As I put in my last post by wife and I picked up a 2011 Clubman S. I has the buttons for Bluetooth but no Bluetooth. I searched though some posts and found this kit:

http://www.bramanautoparts.com/prod/...ace_67293.aspx

However I am really unsure of what I need and the process and other parts it might take to install.

If the factory type option does not work, does anyone use a aftermarket bluetooth they like?

Thanks,

Clay

 

I didn't purchase MINI's Bluetooth option, mostly b/c it didn't support Bluetooth music streaming.

I've used a Belkin AirCast for the past year and a half in another vehicle and just bought one for my 2012 MCS. This one:

http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Bluetoo...3629531&sr=8-2

It uses the front power outlet, and also plugs into the aux-in to transmit the audio. You mount its 1" mic/control button somewhere handy. Enter the vehicle, one press to connect once it's setup. Take/make calls, stream music. Oh, and have your head unit tuned to "AUX".

I haven't figured out the mic placement for my MINI just yet. From using it in my Mazda 5 the takeaways are: a) the mic is quite sensitive, and capable of transmitting clear voice, and b) if you mount it in front of an a/c vent, certain fan speeds can produce the "Twister" soundtrack.

I've had it playing music (on the device or Pandora, or Sirius), with GPS navigation announcing turns, and still making / receiving calls (the device is managing all this, just pointing out the Bluetooth stream(s) can all be transmitted through the Belkin unit).

HTH.

I bought (and returned) a Griffin BlueTrip Aux, an similar product but with the mic self-contained in the power plug. I liked the idea that the mic was self contained (might look "cleaner" installed), however the one I had streamed really-bad-sounding music, like a 70's transistor radio on AM. So that was a non-starter for me.

 

Head over to the NAV & AUDIO Section and you will find lots of info about Bluetooth and installation of it. We have a NAV & AUDIO section for a reason and that is that these systems are the SAME for all 2nd Gen models.

There are a lot more people that look for this info and post in the NAV & AUDIO section than in the Clubman section.

Now on to the question at hand. There are alot of posibilities as to why there is no bluetooth or if it is there and not working. ALL of these questions will be answered by looking in threads in the NAV & AUDIO section. But in quick general terms. A Multi Function Steering Wheel comes with all the controls even if not used. So if the car has Cruise it will have all the Bluetooth and radio button as well.

So quick question 1. Does your car have a USB port in the compartment just in front of the gear shift lever. Look carefully?. If there is one there then the Bluetooth module is installed. If not that does not mean it is NOT installed but a lower version of it could be installed.

Next question 2. If you press the "MENU" button on the radio (while the car is running) does the display show the word "PHONE"? If it does then Bluetooth is installed. if not then it may not be installed or the module may be bad.

There is an issue that is coming to light recently that sunroofs leak and the water collects where the bluetooth module sits under the driver seat and they can become corroded and not work properly.

 

unless MINI has found something to do a work around with the bluetooth can not be installed by the dealer. I had an '11 that I was promised bluetooth would be installed but as the dealer found out more info it can not be installed due to the routing now going thru the stereo and not the bus. Of course by nwo they may have found a work around but not at that time.

 

It does not have the USB and there is no Phone option in the Stereo Menu. We have a non-Nav car

 

lj - Thanks for the info, I am looking into this.

 

this is false. any option can be added just in some cases the cost to do it is crazy expensive.

the dealer lied to you. The bluetooth works the same way in all 2nd gen cars and can be proven by the fact that the same module that goes in the car today at the factory is the same one that they would use if the one in a 2007+ car needed to be replaced.

The more accurate answer is that some of the late 10's and 11's and all of the 12's do not have all the wiring needed already installed as part of the main harness.

It can be installed though I have seen it done. It just means taking a majority of the car interior apart to add the wiring needed.

To the OP it is best to see if the ULF (bluetooth) module is under the front driver seat. If not then is the wiring there. If the module is there then it is probably bad and if not and the wiring is there then it is a matter of replacing/installing the module and programming the car for it.

 

Well if what you state is true then MINI USA lied to the dealer and me!!!! Plus I called MINI USA and they never returned my call. I was told that the bluetooth does not run thru the BUS like 10 and earlier models. I was told it ran thru the stereo system instead.

 

Well the earlier models 2006 and earlier work differently but I can tell you that the wiring for the 2012 and the 2008 are the same.