I've had my mini since march and just realized a week or so ago that I have a freakin phone button on my steering wheel. I never thought about it until now.

Does that mean I have bluetooth? Its a 2006. I checked the manual and couldn't find anything. What does this button do?

 

Not necessarilly. The Multifunction Steering Wheel comes standard with Cruise Control and Audio functions. However, the buttons are on it for several additional options that are extra. I have a second generation MINI (R56) which has a different interface than yours, but you should be able to access the Audio functions were the Tuner and the CD player show up. If you have BlueTooth it will show up there.

 

The button doesn't do anything until the interface is added. There's the OEM one that was a dealer option (and very expensive). There's also a few aftermarket options out there that are much cheaper (while still utilizing the factory radio and steering wheel buttons).

Do you have Nav? Let us know and we can help point you into the right direction.

 

+1
facelift mini's, produced Jan 2005+ were prewired for blutooth, with buttons, but no hardware (except the buttons). There are several aftermarket kits, like the parrot that utlize the buttons. The mini kit is very expensive....and according to whitroofradio podcast, pretty rare, and not the best.

 

ohhh I see. No I dont have nav. How can I check to see if I do?

 

You can look for a mic or pull out the radio and see if there's been any modules added to the wire harness (beyond iPod interface if you have that).

Here's what I have:
http://www.newministuff.com/new/shop...uctshow&id=256

Some say it's not loud enough, but I haven't had that issue (I also have HK which can effect volume levels). Works great and isn't that difficult to install. There are even more expensive versions if you want a display. There is a small controller that you use to initially connect to the phone and set volume. After that, I have it tucked behind the dash as the steering wheel controls are all I need for normal use.