I recently purchased 2006 cooper s and on the steering wheel i see a button for phone. Does this mean I can set up a bluetooth enabled phone to my Mini? I do not have the owner's manual and I am seeking your advise on how to properply set up my phone to my car.

 

That's a question I just called over to northwest mini ( I don't have my notes on that at the moment) on a few days ago and they quoted me $450 for the parts (no install) and that would use your stereo to display the caller ID. I didn't want that option because mine has a nav screen and I wanted it displayed in the nav. They also have a retro kit at bimmernav that will work as well.

 

the button only means you "can" activate the phone through your steering wheel, provided you have bluetooth on you mini in the first place
i got all excite when i got mine too, only to find out it means nothing
needless to say, i felt dumb

 

If you don't have NAV, this kit is very popular:
http://www.newministuff.com/new/shop...uctshow&id=256
It's a lot cheaper then the one from the dealer and works really well for me. It's also not too bad to wire in yourself as the wire harness goes between the radio and the factory wiring.

If you do have NAV, this kit works with the screen and steering wheel button:
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=657

 

So I dont have nav, the first one would work with my HK system? I do have the steering wheel buttons the first kit will now allow those to function? Which one should I order the complete kit or the cheaper one?

 

The cheaper kit doesn't include the Parrot Eve (the part that has the BlueTooth hardware). It used to be you could pick up one of those locally and save a few bucks. But with the current exchange rate in our favor now, I would go ahead and order the full kit. Just make sure to get the one that says it's for the HK. It will then be all plug and play. Once installed, you can press the phone button on the steering wheel to trigger your cell's voice dialing or answer a phone call. The other button will hang up the call. If you place a call directly from the cell, the BlueTooth system will automatically kick in and route the audio over the speakers without having to press the wheel button.

 

Thanks guys for the thread! I'm trying to get bluetooth as well. As it turns out, even if your multi function steering wheel has the buttons, it doesn't matter. Mini only makes a couple steering wheels. The kicker is hitting the Menu button. If there's no "Phone" option - - no Bluetooth

I'm looking at the link DeLorean posted, but am weary at spending 3 hours with an install as I have an 08 MCS. Anyone with experience installing these systems?

 

DeLorean when you ordered yours from that website which shipping did you choose? and how long did it take to get to you?

 

There was a shipping special at the time when I got mine, so I'm not completely sure which option you should check. The kit is pretty light, so I wouldn't pick the heavy Airmail for 27 pounds, but instead pick the 15 pound option (there are only two USA shipping options). Fortunately you don't pay VAT, so don't worry about that charge. I'm sure Mike (the owner of the site) would contact you if there were any issues with the shipping option.

Took about a week to arrive (I'm on the west coast).

Chris

 

Cool thank you for the info! Im ordering tonight!

 

Well they had a good night because I bought a kit for my r56! Can't wait!

 

I should contact Mike to see about getting a commission.