SV 53 is compatible for text. You're in the green. Also, the DICE will pause and put the iPod into sleep mode when the ignition or radio is shut down.

 

Good point!

 

Tom - you have probably answered my question in your response to L33t MCS... when you say the SW number needs to be 50 or higher, you mean the last two digits, don't you...

Because mine is 51-04 47. I of course hoped you meant the first two digits, but now I fear not.

I know you sell "newer" Boost head units on your website - can you clarify what version those come with? What is the latest version that they made? If I'm going to go to the trouble of buying a new HS just to get maximum text compatibility with a DICE, then I want the very latest version, just in case there's another reason to have an update.

Also, I don't suppose you know if there's any way to update the software inside existing units? Seems to me there should be, just like the Nav system can be updated...

 

I'm referring to the last 2 digits, you have a SV47 radio which is not compatible for text display. Radios needs SV50 or higher to be compatible, the units on the site we offer are SV53. There is no way to update the software on the unit, it must be replaced.

SV53 radios added MP3 capability and text display. At this time, I've only seen SV53 as highest (even GP is SV50), this will probably remain this way since the new MOST MINIs are arriving in '07.

 

My September 2006-built MCSC has the "Euro Boost" radio like the one that comes in the GP (larger volume control, and the forward/back buttons are semicircular). When I pulled up the software version, it gave me:

SV 34-06 520

I'm assuming the first part means "2006, Week 34", but the "520" doesn't seem to correspond with the two-digit results everyone else is getting. Would text from the iPod be supported with this head unit?

Thanks,

 

Text is supported on SV52

 

Can't beat that offer.

 

And now I'm confused, Tom...

In response to Cool Daddy, you said it needed to be 50 or greater, my 05 MCS is SV50, so does that mean that mine supports the HD but not the text?

Just wondering, I'm competing w/ L33t's 06, can't let him best me!

Also, and admittedly without scanning your site, is there something that would allow text display of sattelite radio through the radio?

Thanks for all of your help on this topic - it's so cool to learn more about the inner workings of these cars!

 

I made a mistake in the post on the SV, you will need a SV of 50 or higher. Post has been corrected.

 

Umm... seems it hasn't yet been fully corrected.

Tom, the big question though:

What differences are you aware of between SV50 and SV53? Are there any known differences in features, beyond a number?

 

I'm not aware of any feature differences between SV50 and SV53.

 

Cool... via a generous fellow club member who wasn't using his (he has an aftermarket HU), I am able to do an SV47 <-> SV50 exchange, for a very small cash differential.

I was concerned that I'd still be missing out on something by not actually having SV53. Good to know I won't be! Thanks!

 

I'm back...
Our MINI "ate" my iPod once again. For some reason my iPod regularly gets hung up when I turn off the unit. I took Tom's advice and completed a restore on my iPod. All software is up to date and my wife's iPod, same model, never has this problem. So far Apple is a wealth of no information. Any thoughts?

 

Take your iPod to a Apple Store and have it tested on the spot - they will be able to perform diagnostics and see if it is an iPod-related issue.

 

Will do - thanks Tom

 

Hello. I recently installed the MINI version of the iPod adapter. Here are some thoughts:

1) It won't list the track names on the radio display because my Mini Cooper Model was manf'd before 11/05 and the radio software is different. After 11/05 production units are said to show track names.

2) I do have steering controls and they work with iPod

3) Yes, my iPod becomes useless when it's plugged in ( I cannot navigate thru it etc.)

4) The installation was pretty crazy and unless you know what you're doing, spring for the $200 install charge that the dealer was going to charge me. It took me 3 hours and I needed a lot of patience!:impatient

5) I also called DICE directly and they were going to sell me the one that works for MINI.. When I asked if it was easy to install the guy said "Oh yeah, just pull the face plate of the radio and take the 4 screws out and then plug it in and you're done".

Well it is not that easy! There is a lot of removing of plastic parts and screws to get the radio out! (unless I totally missed a short cut) and it is not that easy. The MINI iPod has instructions on what to remove to get to the radio, but not how to remove!

6) So far I am happy with the unit. I can create 5 playlists on my iPod and they will correspond to the 5 preset buttons on the radio (#6 is for all the songs on the iPod).

Lastly, I guess I could have gone with the easier interface (thru a radio station channel) but that gets jacked up when I travel and is not much fun - plus it doesn't sound as good!

PS Does anyone know if one can change the software on the radio?

 

This is what I was expecting for the Mini iPod adapter. However, from what I know, the DICE adapter that works with the wiring harness that is supposedly in my 07 Cabrio in the boot, should make this more functional and easier to install (i.e., I shouldn't have to do any install other than plugging in the adapter into the wiring harness (once I find it in the boot) and presto, it will work on my radio and show track names, etc.). Only downfall I see with this is that it will be more difficult to remove the iPod since it will be in the boot vs in the passenger compartment. I plan on leaving this in the boot anyway so I will always have my tunes at ready access.

Someone let me know if this is all correct with the DICE kit.

 

It is that easy to install the DICE, we can send instructions on how to remove the radio if necessary.

The software does not need to be upgraded on your radio, nor is it even possible by the end user or dealer.

The DICE allows text display, steering wheel/radio control, unlimited playlists and an integrated AUX port as standard features - since you have a 2005+ model, you can take advantage of the text display. The MINI-branded kit will never allow this feature on a 1st gen MINI.

More info can be found here in our Q/A thread: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=88570

 

I would rather have the iPod up front with me, for easier access. The kit can be installed in a matter of minutes on the radio-connect version.

 

Tom, I'm really sorry if I sound like I'm beating a horse to death. Your last response says that it can be installed in a matter of minutes. Is that really correct? I thought you had to pull the head unit out, 4 screws, etc, etc. That sounds like more than a couple of minutes. I just want to be realistic in what I'm getting in to. Also, in my case, my 07 Cabrio will have Nav. Does that change anything in terms of making it easier/harder.

Again, I really appreciate your support and responses to this forum. I'm sure my asking the "stupid questions" will answer for others also.

 

We can have a kit installed in about 20 minutes, but we've installed a lot of them. For the new user and including the learning process - double that time to be safe. Either way, this is much less time/money than the dealer solution.

 

Macbest,

Tom tells the truth! It really is that easy. Even if you never done anything like it before, it should only take you about a half hour from start to finish. You can look at my Flickr page here for detailed instructions on how to remove the head unit with pictures to help you out!

Feel free to ask if there's anything you don't understand, feel comfortable about, or if you have any questions!!

-Paul!