Hi there.

Sorry if this has already been posted, but while asking my local Mini dealer about options (going to be putting a down payment on a car this weekend!!), I mentioned that I had an iPod and wanted to be able to hook it into the stereo. He said they just came out with a cable that will plug into the Mini, and allow you to play it through the stereo. But here is the cool part... you will be able to control it with the multi function steering wheel!!

I know this doesn't apply to everyone here... but for iPod owners this is a very cool option!

I will post more info if I get it.

Bill

 

ice-link cable, very nice parts. the only problem it cost almost like my ipod. $200 i will seriously invest that into some performance parts!
If you mount the ipod correctly it works perfect without the icelink
Icelink dose not allow you control much on the ipod anyway.

But good luck and give us feed back, i might be wrong!

 

>>If you mount the ipod correctly it works perfect without the icelink

Please elaborate! What do you mean by correctly? And what method are you using to get the audio over the stereo?

Thanks!

Bill

 

By means of the optional (dealer installed) AUX input jack ($40 plus labor). highly recommended. I have it in my MCS and allows me to transfer audio from the i-pod to my HK stereo.

 

I have the aux cable setup too. It's great! But it doesn't allow you to control your iPod through the MFSW, or through any of the stereo controls. The only thing you can control is volume. There are lots of threads about this - do a search. There's also lots of information at http://www.motoringfile.com.

 

Alpine (Japan) manufactures the OEM MINI stereo system. Shortly they will be releasing a "box" that acts as an interface between the headunit and your i-pod in one seamless installation. This new box from Alpine will allow you to use your factory MFSW audio controls to access your i-pod remotely. But that's not all, the box interface will also display music lists and songs titles being played right in your stereo's display.


I don't have specific info on pricing but I know that the box will work with OEM Alpine factory car stereos.


The Alpine box will be so much better than the Dension Ice-Link cables that are expensive, messy to install and still don't give you all the remote capabilities you want from your i-pod.


I will wait for it. I think it will rock!

 

Thanks for the tip about new hookup for iPod to play through the radio with MFSW controls. Any news about availability? Part number?

 

Cooper4us - -

Thanks for the "heads up" - - - please keep us updated.

 

WMBA: Highly recommend that you just get the AUX cable and do it yourself (save the $$ for other mods until a fully integrated solution is available. There are several threads here on this here (or use this AUX FAQ . If you have, or know someone who has smallish hands, you can easily plug the cable in yourself without removing anything but the knee bolster (at least on the HK stereo, don't know about the standard one...) Then you can put the AUX jack where you want. I put mine above the power socket on the small removable piece so it doesn't interfere with my Cubby Organizer. I modified the Mini Fini cup holder to hold the iPOD. You can see it here. You have to remember to cycle through the stereo controls until you find the AUX Input Volume adjustment and turn it up. Rock on.

 

Where can I get hold of the AUX kit? I'd be happier if don't have to get it from my local dealer - I'd rather not have anything to do with them.

 

Well.. I think what the dealer meant was that if I get the Aux jack.. I would be able to control the volume of the iPod with the MFSW. The way he first described it to me made it sound like it was more than that.. but that was all he meant.

 

[quoteWhere can I get hold of the AUX kit? I'd be happier if don't have to get it from my local dealer - I'd rather not have anything to do with them. [/quote]

Call Classic Auto Campus, they are listed in the Sponsor Directory here on NAM

 

I just spoke with my dealer and Classic Auto Campus (yesterday) and the Aux Input is back-ordered. The date for re-stock is unknown. This is unfortunate because I am taking an 8 hour road trip soon. Looks like I'll be using my FM transmitter with my iPod for awhile longer...