i was thinking about having the dealer install the ipod adapter into my car, but is it really worth the money? ive herd that it doesn't really browse well and you have to do everything with play lists, is this true?

 

I got mine have never looked back. You can forget CD changers and CD's altogether for that matter. If you got the Mulit-function steering wheel, having the controls on the wheel can't be beat.

Who cares of you have to create playlists? It's pretty simple.
Also, your library will play either in alphabetical order or I just use shuffle.

My IPOD rarely leaves the MINI and I don't like commercials so the radio is never on when I motor.

There are "cooler" after market models with the ability to see the song playing, etc. I just don't care for the distraction. IPOD goes in the glove box, hands stay on the wheel, tunes just crank. Enjoy.

 

I have it and quite like it. I havent figured out how to get it to shuffle or play my entire library continuouly yet, but it would help if I read the manual. And creating the playlist is a piece of cake. It may be just me, but the sound qualilty coming out of the speakers is much better from the IPod than just the radio.
Yesterday I was blasting the Ramones with the sunroof open. Pure heaven!!

 

Stewie, on the IPOD menu, go to songs and just turn shuffle from off to on.
For playing your library, pick #6 on the radio button-that's your library.
Good luck.

 

When I decided to buy I looked at all the options and found the Icelink Plus had more features for the buck. You might look at the DICE as an option. Tom@EAS has them.

 

If you're not looking for MFSW control, just having the AUX input installed sounds amazing. Combine that with a Belkin charger and you're good to go for <$50. (or <$15 if you make your own)

Just another option.

 

Sorry Stewie...I forgot to mention on the HK sound system (if that's what you've got), you also need to push the button just to the right of the 6 button. (It looks like a minus sign) That will activate the "Random" feature and your display will show the letters RDM when it's on. (Hit it again and it turns off.) Then as you switch songs from the steering wheel, it will shuffle.

P.S. Holding down the up arrow on the steering wheel for a second will advance 10 songs, if you are flipping up through the alphabet with RDM off.

Motor on.

 

Thanks for that Jimmy. Much easier than trying to decipher the instruction manual I will try it out today.

 

Tommie, I bought the factory ipod adapter based on incorrect info from my MA - I was told that you can see the name of the song displayed on the head unit. That is wrong. You would think that for the money involved.... Other than not being able to see the name of the song or select a specific track, it has been a good investment. I've heard better things about the DICE (or ICE) unit. Check that out before you buy....

 

I have the DICE. I don't think it's much more money, and it's a very easy install. Works great; songs show up on radio display and it's controllable from the steering wheel. You can advance songs or albums.

 

where can i find this "dice" or "ice" thing at?

 

The only thing that bugs me about the factory iPod adapter is that it puts the iPod into repeat all mode (treating the iPod as it would a CD changer) so I have to switch it out of that mode whenever I disconnect it.

I haven't minded the playlist limitation so far, though I do miss being able to randomly access albums or playlists from time to time. It just comes down to anticipating what I want to listen to and program that into a playlist ahead of time.

Since I didn't want to deal with a DIY installation... I'd say it was worth it.

Check this thread out: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=88570

 

We ordered the factory iPod connector and we're glad we did. Having the iPod with a direct connection vs. the FM transmitter as we had with our previous cars is a great addition. Only downside is having to remember to turn off the radio before turning off the car - if you don't follow that process you end up having to reset your iPod. Beyond that we have no complaints.

 

I had the OEM adapter put in the car when I bought it and was non-so-pleasantly surprised that the song titles did not show on the radio. After going through the posts on NAM and wanting to keep the stock headunit, I decided to buy the HD version of the DICE interface and try that. I like the DICE much better than the OEM one but it's still not perfect. It does show the song titles and gives you some additional browsing options but (as far as I know) does not allow for browsing by album or artist. If I had to do it over again, I'd go with the DICE or a new head unit that has all the features you want. Hope this helps.

 

This may be the reason Im having problems with IPod Freeze outside of my MINI!!!! I just started having problems with it. I will try resetting it and remembering to turn on the radio off before I turn off the car. This would hold true as well to disconnecting it at any time. Only with the radio off:impatient

 

So is a BMW MINI CD changer less of a problem/glitch than the factory Ipod linkup ? It seems too much of a hassle with the Ipod downloads,lists and all that .Is the old tech CD changer a better nonglitch, no monkey system. I don't want to make a major hobby of these things.

 

The DICE iPod Kit will integrate perfectly with the MINI and offer steering wheel control as well as ID3 text (on 4/2005+ MINIs) and charging of your iPod. Full CD Quality can be expected after installation.

The kit will come with everything needed w/ the docking cable. The iPod can be safely stored away in the glove compartment for 100% stealth installation and accessed completely from the steering wheel controls. The DICE comes with a 15-foot cable length to reach anywhere in the vehicle you like.

Let me know if you have any questions - we're happy to help.