OK, so I'm getting mixed answers on a very basic question. I want a Ipod adapter that will allow me to control the Ipod from either the Steering wheel or from the head unit or both. I don't care about the display, naturally it would be nice but the main concern is the controls. I do not want to have to man handle the Ipod while I'm driving.

So will the MINI Ipod adapter do this or do I have to go with one of the many other systems? If so which one?

 

The Mini IPod adapter will do all you need. It wil not be displaying the ID3 tags on the headunit and you'll be restricted to 5 playlists.

The other option you have is the IceLink. It is also supposed to be good.

 

i would wait until the next gen of the ipod adapter. it's already out for BMW and it can't be too long for it to come out for the MINI. apparently a lot of the limits have been removed on the new version.

 

So are there any out there that will allow the steering wheel controls and allow me to have more than 5 play lists?

 

For an adaptor to work with MFSW and/or HU it has to simulate a CD changer, thus comes the limitation of five play lists (CDs). Unless it can hack the MFSW protocol, I don't think any adaptor can get around that hurdle.

Other choices I can think of, some non-bmw adaptors which allow both MFSW & Ipod control while playing, or a new head unit equiped with a native Ipod adaptor.

 

The DICE unit coming soon will provide access to all of your playlists, as well as allowing you to choose by artist, album, and track. It also has an integrated Aux input. Control via radio, steering wheel, or the iPod itself without changing modes. See http://www.densionusa.com/

 

The DICE adaptor looks very much like the new BMW adaptor, though underneath they act still like a CD changer, only with the six buttons assigned to other purpose and displaying text feeding to the HU. I have to wonder though how quickly it allows you to scroll through songs, since the length of playlist (by album, artist, etc) could be much longer, it takes longer time to pre-fetch the playlist into HU memeory. Also it seems you can only step back/forward one item at a time by pressing the prev/next track button, which at least from paper looks inferior to Alpine's proprietary rotary dial or glide touch button if you need to scroll through 100 songs.

I think until the day when auto audio industry comes up with a new interface standard specially designed for mp3 player, a HU with integrated proprietary IPod interface (not the cd changer one) is the way to go.

 

i thought the new bmw ipod interface will only be available on the '07??

 

From what I have read, the BMW adaptor could be a repackaged DICE adaptor. It makes sense as function wise they look really close.
I wouldn't be too suprised if that's proven to be true.

 

I was in BestBuy today and there is a unit call BlitzSafe. It is a BMW/Mini iPod interface. it replaces the CD Changer. I picked it up. As easy it was to install, it is really usless. It will play through your CD changer setting, but you have no control of the iPod. for 100.00, I think you would be better off with the 40.00 External Jack. I am now looking at the DICE or ICE. ICE says it will intrerface with the steering wheel controls. DICE doesn't say it doesn't, but then again it doesn't say it does. it is 50.00 cheaper then ICE.. has anybody tried either?

 

Well, you could try the iCruze from MonsterCable... You'd need the following for your Mini.

MPC FX ICRUZ $69.95
MPC FX IM-BMW1 $29.95
MPC FX IC-BMW2 $9.95

And that would allow you to have 6 playlists, which is more than 5!

You would not need the LCD display nor would you need the extension cable MPC FX MBUS-5M which is another $9.95, if you keep your iPod in the glove compartment.

I put the iCruze in my 02 Mini, and have control from the steering wheel, have 6 playlists, and really good sound. Plus, I got the free 3 Doors Down Live DVD and LCD for the package price of $99, but that special ended a few months ago.

The install is pretty simple if you're somewhat mechanically inclined. There's 4 wires to connect & two boxes to mount (I used double stick tape) and you're done.

Scott

 

The delay remains to be seen, but there's actually two modes for the DICE adaptor. One sends all of the info to the HU, while the other doesn't. Both modes retain controls through the stereo and HU (and presumably, the MFSW).

-Paul!

 

should we assume then that you're keeping your stock radio?

You have more options if you use an aftermarket HU. There are adapters available, depending on HU manufacturer and model that will allow you to use the MFSW controls to control the HU, and adapters to allow the HU to interface with the MP3 player, so you could be operating the MP3 player from the MFSW with ease.

 

Alpine CDA-9857 + wiring harness from newministuff.com will do the trick. The CDA-9857 looks pretty good in the dash as well. See my gallery for a picture.

 

Did anyone answer the question of:

"Will the MFSW buttons, control the iPod?"

I like to listen to my iPod in shuffle mode and then just skip the songs I don't want to hear. Pushing a button on the steering wheel would be trick!

And just to be clear......am I correct in stating that with the OEM Mini iPod adaptor, you can't see the display on the iPod. Correct?

 

The iCruze can/does use the MFSW buttons to control the iPod. Namely....

Next Track, Previous Track. (Hold it to skip 10 tracks at a time)
Volume Up, Volume Down.
AM/FM, CD, iPod toggle.

To switch playlists, you have to push buttons on the head unit.
To toggle RANDOM playback, you have to push a button on the head unit.


Scott

 

Thanks Scott.

Can anyone give some insight on the OEM iPod Adapter? (sorry I wasn't more clear)

 

mitchman: yes, the MSFW buttons will work. No, the display on the ipod won't give any useful information while it's connected to the proprietary BMW/MINI iPod adapter.

 

I have the Ice unit mounted right by my right knee. I can acess all Ipod features through the I-pod or use the controls on the steering wheel to jump ahead. I'm 100% happy with it.

 

The USA Spec allows you to use the MFSW or the iPod at the same time...no text display, but then if you haver your iPod mounted where you can see it, that won't matter...and of course if you are using the iPod for the interface, there is no limit on playlists.

It's $119.00 from Crutchfield...great people to do busines with.

Be advised though that you have to hook the USA Spec to the boot CD changer cable, and then run the cable to where ever you want the iPod, which probably means all the back to the front of the car.

I installed one of these on my wife's Infiniti I-30, and all the cables stayed up front...very very easy installation.

I used ProClipsUSA for mounting...nice items.

 

Great information. Thanks for all the advice.