Greetings motorers! I just placed my order for a new 2012 MB/MB MCS! I opted for the HK system, but did not select USB/Bluetooth. My question is this...
I always thought that the USB option just gave you the ability to control your ipod from the head unit. If I did not select USB/BT, will there still be a USB port for a memory stick and/or Aux input for a 1/8" stereo jack?
Honestly it's not a big issue for me, but my MA said that if you don't order the package, that you don't get the USB or Aux input.
Thanks!!
Jon

 

Not 100 percent sure on the 2012 models but in the past to get the USB port you HAD to order the USB/Bluetooth option.

It did not come with the radio. Only with the Bluetooth USB/Bluetooth option.

You could order Bluetoth without the USB options but to get the USB option you had to order it with bluetooh as the USB is handled by the bluetooth module.

I doubt this has changed as the bluetooth modules are backwards retrofit-able to some level.

 

Cool, thanks for the reply! I figured it might be that way. Although I love the array of options available when ordering, I do feel like a few items are of the "nickel and diming" variety. A USB or Aux port is something that is starting to come standard on all but the cheapest cars these days. For a car like the MINI to not have that standard after paying $750 for a supposedly premium sound system is suspect.

Anyways I'm perfectly happy with cd's and mp3 discs so not all is lost, just seemed strange to have to pony up another $500 on top of the HK system.

Thanks!!
Jon

 

Well you may want to think about the bleutooh option as more and more states are going the route of "Hands Free Cell Phone" talking.

Personally it is an option that I MUST have in a car or I will not purchase it. I have had it in all my cars since 2004.

 

At $500, it's not a nickel and dime. Really not sure where they get off charging that when the Bluetooth isn't very reliable, and the software is pretty bare bones. Essential? Yes. Does most other car makers do a better job? Yes

 

Agree completely


Extremely untrue. I have freinds with 2011 Fords, 2010 Chevy's, 201 Nissans, 2010/2011 Toyotas, and they all have the same problems. It is more of a Phone manufacturers problem than the car as the phone manufacturers are trying to make each brand of phone more and more specific to their own brand of accessories.

 

You will get an Aux 3.5 minijack input standard. That will allow you to play an iPod through the system, but you'll control it using the iPod, not the Mini's radio. That's what I do because I have a 2007. Even though I have BT for my phone the USB option wasn't available in 2007 yet. Get a dock connector for you iPod and the sound is excellent (better than connecting via the headphone jack).
There are owners that don't really like using the Mini's iPod interface using the radio controls, saying it takes a long time to scroll through hundreds of artists, etc. I just leave mine in the tray under the ebrake and it works satisfactorily for me.

 

@Schatzy: Thanks for the info, the USB/BT was literally next on my list of options, but I decided I had to cut cost somewhere. I already added the JCW tuning kit, suspension, and aero, and that was already pushing my limit.

@Bignewt: Sweet! I figured I would at least get the aux-in, but the dealer had me believing otherwise. I agree that the sound from a dock would be quite superior to the headphone jack. Does anyone have a link to a certain model they would recommend?

Thanks, you guys rock!
Jon

 

When I said "does a better job" I meant the user interface. For a car company trying to be a leader in design, they left the radio/phone user interface to the intern. I've seen much better, even at the basic level.

 

I just found mine on Ebay, like $8 shipped. For some weird reason they were from China, I bought a couple. Or you could probably buy from Apple for $30 lol. I have the BT phone thing and it works fine, but to be honest I rarely ever use it. I don't take that many road trips, and when I do my wife's with me so I'm not apt to call people on the phone. I use the iPod every day though.