I am really interested in being able to watch movies and/or DVD's on my Nav screen. Not being very technical-minded, I would like the simplest solution. Thanks to rkw for the following information:

"You need an adapter that adds a video input for the Nav. There are several available for the BMW/MINI Nav. Here are a couple:
http://www.gnetcanada.com/navvideo-m...et_rgb_bmw.asp
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=338
Here's one specifically for iPod video: http://www.newministuff.com/new/shop...uctshow&id=351
Actually, MINI has an OEM video adapter, but not sold in the US and not plug-and-play for aux video (meant for use with the OEM front or rear camera).

TheOfficeMaven has a video setup (writeup here: http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/06/...i_video_input/ )."

Hooking up a rear-view camera looks REALLY complicated. Is there a plug-n-play option for watching videos strictly off the iPod? The link above for the iPod video interface is like $800! and the site provides no instructions.

Thanks!

 

It looks like the Dietz Interface is highly recommended, but can anyone tell me how to hook it up or at least point me to a diagram? Thanks alot!

 

Anyone...?

 

You should contact tom @ eas directly concerning the Dietz.
eas (European Auto Source) is a NAM sponser.

I'm not familiar with the Dietz, but the other aftermarket video interfaces I looked at seemed like easy plug-and-play installations, just unplug and plug a couple of harnesses at the Nav and you're done.

 

There does also seem to be some wiring that needs to be done, so none of these options are truly plug and play. You still have to install a power source and ground. Any help with this would be great or should I just take her to Best Buy?!

 

look into Nav-TV, it gives you 2 outputs (for a BUC and DVD) and the quality is top notch

 

Thanks, yeah, I got an interface like you mentioned with both options for video or BUC, but I want to power it the simplest way. That is where I am stuck right now. I am wondering if I can convert the power wire to a USB line and plug into the car charger. I want to be able to remove everything if I need service on the car while I still have a year left on my warranty. After that, I can install a more permanent solution. Is this possible?

 

not easily... and keep in mind, anything easily removed would look like ***** with wires everywhere.

if your main concern is the warranty, look up the magnuson-moss act... it basically states that a warranty can not be voided by aftermarket parts unless the place trying to deny the warranty can prove that the aftermarket add on actually caused the failure.

 

There might very well be a 12V line going to the Nav unit, but I wouldn't know without seeing an electrical diagram

You could tap 12V from the fuse box with an Add-A-Circuit, which is very popular for electrical mods. You'll only need to make a short run from the fuse box in the driver's footwell to the Nav under the driver's seat in your cabrio. Another possibility is the supply wires to the cigarette lighter. Just jam your own wires into the connector where they attach to the cigarette light (you'll have to take out the center console trim to get to it).

 

Thanks alot, everyone! I'll go for the more permanent solution then!

 

This was WAY more involved than I expected! Thanks for all the help posted here! My advice would be to get a great electrician who also owns a Mini!

 

1).Removed and suspended center console, 2).wires into cigarette lighter, and 3).illuminated on/off switch

 

Blurry photo, but decent actual screen image quality!
PS: The interface I went with was from here because the instructions seemed more straight-forward (however, there was still ALOT of trial and error): http://www.avelectronic.com/Navigati...Interface.html

 

Ha, ha! That is fun!

 

This looks cool. The site you mentioned has this "DIN Sized Single Disc DVD Player with Built-In TV Tuner" for $250. Is that what you did? Did you take pictures during your install other than what you posted. Think I would be cool to do! Thanks.

Mark

 

I bought the Interface referenced in the link above from Avelectronics. Those are all the pics I got. You have to have the Aux input in the glove box and an iPod Composite cable to make it all work with your iPod. Also, a creative electrician is indispensible!

 

There's this also...


https://m.aliexpress.us/item/3256802...andl_shipto=US