I'm creating this thread so everyone can discuss thier options, opinions and ideas as far as intergating the ipod/iphone into the Mini's stock stereo system.
I'm looking for a system that will allow either ipod/iphone control while simutaneously being able to control with the H/U or steering wheel controls. The unit needs to be compatible with the new 3G iphone and charge it while it's connected. IT HAS TO WORK!!!!

If you have a Dice unit, your happy with it and feel like sharing your story by all means share!

I have tried the Dice unit and now my stock H/K stereo no longer has sound (but according to EAS they don't know what caused the problem they just want pictures and a bunch of questions answered but really have no clue they just want to prove to me that the Dice unit didn't cause the problem. What part of several system failures and no sound output sounds like an installation problem if there are only 4 connections and is impossible (for me) to get those connections wrong? This is a Dice equipment issue (I just wish Dice will admit it but I doubt they will) and unfortunately the damage is done. If you have a problem or issue that EAS or Dice is not taking care of let us know here as well.

I know there are happy Dice customers and if you want to shout out on thier behalf do so but I want to hear from drivers who went another route with thier intergation.

 

Got Curves, what year MINI do you own? Does your MINI include the "convenience package"?

 

I have an 05' (11/04' build date) with no conv. package.

 

Subscribed. We'll be keeping an eye on the thread to make sure things remain fair.

I've also forwarded a copy of this and your other posts to DICE.

 

Thank you, as they have not returned any calls.

 

[quote=tom @ eas;2548842]Subscribed. We'll be keeping an eye on the thread to make sure things remain fair. quote]

Hmmmmm I didn't realize we needed you to keep things fair Tom. I just wish I could say the same about Dice. I've already lost this battle as far as I'm concerned. The only thing that will help is if you find something wrong with the equipment you supplied me with, but since will be determined by either EAS or Dice I highly doubt that it will be told to me. Either way I'm down a H/U and your answer to that is return the Dice for a refund. That's not fixing the problem is it Tom? So again what part of this PROBLEM is fair to me?

 

LOL, He didn't mean fair to you...

If you have OEM Nav then I highly recommend Intravee (www.bimmernav.com) I have it in my MINI and love it. As far as the 3G is concerned, you are going to be hard pressed to find a unit that will charge it right now. I'm sure that many are fixing it to work but Apple changed the charging wire in the units from Firewire to USB and all of the old Apple products use it. You could buy an adapter to correct that.

So, there is my recommendation. I have used an Icelink in the past and it worked fine. I also got great service from Mikey at www.newministuff.com and highly recommend him for MINI ice stuff.

 

i am pleased that my new iphone 3G pairs, syncs, downloads contacts and sends/receives calls without issue! i have a 2008 r52 mcs with nav and oem ipod hook up. much better experience than my palm 700p i am keeping my ipod in the glove box for full time audio. btw, as others have stated, the i phone will not charge off the oem i pod connector.

 

oxtox,

Does the oem ipod interface utilize the connector at the bottom of your phone? If it does then iphone 3G users must resort to a third party charger and install the oem aux input and use the phone for control? Is this a correct assumption?

 

You are correct! Which is weird, cause it powers up with the old pc/USB fine!?

 

The old MINI connectors use a Firewire charging circuit because it was 12v, but Apple has been slowly phasing Firewire out, and the circuit was removed starting with the iPhone 3G.

 

Well I already have a charger for the 3G and after the fiasco with the Dice system I'm not willing to trust anything but OEM for my Mini (as far as electronics are concerned). Has any one installed the OEM aux input in thier Mini as I'd like to know the extent of the installation. I've installed stereos into cars for decades so I'm pretty savy when it comes to that kind of stuff (though the Mini's i-bus system threw me a curve ball but now that I'm aware of it I should have no problem).

 

Installing the OEM Aux Input is a piece of cake. It plugs right in to the back of the head unit, and is recognized automatically.

The only people who will have a slight issue are people with the OEM Nav, because there are two pins (for the voice navigation) that will then have to be removed from the back of the head unit and transferred into the Aux Input connector (which has room for them).

Other than that, it's plug and play - especially for someone with car stereo experience such as yourself.

 

Edge,

Thanks for the input, my posting was premature as I found the thread that Greatbear had started and I agree it's a piece of cake (especialy since I don't have NAV). Does anyone know what the OEM aux input kit costs for the parts only as the dealer will only quote me the installed price?

Thanks

 

Try calling your dealership's parts department instead - they probably keep it in stock (at least, most dealerships used to). Should be $50 or less.

I don't have the part number handy, but I'll look for it. Some people have said it's a ripoff because they can make their own from individual parts for much less. That may be true, but I was willing to pay for the pre-assembled cable to avoid the hassle.

EDIT: Found the part number - 82 11 0 153 367. OutMotoring sells it too, for $39.95.

 

Man EDGE thanks a million, you have no idea how neurotic my wife is about her MINI!!! ....Yup that neurotic indeed and you have helped me calm my wife's fear (well somewhat as only OEM parts will be going into her MINI from now on). This whole ipod/iphone intergration was the first time she allowed me to touch anything electrical and to say the least she threw a huge fit when I installed the Dice and things went haywire. All of this causes me to be an A$$ to keep her satisfied that I'm doing something to try to fix her MINI and that I'm just as upset a she is. Anyways thanks again and at least going this route if I have problems I can always call a dealer for help...or ask you here!!

 

You're welcome - glad I could help.

 

DaFlake,

Did you do that intravee install yourself? I'm really thinking about that with the alpine connector, but don't see an install pdf to look over prior to purchase.

 

I work for Apple and we do sell a charging adapter for the 3g to allow it to charge on older Dock connector devices

http://store.apple.com/us/product/TS696LL/A