Actually, I just today had a conversation about this with my MA. As much as he can figure out, there was a sort of head unit change with the '06 cabrios that for whatever reason made them incompatible with the CD changer connector... He's confused about the situation himself, but it seems as though that it's only affecting cabios, not hardtops. He personally checked out a bunch of MINIs on the lot, and he said that all of the hardtops had the connector, and some of the cabrios didn't.


Assuming I can ever get to another DCMM event ( stoopid military), I have the DICE unit out of my MINI for the moment. I'd be more than happy to hook it up to yours and see what happens!


-Paul!

 

Hi all

My Dice ipod adaptor is at the post office right now - apparently I have to sign for it so I will be attempting the install on Monday. I ordered the R40 connector since I didn't want to deal with running wires from the back.

I "think" I'll be ok doing the install since there is so much helpful information on these posts however I am a visual and hands-on kind of learner.

Is there anyone in the San Diego area that has installed one of these (from the boot or not I don't care) who might be willing to lend some direct instruction if I run into trouble?

Thanks so much!!

 

Nobody I can recommend on a Sunday, but I'll be online most of the day if you should run into trouble - just drop me an email.

 

Does anyone know if there is a way to extend the dock cable between DICE and the iPod (i.e. is the DICE end like a PC keyboard connector)? I have mine installed so that the docking end is in the factory armrest and the DICE unit is under the drivers seat. This is a stretch for the standard cable length included with the kit and I'd like a little more cable stored in the armrest to make it easier to pull the iPod out and change settings at a stop light and such.

 

I wouldn't recommend it. The dock cable is a specific length so it does not drop the signal. I would recommend relocating the DICE module behind the dash to an area where you would like the iPod to reside.

 

tom, I posted this question in another thread but you may have missed it.

I saw your vendor announcement that DICE w/HD radio was delayed for shipment of HD antennas. Does HD require installing a separate antenna? The diagram in the original announcement implied that it uses the existing FM antenna:

 

Good catch! The design was changed slightly after the pictures were made and do require a separate mini HD antenna be installed, which is included with the kit.

 

Okay, I found an updated diagram on the diceelectronics.com website:



What are the mounting location requirements for the antenna? Will it work on top of the dash?

 

If you would like, yes. The antenna is a glass mounted unit in approximate 1"x1" dimensions.

 

Sorry it has taken me a while to get back to you Tom.

Here is my iPod info.

I have the 30G iPod w/Video. (Model MA146LL)
and I am running firmware version 1.1.1

 

if you are pressing any of the steering wheel controls while the iPod is going through the initialization process, it may cause this. If it continues, reset the iPod:

To reset iPod mini, iPod mini (Second Generation), iPod photo, and iPod (Click Wheel)

1. Toggle the Hold switch on and off. (Slide it to Hold, then turn it off again.)
2. Press and hold the Menu and Select buttons until the Apple logo appears, about 6 to 10 seconds. You may need to repeat this step.

As per your engine noise, try relocating the module to see if this changes the noise pitch, if so, the module is picking up interference from something else in the vehicle.

 

Tom has mentioned that a Blue Tooth kit is coming from EAS. Where will this BT module lug into, the HU or CD connection?

Has anyone firgured out how to maintain the NAV display while the IPOD is playing?

 

We'll have more info as we're closer to releasing, but the is intended to be Plug and Play.

 

Ok, so I want to get one of these for Christmas but don't know which one to get: there are apparently two different models for sale, the i-BMW-T or i-BMW-R40. Can someone give me some advice? I do NOT have the Nav system, only the standard radio (with the changer controls), but DO have the 3 and 6 pin connectors in the boot. What is the difference? Is it that the R40 has the updated firmware? Also, I don't need the video out but want a nice "stock" looking holder, so I don't know if the DICE holder is the best one to get.

Thanks for the help and advice!

 

Cool! Except plug and play from where? You have mentioned a "Dec" release....you know today is 12 Dec?

 

You're not looking at our site, we don't have the R40s listed yet (but in stock).

The only difference between the kits is the interface connection. The R40 interface will connect directly at the head unit, while the T-kit will connect in the boot.

Shoot me a PM and we'll get you the kit you need, everything is in stock and can ship immediately.

 

I can't seem to find which post you are referring to. Are you referring to the PnP harness for the DICE? If so - they're already here

 

Just added the Radio interface kits so you can order through the site:

DICE iPod Integration Kit for Mini Cooper (Radio Interface Kit)
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=629

Let me know if you have any questions!

 

Does anyone know if this will work with the DPSM?

I had Paul! hook up his to my stereo but there was no sound...everything else seemed to work. Is it just a wiring issue?

 

It's buried deep inside this thread, but here's a shortcut to save you time. FWIW, the info applies to both the ice-link and Dice devices (until I hear otherwise from Tom). Hope this helps.

 

We're still waiting on a volunteer MINI w/ NAV to verify. I'll even cover cost of installation.

 

I now have a functional DICE in my mini! Many many many thanks to both Fuego and GPMINI for all their wonderful help and advice in doing the behind the head unit install - you guys are lifesavers!!
I had originally ordered the R-40 unit from ENFIG:
http://enfigcarstereo.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/
but after installing it we noticed some loud distortion and feedback - at first only occasionally but very soon constant whenever the unit was turned on. Pulled it out - checked all the wires etc., tried different ipods etc., no go. Requested a replacement unit from ENFIG which arrived today - thank you Christian at ENFIG for prompt service! Installed the new harness and unit (I'm getting really good at pulling the stereo out now Ian!) and everything works and sounds GREAT! I doublechecked all the original and replacement components in all combinations before I closed everything back up and it was definitely the original DICE unit itself that was the problem. New one works great though.

 

Great news
So how well does the DICE work? Good iPod control from steering wheel? Useful displays on the HU?

 

You'll need a 4/2005+ for text display, but you will have full steering wheel control.

 

I haven't had a chance to really do a detailed run through of all the features (track vs playlist vs album etc.) that I understand are supposed to be available but the general functionality seems fine - the steering wheel controls work great to advance each track and we get all the info scrolling on the HD - song title, artist, and album.