i just bought my first MCS its an 03...it has the HK stereo and nav. i wanna use my ipod. but unsure what i can do to have it connected. do not want to go the fm transmitter route for obvious reasons. is it possible to hook up an aux plug? can u get a cable that would plug into the HU's cd changer plug and play like most after market radios. i had this in my previous car and was able to use the stereo controls and just leave the ipod in the glove box.

i have read a few threads. but dont see anything about 03..wasnt sure if it was the same as 04 or any other year for that matter. any and all info would be greatly appreciated. ty in advance...

ps..i saw the DICE unit. is that the only way? would i need to control the ipod buy using its UI? or can i use the buttons on the wheel or stereo to control the ipod?

 

no one can help? anything? tell me to effe off? LOL i see people reading...its not a trick question...any direction would be greatly appreciated....ty

 

See this thread

or these

Options include
OEM Aux input
OEM Ipod connector
DICE
Intravee II, if you want Nav integration

Let us know if you have specific questions.

 

On the R53, I'm afraid you'll have to use the UI on the iPod with any of the iPod connectors. Personally, on my R50, I wound up just installing the aux input jack. You can get them for about $50 (vs. $100+), and they're very easy to install on the R50/R53.

To install... yank down the panel beneath your steering wheel (pull hard, it'll come out), then fish around behind the HU and plug it in - plug it in. Run the wire to where ever your heart desires.

Seriously it MIGHT take you 30 min. That's even including drilling the little hole for it.

Edit: Whoops! I missed that you have Nav. You might be able to get away with not using the iPod's UI.

 

anyone buy the intravee II adapter? does it work well? sound quality good? $250 is a bit pricey...but if it works like it says and shows on the BMW screens they show in the example it would be worth it...as long as you are gettin good sound quality. also how was installation and set up?

 

I think all of the first-gen MINIs had the option for a CD changer, so that means you can use the factory iPod interface. (It plugs into the back of the radio where the CD changer would normally be connected.)

Connecting the iPod to the factory interface "locks out" the controls on the iPod itself, but you can use the factory stereo to change tracks, turn "shuffle" mode on or off, and select playlists. If you have stereo controls on your steering wheel, they'll work with the iPod as well.

Keep in mind that if you get the DICE adaptor, the track title/artist information won't be displayed on your stereo. The factory MINI stereos didn't support that feature until after your 2003 was built. I don't know anything about the Intravee II, so I don't know if it will display anything on your NAV screen.

EDIT - Looks like the Intravee II will interface with your NAV display. Here's a thread with installation instructions/pictures and pictures of the NAV display in action.

 

The intravee looks good. I would go with that. Sure it's a little pricey-er, but it sounds like you'll probably be more satisfied with it in the long run. And if memory serves me correctly, the OEM iPod hookup is more expensive.

 

Well, Morristown MINI lists the factory iPod adapter for only $154, but it's currently out-of-stock and who knows if it'll actually be available again, considering that the first-gen MINIs are no more.

Regardless, for the extra $100, I'd go for the Intravee setup in a heartbeat for a car with the factory NAV.

 

I have a sansa mp3 player, but an ipod set up in my mini. is there an adapter to connect the two?

 

Note that for Nav equipped cars, it's a bit more involved - IIRC you need to relocate a pin in the connector for the Nav voice.

 

thanks guys for all your help and info....think ill be leaning to the intravee...well its $200 extra have to get the Alpine KCA-420i iPod Control Interface as well so $350 after its all said and done...but i spent that plus for my aftermarket stereo and ipod adapter in my previous car. and i guess the ipod being hidden in the trunk isnt terrible...lol

 

I've got the intravee - it was a tough swallow on the price (you also need to buy an Alpine KCA-420i - I got mine used on ebay) but it works BEAUTIFULLY.
Setup is a piece of cake. Plug the Intravee into the CD changer connector in the back and the KCA-420i, plug the ipod into the KCA and you're done.
For me, it beats all the other solutions hands down.
See the thread linked by ScottRiqui for details.

Note that if you leave the ipod in the boot, as I did, you'll need to either 'wake it up' manually, or install a 'no sleep' file

 

I want to mention also that although DICE is good with non-Nav, it is really not a viable option with Nav. It takes over the screen so that you lose navigation display. Intravee is the only option that integrates with Nav.