I was just quoted 550$ for purchase and install by my dealer. Does that sound right? Think I might have to attempt it myself. I'm assuming there is a 'how to' somewhere in 'search' or in the tech sections.

My local deal charge:

iPod interface = 150
install = 200 (2 hrs @ 100 per.)
---------
350 total

Your dealer is trying to steal from you.

This is actually a very easy DIY project if so inclined (going slowly, I knocked it out in a couple of hours) - instructions are available online and the factory kit can be had from Classic at 20% discount from list. Good luck.

I got both, the adaptor and labor, for free, zero, nada, zilch

My dealer will be installing it as soon as my new '05 MCS arrives sometime next week.

Where is classic? I too would like to get the discount.

Thank to everyone responding. I was asking because it seems an excessive amount for installation. Since it is unlikely someone will give it to me for free, even if I was in Miami, it looks like I found myself a weekend project.

I agree. The only reason I got mine is because my dealer gave it to me for free (After alll this is the 3rd new MINI I have bought from them). I refuse to pay BMW's inflated labor charges. being in a similar situation, I would also have done it myself.

Mine was $447, and they did it wrong...they are fixing it Wed. Looking at the install instructions, I wouldn't have wanted to bother, I don't have a few hours to do it. It requires removal of the center console, glovebox, downtubes, radio and cutting a panel, along with many wire splices and reconnections into harnesses and radio unit.

The dealer charged us $150 for the adapter and $40 to install. They quoted something like $70/hour and said it takes about 1/2 hour. I think if you installed even 1 of these a week it woudn't take longer then that?????

Brad

Classic Autocampus in Ohio:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/classicauto

Seriously, this is a fairly easy DIY with basic handtools and a free afternoon.

I have as yet been unable to locate good instructions on how to install the adaptor in the Mini. I found several for the ICELink adaptor, but not the new BMW version.

Any ideas?

In the meantime, I'm gonna call around to other dealers and get quotes.

Here: http://www.sbtontheweb.com/pdfs/IPOD.pdf

Thanks agin.
My dealer is definitely stiffin' me here. Even BMW suggest an install time of under and hour. Maybe the service guys have some sort of impairment.

I ordered mine from Classic and it came with the printed instructions. Very easy install and not real time consuming. The only problem i had was when i plugged the iPod in it didn't work. I remembered reading somewhere about the number of playlists on the iPod affecting the adapter. I deleted most of my playlists (i had over 100) and it worked fine. Just read the instructions carefully and you should be fine.

what exactly does the kit do?
obviously: power and signal leads.
what about remote control for song changes, mounting, etc?

So,
I got another quote from a dealer here on the island, and they're telling me 250-300$ for parts and installation. That sounds pretty good. I called back my dealer and spoke directly to service and they told me it should cost about 350$. That''s a big difference from the 550 my MA told me. I'm beginning to think my MA has his head up his a$$.

I also went ahead and ordered the part from classic. Whether I put it in myself or not, I'm sure I'll get it cheaper from them than the dealer.

After the iPod interface is installed, think of your iPod as a cd changer...on steroids. You run the connector (that connects to your iPod) wherever you want your iPod to be when it's playing. The standard place is in the glovebox, i routed mine to the parcel shelf under the steering wheel. Then, from either the HU or the steering wheel, you select the playlists, as you would select cd's in the changer. The last "CD" you select, number 6, plays all the songs on your ipod. Just as whith the cd changer, the only info displayed on the HU is what "CD" is playing and what song number is playing. You can also adjust the volume as normal from the HU or steering wheel, and from the HU you can also select to play the songs random or not.

where can you get the adapter for one's ipod? Mine is a MINI ipod just to keep in theme...lol. I definately would need the instructions to install mine

See post #10 for the where to get it info. There is only one adapter and it works with all iPods with a "dock connector". That means it will work with all current iPod Minis!

I posted part of this message two months ago. (see iPod vs. Icelink poll) I installed the interface myself. So far, everything works great. I purchased it from outmotoring.com for $149 (plus shipping). With the Mini iPod adaptor the iPod stays in the glove box and gets charged while it's hooked up.

The installation made me nervous, having not installed a car radio since 1979 in a 76' Duster, but if you take your time and follow the "official" instructions, it really isn't too bad. It took me a Sunday afternoon to complete the process. (I was taking my time.) Instructions can be found at: http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12...ll_instructions
You can use a jeweler's screwdriver to remove the connectors from the Head unit harness (no need to purchase the official BMW tool). I also used a pair of needle nose pliers instead of a crimping tool.

I used instructions on how to remove the Head Unit from a post someone offered who installed the AUX cable: http://mini.uglydoris.com/archives/000028.html

The only thing I've noticed is that when I disconnect my iPod, the "shuffle" setting is set to off and the "repeat" setting is on. Other than that, it works great.

Good Luck with your decision
MD

sorry, stupid question, will this work with say a Dell DJ mp3 player?

Nope. To use something other than an iPod you can by the aux port from MINI. The iPod adaptor is a proprietary thing that will only work with an iPod which, if you buy one, or have one, means that you are listening to music that won't play back without breaks in between all the songs! Grrrrrr....

I have never installed stereo equiptment before in my life, and I did it. I got the adapter from Classic (just as many have), followed the official directions they included in the kit, and got it done in no time... The instructions said 1/2 hour for professional install, it took me about two 1/2 to three... I went slowly, counted wires before I cut them, and double checked everything... After one minor hiccup (which I also fixed), the unit works great, and I have no complaints... I have a fairly new iPod mini, to keep in line withthe whole MINI thing, too...

I did however, find that you dont need to remove all the things they tell you too to get to the stereo...

Right now I use a first generation iPod through the Mini Aux Input adapter. I understand that the iPod interface requires I get a new iPod but does it mean I also have to remove the aux adapter?

Thanks in advance.

Rich

I don't believe it does.