Another bluetooth question here.

Is it possible to install the factory bluetooth yourself? If it is, do I need just the Mini bluetooth Retrofit kit, or do I need the control module as well?

http://www.minimotoringgear.com/#/product/590/MINI Bluetooth Retrofit Kit with USB%2FAudio Interface?CenterId=null

Thanks for any advice

To add another question to this, according to an article on motoringfile.com, the retrofit kit only works with minis after 03/07. Mine is from 02/07, so would this even work on my car if I had it installed?

 

You'd need the control module as well, if it's even possible. Call the dealer and ask. Apparently they can check by VIN whether it will work with your car. I was told that they looked up my VIN and my 2010 didn't have the needed wiring for it, so I'm going with an aftermarket Bluetooth setup from newministuff and may look at purchasing an iPod (*shudder*) and doing the iPod integration if possible to keep from having to burn MP3 CDs.

Dealer was willing to supply me with the instructions for install, but alas it didn't work out.

 

Do I still need the control module if I don't want bluetooth? I just want to have the USB plug that works for my flash drive lol.

 

I can't say for sure, but my guess would be that even if the hardware itself is able to work independently the software won't be setup such that you could program one without the other since MINI is considering it to be all part-and-parcel of one solution.

I got quoted something like $960 for the whole shebang installed from another dealer (2nd opinion - this one said they could do it). If you don't want the Bluetooth you could go with iPod integration for a couple hundred less than that ($360 part + $150 labor + ~$200 for a 160gb iPod classic if you don't already have one) and get MP3 without the hassle of CDs... If you did want the Bluetooth the kit from newministuff kit was a little over $200 shipped, which makes it essentially a wash price-wise.

Since I've already done the Bluetooth I'm personally torn... I'm thinking I may revisit the possibility of the MINI USB/Bluetooth retrofit kit around tax time and sell the newministuff kit on the Marketplace.

 

You need both for the USB as the ULF module is needed for the power and the fiber optic data connection to the head unit.

I found the module for $50 and I have the kit on the way.