Hi-I have a Mini in production and can't decide which audio option to go with: Mini's iPod adapter or the tried-and-true Aux-in option. For me, it really comes down to this: Instead of using the playlists, can I reach inside the glove compartment, manually select a song on the already-plugged-in ipod, and have that song play over the car speakers? Unless I'm misunderstanding what this thing does, the main problem with the BMW/Mini iPod adapter is that you have to plan out in advance (at home, using iTunes to create your BMW1-5 playlists) what songs you want to be listening to when plug your ipod into the car. Music in the car is all about mood and spontaneity, so if I can't at the very least manually select a song on my ipod while it's plugged into the car (while at a complete stop of course) then no deal. If all this is true, then I think I'm better off with just installing the Aux-In plug.

 

When I first heard of the adapter I wanted one BADLY! Then I realized on the '05 the HU already plays MP3 CD's. Considering that you can throw $0.10 CD's in there with 700 MB of music there is little point in me getting an IPOD and adapter. My last CD had 177 songs on it so I don't really see the point in getting the 6 disc CD changer either.

If I had to change playlists in iTunes every time I wanted to make a new playlist I might as well just burn a new CD.

The AUX input might be useful in general though. Heck there might be someone who wants to listen to books on tape or something :-)

 

I'd definately go with the auxilary port. I got the belkin ipod cup holder and put it in the small cup holders below the headunit. It works out very well you can choose whatever you like and its right there. I just hid the cord from the glove compartment behind some of the plastic below the head unit.

 

Popcult,

I had my dealer install the external auxiliary port for about $130 (there's a fair amount of labor involved). The end result is a mini-stereo plug in the glove box that I can plug any sound source into. Besides an iPod, it allows me to plug in a portable tape player so I can listen to books-on-tape on long trips. When you compare it to other options on a new Mini, the cost doesn't seem unreasonable. However, like me, you don't have to have it installed right away. Why not wait until you get your car and see if the '05 stereo system does what you want? If not, having that accessible auxiliary port gives you a lot of flexibility.

 

This worked well for me... the Dension Ice-Link. I installed it myself, very simple...works great.

 

thanks for the advice. I'm going to go w/ the aux. port. It seems to give me the most options, both in the present and in the future (e.g. I buy a non iPod mp3 player (horrors!) or if Apple decides to change the plug type on the iPod--they've already done it once--then the Mini iPod adapter becomes useless). I'm probably going to install it not in the glove box, but in one of my unused button ports on the center dash.

 

Well, I think the BMW option is the least attractive, but the most sought after by many. Yes, the aux port does afford you the most flexible input. However, the Dension option is something you may consider vs. the BMW option. Unlike the part from BMW, the Dension does allow you to have full control over the ipod both from the HU in addition to the ipod itself. Furthermore, unlike the BMW option, the Dension would allow you to simply change adapters if you got a new ipod in the future with a different connector.

Also, for you that are turned off by the analog line-out from the ipod in thge Densison (also in the aux-in option) vs the digital connection from the ipod afforded by the BMW option, I do not believe there is anyone who be able to tell the difference in a car, unless you have the utmost in premium equipment installed and you were more isolated from engine and road noise.