Hello...what was the first year MINI coopers started coming with ipod adaptors integrated to the car's system. I know you can get them installed (via third party)...however I would like to purchase a MINI with an integrated system.

 

2007?? I know my 2005 did not.

 

It's not standard even now in the 2008 -- it has always been optional.
Unless, you're asking about the AUX input which did become standard . . . but that's not a true ipod adapter -- just an input jack with no control of the ipod with the head unit.

. . . and by the way, I think most people prefer the third-party DICE Link to the factory-option ipod adapter. Much more on that in the audio forum.

 

The iPod adaptor has never been a standard part of the Mini's stereo system. It's always been a dealer option.

 

Except on the 08s you only need the Y-cable to make it work. That's user pluggable. On previous models you had to get the adapter installed. The 08 has the USB port on the bottom of the radio to run the adapter in the Y-cable.

You were first able to get the adapter with the 05s as a dealer installed accessory. I'm not sure if that works on earlier models or not, but it wasn't available when we got the 04.

 

I did some checking into it and some of the 05's have the radio you could use with the DICE kit, I forget what month they changed to a radio that supported it....
The 02 did not have support for the AUX acording to some, so i picked up a radio from an early 05 and it did the trick.

Good luck

 

ok. i'll keep that in mind

 

I have a 2002 Mini cooper with the stock stereo. I purchased the ipod integration kit and had it installed by the dealership. It is not third party but comes directly from mini.
The ipod adaptor did not come standard. It is an ad-on but yes it does work with 02 and on. I really like it especially if you set up the playlist in your itunes they work directly from the factory head unit. Everything works like a cd player but for your ipod. Just make sure you name the playlist the correct way or you cannot accesses them through your head unit.

 

Yep - the OEM iPod adapter was nothing more than a device that tricks the head unit into thinking that the iPod is a CD changer. As such, it works with any MINI factory head unit that supports a CD changer (which I believe was all of them).

This is also why you can't use *both* the OEM iPod interface and a CD changer in the same car - the port on the back of the head unit can only be connected to one or the other.

 

Honestly I dislike the OEM control of the ipod. I much prefer using an aux-in or even FM transmitter because the control of the ipod is much better.. easier to scroll menus, artists, playlists, shuffle, etc.

 

I guess it's a personal preference, but I like not having to look at the iPod while I'm driving, since I can move from track to track with the steering wheel controls and switch playlists or engage the RANDOM feature from the head unit.

But you're right - you certainly lose some flexibility by using the OEM interface. If there's a particular song I want to hear, and it's not in any of my five pre-programmed MINI playlists, I pretty much have to disconnect the iPod, find the song I want using the iPod's controls, and then plug it back in.

But overall, I like the OEM interface. Basically, my iPod just lives in my glove box permanently, and I never have to charge it, touch it or even think about it unless I'm taking it out to sync it.

 

Well, I hate to sound like such a salesman but . . .

the OEM control problem can be easily solved by getting the DICE. You don't have to create MINI playlists and don't lose ability to control ipod with clickwheel (can switch between clickwheel and HU control).

Maybe with all this shilling EAS will send me a free adapter