Hi all. Just got my MINI the other day. It has the iPOD interface that is in front of the shifter. What I was wondering is, can I add another aux input to be able to direct input an XM radio unit. I don't really want to listen to one through a modulator. In my old vehicle, I had to switch the plug between the XM unit and iPod. Will I have to do this still or can I add one of the Aux. Kits you see that plug into the back of the factory stereo to plug the XM into? I tried searching here but didn't really get a clear answer to my question. If there are any threads here I missed, can someone point me there?

Thanks

Steve

 

I don't know if you can add it at the unit.
For a while I had an XM and an ipod plugged into
the one port. I used a little part from radio shack
that plugged into the aux port, but had two inputs
(sorry I don't know the name of it)

 

Unfortunately you can not add an input to the back of the radio/stereo as there is only one input to use. You have a number of options though, listed from easiest to hardest.

1. You can do as condor27596 did. But the limitation to that is that if both items are playing you will hear both pieces playing at the same time.

2. You can get a switch box to switch between inputs. Limitation there is that it is an extra piece of gear in the car and has extra wires. I.E. one wire from the output of the switch box to the AUX in and then the iPod and Sat Radio wires to the inputs.

3. There used to be a unit that would allow you to use the CD changer input on BMW's for a aux input but they only work on a CAN BUS type system, not on the MOST BUS type system that is in the MINI. I believe that there is a company in Germany working on a solution but have not seen any word on when they will bring the equipment out. This may be a future option. The ones for the older BMW's was around $100.00 though.

 

You can try this from DICE electronics. I don't know if they still make it, but it is available for purchase from vendors.

http://www.diceelectronics.com/aux_integration.htm

Provides an extra aux port and also allows for i-pod charging.

I"m still thinking of putting one in my R56.

 

In my previous MINI (R50) I only had one Aux input but I bought a splitter with a switch and was able to switch between my satellite radio and iPod at will.

 

Thanks for the replies so far. Using the CD Changer port would be the ideal way IMHO. I did that in my Wife's old Xterra to *** an XM Commander. The Dice website has a universal kit but I am wondering if it plugs in the stereo where the current port plugs in. I guess I'll use the FM Modulator until I can find the right piece. Anyone else have any ideas?

 

DICE is only for the 1st gen MINI; does not work on an R56.

If you are willing to spend big bucks on the OEM iPod adapter (with dealer installation ~$500), it uses the CD changer interface and leaves aux input free.

 

I didn't mention this before because I thought it wasn't applicable but since you mention the CD Changer port I'll go into some more detail.

My R50 was a 2002 before the Aux Port. I used a product from Blitzsafe to create an aux port. At the time it was about $115 for the setup. The only hassle is running a wire up to the front of the car to connect the radio or iPod.

 

1st and 2nd gen MINI have completely different CD changer interfaces. What worked in the 1st gen will not work for 2nd gen.

 

I guess I should of added to my initial post. I have a 2009 Cooper S R 56

 

Try it and see if it works out for you until somebody
develops a product for the R56. That part from radioshack
is under $5. It's in the section where all the stereo plugs
are located (but not every store seems to have them in stock
I had to try two places)

 

I inquired to dice a while back. They said it would work. It works with any car that has an aux in capability, its universal.

 

Actually the one you posted about will work but you need to buy a RCA to Mini Jack adapter to get it to plug into the MINI AUX Jack, as it only comes with a set of RCA jacks for the output.

The integrated DICE products are only designed for 1st Gen MINI's

But for $99.00 it is a very very very expensive switch as that is all it will be doing is switching the input. Yes it does charge the iPod but that part can be done for nothing if you have the USB port or for less than $10 from the cigarette lighter. As fro the switching part i can get a switch that will do the same thing for less than $20 from radio shack or less than $10 from another electrical parts store.

 

This is the OEM option for 2nd Gen cars. This is also about the cheapest price I've found in my research.

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=5277

Also a thread on installing it.