My new McS has the stereo functional steering wheel. It also has the little telephone button witch leads me to believe I have a Bluetooth mini. How do I set this up? I use a iPhone4 and would love to be able to drive hands free.

 

You may have the button, but that's probably it (button didn't do anything from the factory). A BlueTooth module still needs to be installed. There's the dealer option which is really expensive. You can get a much cheaper option here:
http://www.newministuff.com/new/shop...uctshow&id=256

There are other kits if you want a display option as well. I have the one above and it works great.

 

I'm looking into getting the unit above as well for my '06 MCS. How do I know if I have the "Wave" or "Boost" stereo? I know its not the HK unit.

Thanks

 

Boost. I don't believe Wave was available in the US. I did hear one complaint about the unit I linked to for Boost systems where it wasn't loud enough. I have the HK, so the audio still goes through the HK amp and sounds fine for me. Others don't have issues with it on Boost, but I thought I would throw that out there.

 

So I assume that the Boost radio has the flat connectors to add the BT module? I have the MFSW and am looking at the Parrot 3000 or 9000 no display modules. Thoughts on the connector or modules?

 

The kit I linked to above contained a Parrot BlueTooth module, a Connects2 module (to interface with the car's network) and a custom wire harness that plugged in between the radio harness and the radio. It didn't utilize any additional connections to the radio. It was able to do everything it needed through the existing wire harness.

I haven't done this myself, but you could probably get just a BlueTooth kit to work directly with the stereo. But if you want MFSW controls, then you need something from Connects2 or other equivalent to interface with the MINI network. The guy that runs the site above also had kits to use existing BlueTooth modules if you want to use a specific one but not deal with hacking into the wire harness.

 

Thanks. I'll just order one from the site. Not sure if I should get the 3000 or 9000 series. I know regular BT headsets allow the voice control on the iPhone but I have read that the parrot doesn't allow that. True?

 

I just installed a DriveNTalk Klat 7 two weeks ago and am VERY pleased with it. I got the harness to attach it from Mike at NewMiniStuff. I am planning on posting my install and review this evening so if you are not in a hurry you might wait and see what you think before making a decision. For money paid I feel it is superior to the Parrot systems.

 

Here is a link to the DIY install and product review mentioned in my previous post above.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-pictures.html

 

So I installed the Parrot 3000 and I can make calls and all that. Sounds good install is working. BUT the MFSW buttons are not working. Nothing at all from the buttons. I have the current 5.24 firmware on the Parrot 3000. Any tricks or info i need to know to get those buttons working?

 

anyone know if this kit from newministuff.com is compatible with the Dice iPod adapter?

 

Did you install an adapter to interface with the network? Otherwise the Parrot will not be able to tell when the buttons are pressed. The kit I got from newministuff.com included a Connects2 adapter that did this and then triggered the Parrot to initiate/answer a call.

I think you will be OK. I'm not that familiar with the Dice adapter, but those usually go through the CD changer interface. The phone adapters don't really do anything with those. You should just be able to take the primary connection from the radio and connect it into the newministuff.com harness. Then plug the harness into the radio and you are set. You can always contact the site owner to confirm.

 

Haha. I'm an idiot. I didn't get the little box with the switches installed. Once that is done I'm good to go.

 

Thanks aDeLoreanGuy. How's the voice clarity for the kit? You happy with it? Lastly, where did you place the microphone?

 

I'm very happy with the kit. I do have to crank the volume all the way up on both the kit and the phone, but otherwise it works well. As for microphone placement, I used the little grill next to the sunroof switch. I simply moved the switch to the passenger side and then the grill to the drivers side. Using a bunch of tape, I have the mic held against the back side of the grill. The advantage here is it makes the mic completely hidden (there is no trace of a BlueTooth kit installed). I do occasionally get a complaint from callers saying they can't hear me well. So one of these days I'll try relocating the mic to where Mike suggests near the A pillar and see if that improves things. Since most of the time I use the setup to call into conference calls and just listen, this issue has been a pretty low priority for me.