First of all, hello! I'm new to these forums and have been stalking around reading posts for about a week. I'm not a Mini owner yet, but I hope to be one sometime early next year. As I'm looking at all of the wondrous options available to customize one's car, I've deliberated much on the Nav/No Nav and the sunroof/no sunroof debates. But today I have a specific question about the BT/iPod/USB option.

I've searched around a bit and have been unable to find any information about the Bluetooth/iPod/USB integration without the navigation system. I assume this is possible, but my question is how does it work?

Is the configuration done with the little button on the end of the turn signal stalk? Or is it done via the radio? I'm curious as to how well it works and what kind of user interface and feedback the car will give you both with an iPod and a bluetooth phone.

Thanks!

 

Welcome to NAM carlwh! I can't tell you where exactly, but if you check specifically under the 2nd Generation / Navigation & Audio section, you'll find plenty o' information, much of it related to what you're asking about. Don't be fooled by the name of the section--it's not all about the combination NAV & Audio. Don't know if you've tried it, but there's a search function in the upper right corner. That might help you narrow in on thread dealing with your question.

 

The Bluetooth/USB/iPod integration does NOT require the NAV. Infact many people do not have NAV and have the Bluetooth/USB/iPod intergration.

The control of it is done with the radio controls very similar to if the nav was installed. The only real difference is the display on the NAV you have a video screen on the Non NAV you have a two line display that serves the purpose.

As you have not ordered your car yet you will probably end up with a 09 and there are some changes that until they have been seen we are all jsut guessing at what the final usable features will look like.

As for the bluetooth, there are many phones that will work but there also those that do not. check out the thread related to phones especially this onehttps://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=129431itcan give you lots of info. and if you do not find the answer to a specific question just ask.

iPod intergration is very good but not great in my eyes and i have had 7 different type over the past few years. It works well and doe what it is supposed to. Is it the best no there are after market iPod adaption kits that are much better. Some have extra screens that resemble the iPod screen and others will put out data as RDS so that the radio can pick up the song title and display it on the radio screen. The ones with RDS work well but i have found them more difficult to use for scrolling thru the music to select a track, artist, genre etc. Best bet is to go to the dealer ship and play with one and see how you like it.

The USB option is also one that gets mixed reviews and there are lots and lots of threads on it. Rad up and if you still have specific questions come back and ask.