I already checked a few posts about this.. but I still have questions..

Today I test drove the clubman and I forgot to ask about the usb/aux in ports under the console...

1. the USB/Aux-In is standard?
2. Can I control the music (random change songs mostly, no need for playlists) if I use a USB Flah Stick on the USB port?
3. Can I control the music on the stereo if I plug an iPod to the USB? (I know the music goes trough the aux in) Or I need to change songs in the iPod?
4. Can I use the iPhone (edge) with the USB/Aux-In? If yes, the stereo controls the songs?

and last, Can I connect a portable GPS to the USB (for charging purposes)?

THANKS!

 

Aux-in is standard, I believe that the USB port only comes with one of the Bluetooth options.

Yep, or pretty much anything else that looks like a generic USB storage device.

Control goes through the MINI only when the USB port is connected through the MINI supplied Y-cable. If you just connect to the Aux-in, you can control using the iPod.

Yep- the original iPhone works without any major issues, call waiting doesn't completely work, and there's a couple other issues covered here, but the stereo still controls music playback like with an iPod.

It will probably depend on how much current the GPS draws- the MINI is only a class I USB port, so it is not spec'd to put out more than 100mA of current. Class II devices like portable hard drives and other things don't work without an external power supply of some sort.

 

Thanks nicknbecka! I only need to confirm the question 1 and almost done!

One more quick question.. how is the sound quality between using the USB port with a USB Flash Drive and iPod/iPhone? Will sound the same? Probably the USB Flash Drive will sound better just because it uses the USB to transmit the sound?

Thanks again!

 

Yeah, the car decodes files that it has access to, instead of the Aux-in being used like with an iPod/iPhone, so it does sound better with good quality bitrates.

I have some vocal quality podcasts that I probably can't tell any difference with, but music sounds a bit cleaner. (I'm comparing with MP3 CD's, since my car is pre-USB port, although I did have a USB port equipped loaner for a few days) Still, the aux-in's not bad, and I use it all the time.

 

Doesn't this depend on the quality of the converter in the device connected to the AUX? If the MINI's converter is better, the USB might sound better, but if the device's converter is better...

Are you connnecting the AUX to the earphone port on an iPod/iPhone? Or, are you using the Dock Port with a special cable? The earphone out on iPods & iPhones is not as good as going through the Dock Port.

 

Yes, it has been reported a few times that direct USB sounds better than anything through the aux input (including iPod line out from its dock connector). The aux input interface seems to degrade the audio quality.

 

Nope- no Apple hardware for me, just with a Blackberry Curve, which actually seems to do pretty well, better than I expected at least.

As for the quality of the audio, personally I think the limits of a 3.5mm jack connector come into play before the DAC would in most cases. You could probably find something that would be worse, but I bet it'd be on the low end of the curve. Besides, a car is so noisy even the aux-in is fine.

 

As nicknbecka said the USB does not come standard. It is in conjunction with a bluetooth addition as well. It comes in the following packages,
1. Convenience Package $1250 - adds Bluetooth and USB/iPod Adapter, rain sensing wipers, comfort access, Garage door opener, auot dimming rear view mirror.
2. Bluetooth and USB/iPod Adapter $500, - adds bluetooh and USB/iPod in center stack
3. Comfort Bluetooth and USB/Ipod Adapter $750 - Adds bluetooth and USB/Ipod in center stack and arm rest with ability to have adapter for phone to charge phone and external cellular antenna
4. SamrPhone Prep $100.00 - Requires #3 or the Convenience Package and adds USB connection in armrest for use of music from smar phone.

either from the radio or the MFSW (multi function sterring wheel) if you have one.

Music from an iPod/iPhone has four (4) ways of being used.
1. With Mini "Y-Cable" then both the USB and the AUX in are used and control fo the iPod is done thry the radio or MFSW.
2. With out "Y-Cable" AUX only used the control is thru the iPod.
3. With Apple iPod cable and specail settings on iPod it can be used as a USB Drive but then there are major limitations on the quanitity of music avaliable easily from the iPod.
4. SmartPhone Prep as expailned above
Yes but same as above for cabeling.

Yes, As long as that is how you can charge it from your computer.

 

wow! thanks everybody!

Too bad that I need to pay $500 for the damn USB!!! I don't care about bluetooth... oh well..

 

But if you have a cell phone and live in one of the 18+ states that will be changing the laws about cell phone use, you will probably want it eventually.

Or maybe you are one of the last hold out to not have a cell phone, then you would not need it

 

lol I have one, but I barely use it... and I drive no more than 10 miles to get to work... now once I have the mini I'm going drive the long way! 5 minutes more... :/

 

The cell phone=worst technological tool of my lifetime. Too many complete idiots out there trying to use them while driving. And almost as many morons walking around on the street oblivious to what's going on around them. Ever listen to their end of the conversation? Western Civilization needs its citizens to know how many cans of molasses are on Walmart's shelves? Call me a Luddite, but if an EMF bomb went off over the country I wouldn't be shedding too many tears.

 

Well i guess we know where you stand on the issue of cell phones LOL.

I do agree that tomany people are talking on their cellphones but from actual studies during rush hour traffic there are juas as many shaving, putting on makeup, drinking overly hot coffee, (shall i go on) that distract them just as much.

A little story. I was in Salt Lake CIty Utah last winter and though my eye thought i was crazy i found out the i was not the only one to see the typical long haired blond driving down the high way a 70 miles an hour digging thru her purse to find make up and cell phone. This lasted for more tahn two miles. The whole time she never put either hand on the steering wheel.

No to get back on track.

From what i have seen of the proposed law in MA is that even if you are stopped by the side of the road you still will not be able to hold a cell phone in you hand. Basicaly a total ban on holding a cellphone while in the car. This will mean that if you are to dial the phone it will have to be via voice or dash dialing.

Is this right or wrong, i dont know. I also do not really care either. I never call out on my phone while the car is moving basically becsue teh voice dialing sucks in the Mini with out NAV. I will answer a call if moivng but that is becuase i can just press a button on the steering wheel to answer the call.

Now as to the walkers that come off the curb right in front of you. The best thing would be a set of train horns. Unfortunatly you might get picked up for murder when the stroked an died from fright. Unfrotunately as well if it did nto scare them to death they would just go back to wlking into the street some ohter time on thier cell phone.

 

I just test drove a new 09 MCS today and will likely be buying it tomorrow (currently own an 06 GTI with DSG). I've got an iPhone 3G and do want to make sure I get the best use out of it. I've read through everything but need a final reassurance here.

Looking at the order sheet I see the ZCV - Convenience Package which includes 6ND - Bluetooth and USB/iPod Adapter. This is the only references I see to USB/iPod but it doesn't mention Comfort. I'm also getting the ZPP - Premium Package which includes the 249 - Multifunction Steering Wheel. I do see on the website that I can update the ZCV package to include a Comfort Bluetooth w/Leather Multifunction Steering Wheel for $500. What I'm wondering is if ZCV and ZPP combine to be the same thing as the $500 option.

Anyway, at the end of the day all I'm looking for is for the iPhone 3G to get a charge, I'd like to make hands free calls using the address book on the phone and voice. And I'd like to get music from the phone using the cradle connection. Ideally I'd like the phone to be in the arm rest. Hoping I'll be able to do this so I can take delivery tomorrow and not have to wait for one to be built, lol.

Thanks a bunch.

 

You are going to by the demo car?

It had the armrest, but not the Multi-function steering wheel? I think the MFSW is a must-have option. With music playing from an iPhone, I am constantly adjusting volume, and having the control on the steering wheel is excellent. Also, the MFSW is the only way to get cruise control.

If you want the iPhone in the armrest, you have to buy a cradle specifically for the iPhone. That means every time you stop and get out you have to retrieve your iPhone from the arm rest. I can see putting an iPod in the armrest and leaving it there, but seems like a hassle for an iPhone.

 

Nope not the demo car, it's one sitting on the roof of the NW Mini dealer. It had the MFSW but I didn't pay close enough attention to see if it had the plastic filler thing for the arm rest.

I'm still deliberating on what I want to do since I still think I want the Navi, I want the Comfort Bluetooth, and would like the Rear Fogs. Unfortunately I basically only have two ready made options.

1. First doesn't have rear fogs but does have the aero kit and black interior. Leaning towards this one.
2. Second doesn't have aero kit and has the redwood interior and rear fogs. The aero isn't a big deal, but I'm not sure if I could live with so much red all the time.

Neither have Navi, though after playing with it I'm not convinced it's any better than my GTI, it's not HDD based so it feels slow.

I would just say whatever and order it exactly how I want but the 1.9% ends very soon.

 

I have the NAV and like it a lot. It isn't the most wonderful GPS navigation unit, but it works for me. The integration with audio, bluetooth, and car settings make it worthwhile, IMO. I also much prefer the look of the NAV to the giant speedometer.

If you drive in a major city much, the traffic alerts and navigation around congestion can be quite useful.

I am also a big fan of the Comfort Access. Didn't really think it was so great when I ordered, but came with a package. Now I really like it.

 

Thanks for the input. I ended up trading in my 06 GTI and got a new Mini, all the packages, but sadly no Navi. Honestly had I not caved to instant gratification I would've just ordered one with Navi and a few other things I missed on.

FWIW, I must be a bit crazy, not driven a manual in 5 years and only had about 2 weeks on one prior to this. For some reason decided to get the manual and not the auto which I actually found to be rather DSG like despite being a real auto not a dual clutch manual.

 

I just picked up my new '09 r56 w/ iPod support but can't seem to find the cable. Where is the cable located when you first get the car? Will a regular iPod cable work?

 

I think most people find them in the glove box, assuming you mean the USB iPod support. A normal iPod cable won't work correctly unless you're using the iPod in generic disc mode, which basically makes it into a big thumb drive. The MiniUSA online configurator now specifically lists the cable as included, so it shoud be there somewhere.

If you have the dealer installed iPod support, it's a cable in the secret compartment and doesn't have the removable cable like the USB version.

 

Another vote for the direct USB connection...I noticed right away that a thumb drive sounds better than my iPod Touch (also noticed that the MINI radio display updates quicker with the next song info)...and my ears are 49 years old and not overly finicky about audio quality.

That's really a shame, as now I'm torn between using just using my iPod, and having to keep a whole 'nother gizmo synced/organized, etc.

Question:

Do all the iPod docks/car adapters, etc, that connect only thru the bottom iPod connector get a line-out signal? Is there no digital signal out of an iPod?

Thanks...

 

OK..well...just answered my own question...there IS a way to get a digital signal out of an iPod, but what I don't know is if it will become common or inexpensive...here's an article from about 1.5 years ago of the first gizmo to get digital out of an iPod:

http://www.stereophile.com/news/010408wadia/

And here's another:

http://hometheatermag.com/hometheaterinabox/206denon/

 

Yer in a car... that produces a ton of road noise. You will never "Need" digital out on your iPod and digital in on the MINI's system.

But, if you MUST go this route, install a PC like Schatzy and the others here.

Personally, I would spend more money on other neat upgrades in the car.

All of you guys should invest in the cig lighter to usb power adapter. Will give you a nice usb adapter to charge stuff with while you listen to music via thumb drive, iPhone, iPod, etc.

 

That's right, no one NEEDS a digital out on their iPod...but for me (and again, I claim NOT to have persnickety ears), and all the others that hear a clear and significant difference between the MINI's analog AUX in and the digital in of a USB Flash drive, I'd love to have access to a digital output on the iPod.

It surprised me too that I could hear such a noticeable difference between the aux in and a usb flash drive, because, for one reason like you said, road noise is significant.

But, well, the difference exists.

 

Buy a big honkin 64GB USB drive off eBay for $40 and put all your music on it. That's what I'm doing. Tiny little thumb drive can't even be seen unless you bend down. Wouldn't bother with the iPod in a MINI the way they have(n't) got it integrated. Not pulling audio through the USB cable is criminal.