So I just picked up an 05 R53 last night. Blue, 58k miles, good shape except the bumpers (it's lived in NYC). First thing I want to do is iphone/ipod integration, preferably with handsfree phone capability. I looked through the Audi/Nav forum, but there doesn't seem to be much recent there. Any thoughts on what the best option is (DICE, OEM integration kit, just add an line-in jack)? I don't want to spend a ton of cash, but I think $200 or so is reasonable. Note, I do have the MFSW, so I'd like the buttons on that to control the iphone.

Next, the sunroof seems to open and close a bit slowly. Is that normal or do I need to look into greasing the rails?

Third, is there a consensus on the single best "upgrade" that I should do right away?

Finally, is there anything else I should know/be on the look out for as a new owner? Things that you found out later that you wish you knew right away? I've poked through the "Things you don't know about your Mini" thread, and will continue to do so, but can someone give me the high points?

UPDATE: See below for pics.

 

Congrats Brad!!

It is an awesome car, I bought like 3 moths ago my MCS 06, I already changed the headlights and tail lights for a spyder/sonar ones, yesterday I installed a DICE only for the iPod the DUO model and very easy to install, I recommend it a lot, DICE have a model with bluetooth but I don´t know if it comes with microphone or how it works to talk, because to listen the conversations is in the speakers, but how to talk ?, but I recommend you a lot the DICE.

Pictures please ???

 

The Dice Mediabridge 1500 is the one I ordered but I haven't installed it yet. It gives full intergration with Bluetooth, iPod, Line-In, etc. I've heard good reviews of it here on NAM and other places. It does come with a microphone and I belive it does work with the MFSW (I have the sport? one which doesn't have those buttons).

I don't know about the sunroof, as this is my first car with one so I don't know what to base it off of. I just got my 04 MCS JCW a few weeks ago.

Oil change, plugs, and wires and make sure to get the right parts if you do it yourself. The previous owner of mine had the wrong plugs, worn out wires and non-Mini approved oil (AFAIK). So I did a quick refresh and everything runs like a top now!

 

YES definitely put some oil on the rails! My sunroof got stuck in the middle of a rain storm and I wasn't strong enough to push it closed myself. I had to drive home in the pouring rain with my sunroof wide open :( Needless to say, I do not use that sunroof very often anymore, even though I keep it well oiled.

 

ChristieY what type of oil ??

 

loud exhaust, supercharger pulley, and an actual size sticker.

 

I used vaseline and cooking oil - there are probably better options out there but I never use my sunroof anymore so I don't really worry about it anymore. The sunroof being open is nice in the summer but not critical for me - I mostly just need it for the extra light!

 

I just put a Dice Media Bridge in my 06 MCS. It works well so far, it scrolls info across my radio not sure if it will on an 05. Does come with mic. I feel it was worth the $240. here is a link to my install.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-new-post.html

 

 

 

 

A couple of its minor "blemishes"

 

Car is identical to mine on the outside with the blue body and blue roof (only seen a few since I got mine 10 mos ago). Inside almost the same. nice lookin coop

 

if it has runflats, i would chuck them out.

 

How dark is that tint?

 

Based on the rough ride, yeah, still run-flats.

 

Limo on the back, the one before limo onthe 2 front.

 

Does your 06 have factory Sirius? Mine does, and I wonder if that has an affect on the DICE.

 

It is exactly my car!!!! =)

Only the mirrors mine are chrome, but the wheels are the same, only my seats are black with blue.

Precious car!!! hehehe

right now I already changed the headlights, the tail lights, I installed a DICE and now I am waiting for my Breyton Wheels. =)

 

Cpuld you help me and told me which button is the one to activate the headlights washers ??

Thx.

 

headlight washers are achieved the same way as the windshield washer just with the lights turned on

 

No I dont have it installed. I use the xm radio app on the iPhone. works fine thru the Dice.

 

Thanx I will try it. =)

 

Sorry to bump, but MCSmoonshine, I will have to try your advice when I get back in my MINI. I used the washer jets on the windshield on the freeway the other night and noticed a spray lower down but I didn't think I had headlight jets. When I pulled into my driveway it did it again, but the three times after I tried to get them to work it wouldn't do it. Do you know if there's like a minute span or every third spray setting or something like that?

 

Its been a while since i tried to spray the lights. If i remember correctly the lights have to turn off and turn back on. I know there isnt a time limit since i managed to empty my entire washer fluid reserve in about ten minutes