Hey guys,

Total noob here. Did some searches but couldn't find an answer for this specific question

I'm looking at a used 2007 MCS, and it clearly has the Bluetooth option, and there is an armrest with what appears to be a phone cradle in it, but during my short test drive, I couldn't for the life of me find any evidence of a USB/Ipod interface. I checked the glove box, the armrest, the little hidden compartment above the armrest, etc... No dice.

Is it even possible to get the 2007+ Mini's with bluetooth, but not with the USB/Ipod hookup? I thought they came together as a package. No?

Thanks for any help in advance, and please, take it easy on a stoopid noob!

 

One more thing: I also checked in the center console in front of the cupholders, and I found the Aux-In, but no USB hookup.

 

USB did not become available until 2008. 2007 MINI's did not have USB even with Bluetooth.

 

Thanks, rkw. That would make sense. Do I have any options to run the ipod through the stereo controls?

 

There are a couple ways to connect an iPod or iPhone to the AUX. Best to go through the dock port, rather than the headphone out jack on the iPod.

There is a cable that goes from the dock port to a 3.5mm stereo jack for about $15 that will connect to the AUX, but no charging.

I'm using an Apple Universal Dock and a Belkin Mini (or is it Micro?) USB car charger. The Apple Dock provides a dock port for the charger, and a separate 3.5mm audio out that comes from the iPod dock port. So, a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable connects the Dock to the AUX.

With this setup, the steering wheel volume buttons work, but not the Next, Previous track buttons. I mount the remote for the Apple Dock on the side of the shift console so it points directly at the infrared port on the front of the Dock. This gives me Next/Previous and Pause by feel, so I don't have to look at it. The Dock is mounted on a platform I made for the cup holder.

 

Another option is the dealer installed iPod adapter from MINI. It is about $300 plus several hours of installation. As for steering wheel controls, you already have volume control and it only adds previous/next track (same is true for the USB version). However it does give you additional controls and display on the radio, which is a lot safer than trying to read and manipulate the iPod directly while driving. The iPod is mounted in the dash secret compartment.

 

Thanks for the info, guys. Totally appreciated. If I pull the trigger on this Mini, I'll probably just stick with MP3 CD's and using the Aux-in occasionally. I like a clean dash and center console, and that dealer-installed adapter is just way to expensive for my blood.