Some MINIs are a bit temperamental during the initialization process. Perform the following steps:

1. Disconnect iPod from cable
2. Remove battery cables, negative first
3. Touch battery cable terminals together (away from battery) for +5 seconds, a small spark is normal as this is stored power draining from the system.
4. Allow cables to remain disconnected for about 5-7 minutes
5. Reconnect battery cables onto battery, negative last.
6. Reboot iPod by pressing on MENU and CENTER buttons for +5 seconds and then reconnecting to the DICE cable after the reboot process is completed.

Let me know if these steps correct the problem

 

1. If the iPod is left dormant for a prolonged period of time (10+ hours) it will go into a deep sleep mode, cutting off the dock connector. The ipod should be turned on before connecting to the DICE cable.

2. A pen or other sharp-pointed object will make the DIP configuration switches a bit easier A battery reset is needed if the switches are moved.

 

Does this mean you should turn the iPod on before you start the car every day if you leave the iPod connected and in the car at all times other than to add or change something?

I am confused on this.

Rich

 

If the iPod is going into sleep mode, yes.

 

Thanks Tom,
This is one I tried a couple of times, the last time I got to find out how to release the boot door through the back seats using the release rod because the battery was disconnected. My roommate noticed it open and closed it for me! I will try once again. I also tried repeating the installation instructions a couple of times which required me to dismantle the center dash to get access to the head unit connections. Again each time has resulted in the display working for up to two weeks before just going back to not showing the Ipod info. I have not attempted any resets since the charge failure was noticed. I'll let you now the results shortly. Again I appreciate that you are taking the time to assist me even though the device is beyond warrenty.

 

I've been thinking about getting a interface for my iphone 3g but still remain skeptical as to weather it will work "properly" in my Mini. I already understand that my H/K head unit will not display the ipod info (seeing that I have a 11/04 build 05' MC) and I've taken all the space behind the radio for 12volt power distribution. Since I have the upgraded h/k system I don't have room in the boot. Is there any other place to put the dice unit where the cables will still reach? Can I return the unit if I cannot get it to work properly?

 

question-

what are the advantages / disadvantages of the DICE Integration as opposed to the Dietz Multimedia Interface- see below


if one has a mini 1 gen. with the orig. stock Navi?

Dietz Video Multimedia Interface - 1265
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=338

iLink-L2 Multimedia Interface for iPod
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=264

( Tom- has the iLink been discontinued, I no longer find it on your web site )

This will allow the system to display videos from your iPod, as well as music and slideshows. What’s really great about the device is that it will allow you to play the following formats:

• AVI
• MPEG
• DivX
• DVD *.vob files

A video iPod isn’t even necessary! The kit will include a wireless mini-remote so the entire system can be hidden from view, allowing a stock appearance for a stealth look.

 

I had my IceLink Plus mounted behind my parcel shelf (I strongly suggest getting a parcel shelf to replace the knee bolster). However, the DICE is slightly too big to mount on the back of the parcel shelf so I used some velcro to mount it on the center hump behind the radio (yeah... way behind...). It doesn't fit perfectly, but it is signifigantly out of the way and can provide a clean install.

Are you looking at connecting via the back of the head unit or the CD Changer connection in the boot?

 

I'd prefer it connected at the head unit.

 

If you can lay down and put your head near the peddles you will see that there are a great many places to tuck a small object like the DICE. There aren't a whole lot of options for screwing it down, but it is very doable if you are willing to use more creative methods of attachment.

I'm using the wiring harness from my IceLink with the DICE, so I can't really speak to the ease of attaching the newer harnesses. I'm sure Tom will be more than happy to fill you in on those and suggest a product

 

I think I will go with the Dice head unit system. Anything else I need to know?

 

Ok it's 9pm and I have no choice but to remove the head unit (hoping there is no special tool to do this) I broke the locking lever on the car's receptacle to the head unit while trying to remove it from the back of the head unit and since there really wasn't enough room to remove the receptacle with the lock lever out...it broke. I read in the thread that this is a 20min install...heck it took me over 20min just to get the receptacle removed from the head unit! Is there some kind of trick to this? I mean it takes me well over 20 min to get the center console apart to get to the Head unit. Am I seriously missing someting here?

Signed
Disapointed dice installer...without tunes.

 

Well after a struggle with the center console I got the unit installed. Unfortunately I have no sound or sound control, no steering wheel controls and I phone says device attached. One good thing...I suppose, is the HU sees the Iphone by showing CDC displayed but can't control anything. I hope EAS has a good return policy.

 

Before you go to that step, how are the dip switches set? That might help, but it might just be something for Tom to trouble shoot as the EAS rep.

 

I will be removing the dice unit from my car. Not only is the forementioned not happening but I've lost turn signals, hazzard flashers, Low beams and dash lights. I just pray that when I remove it I get my electrical system back. I was skeptical about doing anything to my Mini and now my worst fears have been realized. I sure hope EAS will take this back...if not it will be for sale REALLY CHEAP!!!!!!!

 

Dip switches are all off (default setting) as advised.

I completely disconnected the battery as instructed.

I rebooted the Iphone as instructed.

I have a bad dice unit...When I opened the box I found a sticker that was stuck to the dice unit that was removed then put back on.

If this dice unit fried my electrical system I'm going to be VERY PISSED!!!

Installation instructions leave alot to be desired, you have to figure out how to install it (hence why I may have the problems I have and why this thread is 35 pages long!!)

I could go on and on and on, but I've only had it for less than a day and have had nothing but problems!

 

Here's something that almost nowhere will tell you much about:
All cars made by BMW (including the new MINIs) since about 1999 have a network that connects all non essential devices. This network is known as the iBus. BMW has a real funny definition of non-essential; any device that doesn't keep the engine running. This means that if something jams, blocks, or shorts out the signals on the iBus then none of the "non-essentials" will work.

The little bit I know, I discovered after my IceLink did the same thing your DICE seems to be doing. Simply unplug it and watch everything come back online.

 

Ok so do I have to remove the wire harness or can I simply unplug the Dice from the harness? This Dice unit will be returned and when I can afford it, I will take my Mini to the dealership to have the factory ipod interface installed. I really don't know what I was thinking when I decided to put an aftermarket kit into my Mini (well I was looking for an inexpensive way to play my iphone over the stock stereo, boy was that a stupid move). Is anyone familliar with the stock kit from the dealer, or know any links to some info on it? From all the posts I've read I haven't heard anything mentioned about the stock kit. You would think with all the positive feedback about the dice unit that it would be a good alternative. I'm fairly sure that I have a bad unit but I'm not sure I want to try another one (might end up losing the ability to start the car).

 

Well removing the dice from the system didn't work (harness is still installed though) so I have no choice but to get the dealership involved$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$

 

Well I talked with the dealership and they did diagnose the problem as it is with the body bus system, Apparently the dice unit shorted out the system and they need to check out the extent of the damage within the system. I live 200 miles away from the dealership and now have to sacrifice a "racing" weekend in order to get my Mini back to the way it was yesterday but at a substantial cost to me!!!!!!!!!!!

BTW I'm not going to sell the dice unit (it's a bad unit) I'm just hoping EAS will take it back with little hassle and the dealership repairs are not too costly.

I'm not saying the dice system is no good, what I am saying is buyer BEWARE!!!

 

Well...I tried calling Dice, they said to call EAS. I tried to call EAS but (and you know what I'm going to say) they are not available. My wife is totaly pissed and I can't blame her, this Dice unit may have caused more damage to the electrical system than I can afford to repair and I am getting nothing in the way of support from anyone. Hey if anyone has had a similar experience as I have had (which I doubt cause no one has problems of the likes of mine) please chime in since Tom @ EAS is MIA and EAS doesn't answer thier phones (a computer does that for them).

Again my problem is;

I installed the unit according to the instructions and here are my results.

no low beam headlights. Now I can't drive at night.
no turn signals. now I have to use hand signals
no dash lights period! except for the HU it's lit up
HU controls are nonfunctioning except you can toggle between modes & turn on and off.

no steering wheel controls
does not play a cd anymore.
no sound, no matter how much you adjust it

I'm sure I can find alot of other things that are affected by this dice install but I'm just too upset to think about it now.

Right now the most important thing I need to get done is to fix the car, so if anyone has some advice as to where to start looking (I've already removed the dice unit from the car and all these problems still exist) it would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thank you
From a concerned Mini owner.

 

Are there any Dice experts out there? Since everyone at EAS is gone to SEMA until Monday I would like to get my car operating properly before then.

 

Well I removed the Dice harness and everything came back except for the sound. I saw on the backside of the H/U there was a 10A fuse by chance this wouldn't be a fuse for the internal amp would it? I would have checked it when I had the HU out but I didn't have a fuse puller handy.

 

We're back from SEMA.

Can you tell me if you have a CD Changer or any other aftermarket electrical items installed?

 

Glad to hear your back, How was the show?

No changer, no aftermarket equipment. I have the H/K upgraded system that I have never touched until installing the Dice.