Hey NAM,

I am opting to get the iPod adapter installed on my Mini once it arrives in about 2 weeks. However, I honestly don't like the fact that it is going to be in the glove box. Main reason being I would like to see the names of the songs I'm listening to, since the radio doesn't show it.

Are dealers stingy about where they they install it or would they be cool with installing it with the wire, say, into the cup holder from under the center dash?

Or, if any of you guys have done something else to move the plug, let me know. I've done tons of work on stereos and other electrical work in cars, but never on a Mini, so I'm not sure how involved something like moving the plug from the glove box to the center dash would be.

If it makes more sense to have the plug factory installed and then have me move it, or just pick it up and install it on my own, let me know that too :smile:


Thanks!
-Thad

 

mini is installed to my euro parcel tray above the drivers knees. you wont be able to see the songs being played anyways. Once the ipod is hooked up it just say "MINI" on the Ipod screen.

 

I like the Euro Parcel Shelf location. Is it visible from outside the car?

Also I'd love to hear how much the dealers are charging (parts and installation).

 

did it all myself. bought the kit from local dealership, installed myself.

 

If you actually want to see what's going on, get the iceLink Plus from Dension. It's far from perfect, but better than the factory option in my opinion. The factory adapter only plays the 6 playlists you create ahead of time. The biggest reason why I like my iPod in the car (or anywhere else, for that matter) is that I don't have to decide ahead of time what I want to listen to. The factory isn't much different than grabbing a stack of CDs.

Or, if you want to go on the cheap, get the AUX input installed. It's easy to do yourself and costs around 40 bucks.

 

I like all the music I have on my ipod so I just have select CDs in the play lists. Usually I just let it play the whole library on random. Survived going to Vegas and back (16 hr total trip) without repeating one song

 

The iPod adaptor is a scandal. Not being able to see the track names is so NOT iPod.

 

I agree with not seeing the names as being "so NOT iPod".

That said, I really don't miss seeing the names. Come on - if you like the song - and you put it on there... don't you think you'd know the song? Why do you need to know the name? You already own the song! It's on your iPod!

Finally, with it secure in the glove box... your less likely to have it stolen... say if you forgot to lock your car at a gas station pump... you go inside (like I do) and don't lock it. Someone seeing it in plan sight might not be able to resist steeling it.

Just some thoughts.

 

I agree with it being secure in the glove box...but showing only track 1, track 2, etc. on the HU is pretty weak. The cool factor of the setup is cut down in my opinion because of that flaw.

 

Got the aux input installed, works pretty well. Added in the belkin iPOD adapter thingee, helps to keep the iPOD powered, also gives me a line out instead of the headphone jack on the iPOD. I dig it as well, cause the track names all show on the iPOD.

Installed it myself, and I am far from any audio wizard or mechanic, took about 3 minutes once i decided to stop trying to remove the stereo and just snake my hand back there. I put the plug on the plastic piece that sits back betweent the pillars under the toggles. Hides it pretty well, and lets me toss the iPOD under a seat when I am not in the car.

Only problem now is a wicked ground loop issue that I gotta resolve, but, other than that, w00t!

 

I like my setup the best http://www.mini2.com/gallery/persona...ery_11982.html

The Panavise lets me see the iPod easily, and the AUX jack connection is very convenient. The only drawback to that location (for me) was that I couldn't install the aftermarket organizer...I may get the simply rubber "tray" instead.

You "must" get something like the Belkin adapter, don't try to run it from your headphone jack. I also boost the songs to 80%, and have my AUX input set at 3 or 4 depending on source (I also hook up my MUVO flash player and Palm Tungsten T at times)

 

Amen brother! For $128 from Classic Auto Campus + $20 skin (to keep it from sliding around) the iPod is safely tucked into the glove compartment but easily accessed through the HU and MFSW just like it should be. Why would anyone want to look at the iPod instead of the road anyway? Remember "disk 6" is the whole ipod which you can then play sequentially or randomly as well. I also like how the adpater keeps the iPod charged. I have left it in the car for days and everytime I jump in its ready to go.

 

I thought I would need to see the track info - but I do not! I love it in the glove box, safe and sound. Everyone asks me where the CD changer is? LOL

 

Forget the adapter. They told me I needed "playlists", well I got 2 many tracks on the damn thing. Get the AUX jack instead. At least You can quickly access whatever track You might want.

Cheers,

 

I mounted the AUX con inside the glove compartment after installing the glove compartment organizer which is a must and well worth the 30 odd bucks. The location allowed me to install a 3-way splitter to connect the IPOD, DVD, and PSP or whatever. The DVD is very thin and fits perfectly and secure with a little velcro. All wires are wll organized one of the sections of the organizer. Mini plug to IPOD charger as everyone else as described. I really like the ability to see my song selections and doing so is not a distraction to proper driving, say at a traffic light or while setting in Atlanta traffic. Of coarse I can now put on a movie too.