my iPod every time I get out of the car!

 

The cable is not included as part of the USB/Bluetooth prep automatically.

The people that are getting them included are getting them because their dealer is including it. Definitely check with your MA and make sure to let them know you expect it to be included

I haven't seen anyone finding a longer cable and moving it to the secret compartment with the USB also, but it's been done for the AUX port in past versions.

 

With Comfort Access the Y-Cable was included. I don't know about the USB/Bluetooth option, aren't they the same thing? The USB/Aux connection is in the Center Console Cubby in a very peculiar spot, you almost have to be a contortionist to get to it, but once you have the Y-Cable plugged in you'll want to leave it there. If you are also getting the Aux connection in the Secret Compartment I'm not sure how that will work.

Good Luck!

 

How long is that Y-cable that you got? I assume it's USB and a small "headphone" type of plug on the "arms" of the Y, and an iPod connector on the "upright "leg" of the Y?

What I want to do is take that cable, act like a contortionist and plug it into the USB and line-in ports, then thread that BEHIND the stereo center stack and into the "secret compartment".

I'm assuming it's far too short to do that right now. So I'm wondering if getting extension cables for both the USB and the line-in would work? In other words, buy a USB cable with a "male" plug on one end and "female" receptacle on the other, plug that into the USB port under the stereo, then into the Y-harness. Then get a line out cable with "male" plug on one end and "female" receptable on the other, and plug that into the line in jack on the stereo, THEN into the other arm of the Y-cable. THEN thread the "leg" end of the cable with the iPod connector on the end into the secret compartment.

Thus forever hiding the iPod from prying eyes!

 

No reason it shouldn't work, you're essentially doing the same thing as in this thread only you want to run the connections to the secret compartment instead of the armrest.

 

The supplied cable is around 1 foot long max. Not sure how one would really hide the cable (if you got an extension) to get it into the secret place. With the cable attached to your iPod (a regular sized one, not a nano etc.), it won't fir flat into the cubby below the stack, I leave mine in a iPod cover in the netting on the pax wheelwell.

 

Just picked up our MCCS yesterday with the Convenience Package. I was thinking that there would be a cable in the hidden compartment, but we have the adapter cable using the usb connection on the bottom of the stereo column. Works fine, but I wished I had specified that I wanted the glovebox hookup. Has anyone had them do this after delivery, and what might they charge me? Not sure of the degree of difficulty for them. I have to go back to get the clear bra put on anyways, so I'm hoping they can do it then.

 

The 07's had the option of iPod "integration", which was a cable in the secret compartment and upgraded software so you could control the iPod from the stereo/MFSW. It was expensive ($400-800, depending on the dealer, mostly labor of course). But the 08's have the software and the USB hookup already (if you get the option), so I think that add-on sort of died. But you can ask your dealer about it.

 

I got the Ipod integration option in the secret compartment on my 08 clubman So it was still available as of this April

 

We ordered in April. Hmm...guess I'll have to see what the dealer can do for me. I don't get why they'd change the location from somewhere hidden to plain sight('inconvenience' package? ). Seems pointless to have to take the ipod with you every time you park. Thanks for the replies.

 

It's not that they changed it though.....there are two different options. One is installed at the factory (out in the open) or you can have it installed in the secret spot...but that's done at the dealers. It all depends which one you pick...

 

Well that sucks. My MA put me under the impression that they were one and the same. BAH.

 

During my orientation, I asked my MA why it wasn't in the glove box. She told me that they could do that if I wished. The cost = $500. I could just buy a new iPod for that.

 

I think the "standard" package (is it a $500 option?) with the USB/Aux hookup uses up both of those ports to run the iPod. The "integration" secret compartment option just has a single dock port hookup of its own that goes into the CD changer input to the headunit. I guess if you had that you could use your USB port for a thumb drive and the Aux input for your Garmin or whatever.

 

I have seen several posts related to this set of issues:
- If you buy the iPod connection within the glovebox you may not have the same connectivity to your radio in terms of playlists and fuctionality. It is a separate and costly option...different from the Convenience package.
- The Convenience Package provides a short set of cables at the center tower. If you wish to power something other than an iPod....check to see what the required power (milamp) is. I understand that power in this location through the USB connector may not be sufficient to run some devices.

 

I had to stop by my dealer for an We-Owe, and as far as the ipod was told that if I supplied the necessary cable(s) they'd work something out with me. Basically they said the existing harness isn't long enough and I need to get a longer version to run to the glovebox. So, what do I have to buy?

 

So far, all of the people I've seen trying a non-OEM cable haven't been successful- you might get somewhere by extending the OEM cable yourself?

 

Thanks for the heads up about non-OEM cables. So, to extend the ones I have, where/what would I need to buy? Apologies for being car electronically challenged

 

Here's a GREAT place for cheap cables, computer, A/V, etc!

http://www.monoprice.com/home/index.asp

I found them through avsforum.com. MANY people on there speak very highly of them, so I bought all my HDMI cables for the HDTV from there. SO MUCH CHEAPER than buying from Best Buy, Radio Shack, etc.

I just did a quick search...for 6-foot lengths, the male to female 3.5mm extension cable is 61 CENTS (yes, 61 CENTS!), and the male to female USB cord is $1.00 (100 CENTS!) Shipping will cost more than the cables!

Those same cables at Rat Shack are $6.95 for the 3.5 mm(10 ft length) and $9.99 for the cheapest USB cable!

 

It will not work with a nano???? Why?

 

Ok now I'm more confused then ever about the IPod/Iphone connection.
I got the convienance package...so I won't have a connection in my secret compartment or glove box? Aux or usb? I too would love to keep the ipod hidden. The finance manager showed me a cable with a usb connector for my Iphone so I assume it's included... We shall see. I hope i remember to ask for it when I pick the car up.

 

I've just gotten through reading this thread and went ahead and purchased the cables from Monoprice. I've been wanting to do the same alteration to my 08 to get the iPod into the secret compartment. Now for the big question; how to remove the compartment. Anyone out there know?

Thanks,

sd

 

I've seen pics of it and it seems like I remember there's a hole in the back-left side for where the old Pod connetion would run to the head unit. I'm not anticipating having to remove the compartment at all. Hope I'm not wrong!

 

Convenience package gives you nothing better than the stock configuration, which is the USB and Aux input at the bottom of the center stack. Comfort Access just adds the cable to that (although some have left the dealership and the dealer forgot to throw in the cable)

To use those there's a Y-cable that's included with the Comfort Access package (and can be purchased separately) that has the iPod connector "thingy" (scientific term) on one end, and then branches to USB and 3.5mm plug. Those plug in below the stack, the other end plugs into the ipod and voila, the iPod is connected to the stereo!
(Schatzy62 posted this pic in another forum)

Others have tried to buy a Kenwood aftermarket connector that SOUNDS identical to the one that comes with Comfort Access, and it failed to work. (there's a thread on that as well)

 

My question is... Is the comfort access an analog audio connection whereas the iPod a la carte is a digital connection?