Anybody got any info about the phone-audio configuration for the Clubman? I know there have been new changes and so forth for the 08s, but can't sort out what it all means.

I have an iPhone, and ordered my clubman with an iPod/USB jack in the glovebox. I also ordered a multi-function steering wheel that includes lots of mysterious bells and whistles. I didn't order the whole bluetooth shenanigans package because it wasn't available in Nov when I preordered.

My idiotic questions:

1) My dealer says the multi-function wheel is bluetooth equipped, and that I can use my iPhone in the iPod jack and answer calls from the steering wheel. But does that mean I will be able to plug in my iPhone and have it do that magic doodah where it broadcasts my conversation throughout the cabin in deluxe stereo sound?

2) How will I control the iPhone, especially since it's all touch-screen? Through the stereo? the wheel? Manually? And if it's in the glovebox, how will I access the phone to place and answer calls without doing a lot of rummaging?

3) Will I have to get an earpiece? I have freakishly tiny ears. Earpieces on my ear are like concrete boots on a cricket.

4) I heard the iPod/iPhone port isn't actually IN the glovebox, but is in a semi-secret compartment in the dash that pops open when you press on it. Fact, or rumor?

 

I am also interested in questions 1 and 2, as I ordered a HC Clubman with the same configuration and have an Iphone

I am almost certain the phone plays through the speakers and has a mic for pickup, like other cars, so you should not need an earphone.

The secret compartment is in the panel over the glove box, where an airbag is in most cars.

 

Almost here in Spain, the Multifunction Wheel has the phone buttons but it doesn't mean that you really have the BT... Here you have to add it (with or without the armrest).

If you have BT you MUST ADD (if you dont have navi system) the radio boost because you will control your phone trough the radio...

The usb port is just for pen drives or portables hd with music... it does not sync with iphone, ipod, etc... it will charge it but you will have to use a minijack wire to connect it to the auxiliary input.

The semi-secret is true... I dont know about US Packages, but there is standard with one of those...

 

I have a Motorola razor cell and it takes about a minute to "pair" it with my Clubbie. Other than the phone itself, it is setup on the center speedo computer. If I can remember, you push menu, then turn **** to phone and then push. Somewhere then it looks for Bluetooth devices and that is where you have your iPhone, in its setup area, search for the device which is your Mini. You eventually type in a 5 digit serial number and do that on your phone and it is setup for the phone and car. There are other details glossed over but once you do it, it becomes way easier. Also, the iPod connection isn't in the secret compartment unless you have it done at the dealer. The factory connection is under and slightly behind the toggle switches. The connector chord was in a plastic bag in my glove compartment and it easily connects to your iPod and to the two connectors under the toggle switches. Now, are you more confused?

 

When I want to call, I push the top phone button on the left side of my steering wheel. I say, "dial number" and the car asks me for the number, I say it, and it confirms. After confirmation, I say, "dial it" and it places the call. When I'm finished, I push the end button on the speedo. The mic for the phone is near the upper toggle switches on your headliner.

 

"Full integration of the Apple iPhone.

Entering the 2008 model year, the MINI and the MINI Clubman offer in particular even more options and possibilities to configure personalised entertainment and communication functions. At the 2008 NAIAS in Detroit MINI, among other features, is presenting full integration of the Apple iPhone into the car’s control system ensuring highly convenient use of the telephone and audio functions provided by these new smartphones in the car.

To give the driver and passengers this extra convenience, a common platform has been developed for both functions, the modified software automatically interrupting a music programme the driver is listening to on the loudspeakers as soon as he receives a call, then continuing the programme at the same point when the call is over. The telephone function itself incorporates the loudspeakers and the microphone on the hands-free communication unit likewise switching back automatically to the music mode after completion of the call.

In the new MINI and MINI Clubman the activated smartphone functions are presented either in the radio display or – if fitted – in the display of the navigation system. If the car is fitted with a navigation system, the MINI joystick serves to conveniently control and mastermind the Apple iPhone telephone and audio functions. The only prerequisite for such full integration of the telephone functions is that the car is prepared for use of a mobile phone with the Bluetooth interface from the MINI special equipment range.

The music files and the signals for operating the audio functions are transmitted by a cable adaptor available from MINI for the USB audio interface also available for installation between the Apple iPhone and the audio system in the car. This connection likewise serves to charge the Apple iPhone while driving, and an Apple iPod as well as other MP3 players may be fully integrated into the MINI’s audio system via the USB audio interface.

Featuring such technically sophisticated and highly convenient equipment right from the start for integrating the latest mobile phone and audio systems, MINI is once again proving its exceptional position as an innovative, lifestyle-oriented premium brand. Driving pleasure MINI-style therefore ranges from dynamic power units and agile handling all the way to the latest highlights in modern equipment.

Just like safety, efficiency, quality, reliability and lasting value, therefore, these features also help to give the MINI its outstanding product substance appreciated all over the world by a constantly growing group of dedicated aficionados and MINI drivers."

I pulled that up off of a review of the clubman somewhere. That sounds pretty exciting considering I have an iPhone....

I will be happy to let everyone know once I pick up my Clubman tomorrow morning!

 

http://video.aol.com/video-detail/ip...man/2487136480

That video may be worth a look.

 

ptpiz, that does it.

 

I couldn't see from the video if when the usb/aux is plugged in, can you also control the music or operate other programs on the iphone? It is great that you can control the tracks from the steering wheel controls and nav.

 

Hey all,

I picked up my Clubman last Friday and I have an iPhone. I was concerned about how it would work but I am happy to saw it works perfectly. Here are some of the scenarios I have used it.

1) Answering calls, calling and using the phone list on iPhone. After the inital pairing my 100+ iPhone numbers loaded directly into the Mini's head unit. The only funny item is that it stores them alphabetically by first names and not last names. So Tom Smith is under T not S.

Also, until you start using the phone some of the frequent call lists and last call features until they get populated with your usage. It works great for me now with high freq numbers.

2) With or without cradle -- I have made calls with the iPhone connected to the Mini with the cables and while it was in my pocket. In both cases I have full access to my phone book and everything works the same.

The only sad thing I keep forgetting my phone in the car when I hook it up to the interface.

3) Getting calls while running my iPhone's iPod feature -- No problems while play songs from my iPhone's iPod functionality. It acts just like any other input.

My wife has a BMW and MB both with a handsfree handset and I think the sound quality with the Mini and iPhone is far superior. Her cars are a few years older and one is not Bluetooth but I really love the combo in the Mini.

The only thing I have not checked out is pairing her phone in the Mini too to see if it could switch back and forth between phones.. but I am still a little selfish at this point and dont want to create any problems to my system that is working perfectly.

I hope this helps.
Malc

 

continued...

Let me try and answer a few of the questions I missed in my previous email.

1) The iPhone is connected with the dongle cable shown in the video just behind the shifter at the bottom of the center console. It is not a great location and i usually drop mine into an empty cup holder or the little cuddy hole under the A/C controls.

2) You have complete control of your iPhone/iPod through the head unit on the Mini dash. You can pull up playlists and cycle through songs by artist, album and i think genre. I also believe there is a most played and a few other categories. You can cycle through your songs with the steering wheel but you will need to get to the correct playlist through the head unit first.

3) The USB interface that recharges the iPod i think is also the way the head unit communicates with the iPods information. If you just connect the mini jack you will only get the music. I have not tested this but that is what the dealer told me and it makes sense.

4) iPhone -- One funny item with the phone button on the dash is that it autodials the last number you called. I have found this a bit anoying and I know make sure to get the number sorted out on the head unit before hitting the phone button on the steering wheel.

5) Volume control --- The single volume control for everything in the car is great and simple but i find myself constantly turning it way up and down between the phone and ipod music. I know this is because songs on the ipod are recorded in large range of volumes but it can be a little annoying.

I think I covered just about everying.. but if anyone wants to know anything else, just ask and I will try it out on the way to work tomorrow.

Cya,
Malc

 

Does this interface exist/work well without the nav?

Basically, I am asking if I have an iphone, do i need to get the nav for it to work? Or better yet work well?

 

My Mini Clubman S does not have the navigation system. I have the standard speedo. So all comments above are for a non-nav car.

 

Sweet, thanks.

 

I just uploaded the photo of my interior/dash.. it is not a great shot but you can see the dash for your reference.. look in my gallery.

 

When hooked up, can you still select tracks or use applications on the iPhone?

How long is the cable they give you?

 

Yes to the first question. I can access my iphone functions while in ipod mode and functioning through the car stero system. I can also still receive calls and use bluetooth. You can not however control the Ipod functions from the iphone, that has to be done via the stero and/or steering wheel controls.

Cable length .... seems to be about 18". It is plenty long enough to route very cleanly and hidden from the hidden compartment to a KUDA or PROCLIP mount that goes on the center stack.

If you need, I can snap some pics of my setup and post it ....

Cheers,
Roberto

 

Walked out to my car to check and when the iPhone is connected you cannot use the iPod functionality via the iPhone only through the Mini's stereo. The screen displays the message "Accessory Attached". Haaa.. my Mini is an accessory.. what and expensive add-on.. I wonder when Apple will list it on their site.

I also tested to see if I could use the web browser Safari.. and it worked fine no problem at all.

The cable is very short... my quess about 1 foot long. To short for the iPhone to rest on the passenger seat while hooked up.

I hope this helps,
Malc

 

wow Shamrok - that's amazingly thorough and extremely helpful.

I think this is the source of my confusion: when I built the MINI, I chose the option for an iPod Adapter @ $330. There is now the Bluetooth and USB/iPod Adapter option @$500.

So...what's the difference? With the option I chose, (1) will I be able to make and receive calls through using the on-board computer, navigating it from the multi-function steering wheel? and (2) will I be able to project the calls through the stereo speakers and not have to use an earpiece?

 

I would confirm this with the dealer.. but this is what I think the difference is..

1) The iPod adapter just controls the iPod aspect of the iPhone and will not integrate your phone with the sound system in the car.

2) The new Bluetooth/iPod adapter does both phone and ipod. The iPod still need to be hard line connected to the car to function through the stereo but the phone will work even when not connected. You can have the phone in your pocket and make and receive calls and use your address book both on your iPhone or through the Mini's stereo. (Bluetooth connected)

I am pretty sure that the iPod adapter in #1 will not allow you to control you iPod with the car stereo and on the iPod simultaneously. I bet you can disconnect the USB portion of the Bluetooth/iPod connector in #2 and use a regular mini jack to connect the iPod to your stereo and use the iPod's controls. The only sacrifice is not being able to use the steering wheel or radio to control music selection. It would still control the volume.

My 2 cents about #1 above.. but confirm with dealer...

I can check on the disconnecting the USB if you are interested. I personally would spend the extra on bluetooth.. it is a great feature.

Thanks,
Malc

 

Interesting... Accessory attached? Can you at least display the track info and album art on the iPhone while in the iPod software? (Hopefully, with coverflow display)

Pictures would be great.

I was really hoping to make a mount to put the iPhone horizontally mounted above the CD/audio controls, but not blocking much of the nav/speedo. Do you think the cable could reach there cleanly and hidden?

Thanks for all the info.

 

Sorry to disappoint but when you clock on iPod icon on an iPhone it pulls up a grey screen that says "Accessory Attached". The only thing you can do is bounce out of it to another feature on the iPhone.

No Eye Candy.. sry


****************

I you want eye candy.. you could hook up it directly to a Mini Jack with no iPod interface. It would disable the ability to use the car to navigate to your songs but you would be able to control volume. Also would have complete control of your music with the iPod.

Just a thought..

 

Sigh. The problem is that my car has been built out and I'm picking it up in a week, and it's now too late for the bluetooth option. Frankly, I've never really used Bluetooth before, since I've driven a volvo 1800-S and my audio system consisted of a piece of twine, a tin can, and a bongo player riding shotgun.

As long as I'm now catching up on the last 4 decades of automobile innovation, my dream is to able to plug the iPhone into the car, and listen to calls through the stereo system - since my car has been built, is it now too late?

Of course, there's always one of the iPhone hands-free earpiece, but they require a USB port as well, and I guess that doesn't come with my primitive $330 option:
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL...More=MA817LL/A

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL...8LL/A#overview

or this option, although presumably that won't actually connect the phone to the actual MINI computer system.
http://www.igo.com/home.asp

http://www.igo.com/home.asp

 

My dealer told me that the installation cost (not included in the $330) of the iPod Adapter is astronomical... so I upgraded to the Convenience Package, which includes the MFSW and Armrests I was going to order a la carte anyway.

 

Call your salesman.. who know.. maybe they put the bluetooth in?
It was only a $170 option over your current and I tell you if you can get it added you will not regret it.. it is one of the best features of my new mini. Keeps my hands on the wheel.. and having fun.