Do any of you have this accessory? I was thinking about getting it for my Mini when it gets here but I wanted to get some opinions on it, if possible.

Thanks!
-Nick

 

I used to have the MINI AUX input jack in my '04 MCS and it works great for a $40 iPod integration solution. However, you won't be able to "control" the iPod from your steering wheel buttons or load playlists.

When I got my '05 MCS I ordered the new MINI iPod integration that takes the simple cable AUX connector a step further with a fully dedicated iPod connection dock installed inside the glovebox. The clean integration allows you to control your iPod from your steering MFSW buttons and load playlists, although the names of the songs are still not visible in the stereo display. This solution runs for around $150 plus installation (You can do it yourself).

There are other aftermarket adaptors from Dension ICE-Link which seems to be good solutions also. However, I decided to go the OEM route with the MINI iPod adaptor.

 

We put in the iPod adapter in my '05. At the same time we also installed a Euro shelf so I have the cable coming onto the Euro shelf where my iPod stays. The shelf is under the steering wheel far enough that no one can see it, it's easy to access, and it has an anti-slip mat which keeps the iPod from sliding around on the shelf under hard acceleration or through twisties. I like it

 

That is exactly what I want--I would actually rather just use the iPod itself to control the music. I have a new 2005 MC Cabrio with the upgraded (HK) sound system. How do I do the "aux" thing?

 

Simple. Purchase the AUX input cable, jack, face plate and mounting hardware from Classic MINI in Ohio. Should be no more than $40 for the kit. The Cable plugs right behind the stereo's aux input connection. The route the cable to either the inside of the glovebox (Typical install) or if you have the driver's side Euro parcel shelf, then you should be able to route the input cable and jack to that location. The installation steps are the same whether you have the stock or H/K stereos. Once installed, your stereo will have one new additional mode on display: "AUX". Also remember that the AUX mode has its own volume/bass/treble/faber/balance settings and you can also adjust the input volume from the iPod device.

I believe that there is a limitation if you have the NAV in combination with the stereo (Someone correct me if I am wrong) and also your factory stereo has to be model year 2003 or newer. Stock 2002 MINI Alpine factory stereos do not support the AUX function.

Hope this helps.

 

Questions then:

1. Do you have a URL for Classic Mini of Ohio? I can't find
that web site anywhere. Any other place where you
can buy the part in question?

2. Can this install be done by a relative amature that
be careful not to void his warranty, etc.?

3. Does the installation use the Line Out connector on the
iPod or the headphone jack?

Thanks for your help.

 

classicmini.com or go through the sponsor directory here on NAM

Yes

It uses the headphone jack and you'll need to go to Radio Shack and purchase a male to male patch cable as well.

Thanks for your help.

 

Darn. The mini jack audio quality is *terrible* for car speakers as it it optimized for headphones. Does anybody else know of a solution that uses the real docking plug for the iPod?

 

classicmini.com is a spam site. Don't click on the above link.

 

Sorry driveclassicmini.com

And the quality through the headphone jack with the Aux adapter is quite good. I'd suggest listening to it before you write it off.

 

Absolutely. The quality of the direct AUX connection from the iPod is excellent, IMO. Then again this is a $40 OEM solution and indeed much better than the iPod FM transmitter.

If you want the actual iPod docking connection, then you have no choice but to go to the $150 MINI iPod adaptor that requires a more involved installation but also enables you to control the iPod device and playlists from the stereo and MFSW controls.

 

Or spend $200 for the Dension IceLink which if the latest reports are correct, is finally stable, offers better integration than the MINI Ipod adapter... and finally delivers ID3 tag data on Late Dec build '04 HU's and newer...

 

Well at least that one isn't a spam site... it just doesn't exist :-).

 

Wrong. Blitzsafe's new M-Link 1 offers audio and charging thru the bottom connection. You still need to control the Ipod manually, but the unit charges the Ipod, and takes the audio out of the botton port. Retail on this unit is $89.00. Unfortunately the discount does not apply to this product, but shipping is included. They will be ready to ship on Monday May 9th.

 

Cool! Where do you get it?

 

driveclassicmini.com exists and works..

 

That seems to point to a dealer website in Ohio. I'm not sure how you'd use this site to browse through aftermarket audio solutions for a Mini Cooper...

 

It sure does. The Aux jack is a MINI OEM part, Classic MINI who owns that website offers the best prices for MINI OEM parts. Same with the BMW/MINI Ipod adapter. They're MINI OEM parts...

You need to call parts at Classic to get a quote and place your order.

 

Regarding audio quality via the headphone jack to an aux input: been doing it for the better part of two years with my old truck. When I switched to the line out on the iPod's dock, it was like night and day.

If you don't have the space/inclination to use your dock in the car, try the PocketDock with line out, available at www.sendstation.com. Quality work, I used the original PocketDock for some time to charge two iPods of differing vintage with the same cable and cigarette lighter adapter.

Good luck with whichever solution you choose. As for me, just bought and Ice Link Plus to install in the ride, plus the aux input Classic MINI installed for me.

Still having trouble reaching Classic MINI? 1-800-388-1098. Ask for "Classic MINI", then "Parts" or "Service".

Cheers,
Matthew Z.

 

Just to second what most have said so far:

I installed the aux input myself, and I am an amateur. Rather than put the port in the glove box, or get the euro shelf, I put it in the panel at the bottom of the center stack (right above the lighter - detailed instructions are on NAM and/or Mini2.com). I keep my iPod in the cup holder.

The sound is great out of the headphone jack, just need to turn the iPod up to about 80%, set the input level at +5 on the H/K head unit, and turn it up a little. I've found that setting the iPod's EQ to Electronic works nicely.

One thing to keep in mind when choosing your adapter: the iPod-specific adapter from MINI only lets you listen to 5 playlists (+all songs). If you listen to albums straight through, or have lots of playlists, the aux input is probably a better idea. Wired magazine just had a comparo of several new iPod car adapters, so there may be a "best of both worlds" solution out there now.

 

I have a quick question. I have a 2003 MC with a cd changer can i install the Auxilary outlet without messing up my cd player. I have an ipod but I don't want to junk the cd changer. I still use it.

 

I think there is only one input on the back of the headunit, so you have to choose one or the other. You could use an FM transmitter on your iPod, but it won't sound nearly as good as the direct input options.

Maybe someone makes a splitter that would allow you to have 2 devices on one input. Kinda like when you have one input on your TV - you can add a switch that allows you to have a VCR and a DVD player connected to one input.

 

I don't think that is correct. My understanding is that if I was to hook up a changer in my boot, I would just plug it into the wiring harness and start playing. When I installed the AUX input, I didn't have to remove anything. That implies that the 2 will co-exists happily.

 

Sounds like it would be a trial thing. I have the FM transmitter. I'm not too happy about it and I don't feel like fronting the 150 dollars after i paid 350 for the iPod itself. So I'll just try the auxilary connector.

 

I have my ipod connected to the ipod docking port and the mini aux input. It works great. :smile: How did I do it? Belkin has two products that I use but you only need one. Use the Belkin ipod auto kit available at Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...&s=pc&n=507846

It connects to the cig. lighter for power, use a short adapter cable to plug from the Belkin unit to the aux adapter. The ipod plugs into the belkin unit using the docking port. The ipod signal is passed straight through to the aux. input! You can control volume from the steering wheel and you can adjust the input level on the head unit (I use level 2). Really very easy and elegant except you cannot change tracks from the steering wheel. But if you mount the ipod using the Belkin "TuneDoc Car holder" in the cup holder you can easily reach it to change tracks. It is fairly easy to install the aux cable without taking the dash apart by reaching behind and feeling the connector. Here are some instructions: http://mini.uglydoris.com/archives/000028.html

So for less than $40 for the adaptor (Classic MINI is great!! I bought my MINI there!!) The ipod auto kit $29.84 at Amazon and the car holder @ $14.44. You have a great solution. Sound is great. Hope this helps. Steve