There are so many ways to do this, but my friend has a 2002 mini cooper... completely stock... and i'm trying to find the best way to connect her iPod to it. what i need:

-- iPod to be charged while connected
-- only one cable connecting the iPod
-- iPod has to be able to be controlled while connected, as opposed to the BMW methods that lock it up. whether or not it's able to be controlled by the steering wheel controls / headunit is unnecessary. would be nice, but not necessary.

soooo what's the best way to do this?

 

go to blitzsafe.com
call them and tell them what model, stereo they have for the mini...
they will give you exact part num ber...
i got mine from logjamelectronics.com 79 bux...
it plugs into the cd changer inter face in rear of car...
it charges, and interfaces with stereo...
no readout on stereo, but very simple install..
you still control the music with the ipod...
awesome...
i used it on my audi tt as well...
works flawlessly..

see my most recent post

 

Dension Ice Link Plus is also a great solution. My advise is to do a search here, you will find lots of possibilites. I have the Dension and it does everthing that you want it to do.

 

This is very good:

http://www.mp3yourcar.com/search.asp...=57&Submit.y=7

 

geeeez so many methods... more than i thought were available.

anyone got a recommendation on the easiest to install and/or cheapest? lol

 

My '02, I actually ended up swapping out the head unit for an aftermarket unit, since my MCS's build date was pre-September 2002. Post 9/02, you should be able to connect the OEM AUX input to the back of the stock head unit (~$35 from your MINI dealer).

The other options listed above are all viable ways to go, too. I just chose to upgrade my head unit instead.

 

Aux input does not charge iPod - one of the original posters requirements. You can use a power plug (cigarette lighter) to charge/power the unit but he only wants one cable. I think the NEO iOn is the best match for his requirements - but I have heard of a Dension iceLink "Lite" that does the same things (might even be the same unit under a different name). These are suitable only because he does not need track display on the head unit.

 

Buy an Alpine radio with ipod controller capabilities

 

My suggestion would be to get the Aux cable and install it yourself then buy the Belkin car charger for the iPod which comes with an audio out right on the charger base. I know you said you only wanted one cable, and you still will have only one cable to your iPod. The only other cable will be from a shorty 1/4in leading from the base of the Belkin to the Aux Imput (expecially if you mount it under the toggle switches)

It's what I did... and I love it!

Belkin Car Charger - $30.00 (CompUSA)
Aux Connector - $35.00 (MINI)
or DIY Aux Connector - Free

Just another suggestion.

 

i have a '02 MC and just installed the icruze...the only thing is that the ipod cannot be controlled when plugged in and there is a LCD display to view song & artist. most of the '02s won't be able to display the song title on the head unit display, that's why icruze works well with the LCd display.

 

well the ipod NEEDS to be able to be controlled, whether or not the headunit controls it isn't important.

 

good luck with finding one that allows for control of the ipod. its a safety hazard, that's why it's not common to be able to control it.

 

Dension Ice link allows control of the IPod by either the MFSW or you can switch the control to the IPod. Only one can be active at a time.