Hello guys,

I'm a new R55 owner, just got mine last weekend.

I've been googling nonstop about the iPhone 5 usage in this. When I use the cable, it gives the error you have all seen.

All I would really like to do is stream music via bluetooth or USB. I looked into possibly updating the audio system via usb, but could not find a way.

I have a 2012 Clubman, pictured below

 

Also, should I consider any modifications/updates to this guy? I'm fairly new to these vehicles.

 

For my R57 (and now my R59) I bought an inexpensive Bluetooth adapter from Amazon that just plugs into the 30 pin IPhone connection on the MINI dual USB/aux in cable, and have streaming Bluetooth music from my iPhone 5. You have to plug In the 1/8 inch cable into the aux in port on the MINI as well. Cost was only about $15 plus the stock iPhone cable from MINi. Not sure what cable you are using, or what error message you are referring to. Do you have the stock USB/aux in port? Sent from my iPad using NAMotoring

 

Hey Kenny,

Yes, I have the stock USB/AUX port. I would like the ability to use USB so I can see what song is playing on the little screen, while charging. Music quality is improved via USB/Bluetooth which is why I would like this.

I was using just my normal iPhone 5 charging cable

 

If you have voice Bluetooth capability on your MINI, have the MINI iPhone Y-cable with the USB/ 1/8 in plug and the IPhone 30 pin connector ( for iPhone 4), you should be able to attach a 30 pin Bluetooth adapter to stream music on your iPhone 5 as I can.

You can't get music info on the MINI radio screen, but can change stations, volume with the steering wheel controls. I usually just set my iPhone to shuffle songs, or use Pandora.

The adapter I use is: Mpow® Bluetooth A2DP Music Audio Receiver Adapter for Bose Sounddock and 30-Pin iPod iPhone Dock Speaker $14.99 on Amazon. Sent from my iPad using NAMotoring

 

I have a unit identical to this and I need to put the car into line-in/Aux mode for it to work. It doesn't recognize the ipod input. Is this the same for you? No steering wheel controls for forward or back.

 

It's pretty sad reminder when I jump into a rental car and my iphone syncs up and plays but can't do it in my MINI.

 

Yes, the input mode on the radio has to be set to Aux. I was mistaken (was thinking of my other vehicle) and you are correct that steering wheel controls for forward/back don't work to control the iPhone, and only the volume control works.

I usually just set my iPhone music to random, or listen to Pandora, so I don't change the songs very often. Not the perfect option, but it is simple, cheap, and does allow Bluetooth music streaming.

Sent from my iPad using NAMotoring

 

Mini Y adapter now has an iphone 5 plug. Contact WayMotorWorks.

I use an older 30 pin adapter > cable Jive 6' extender > factory 0.2m Apple adapter (30 pin to lightning)

Phone charges, pandora/USB track data/steering controls all work.

Bluetooth only works for voice calls or GPS data (over the radio, GPS data streams with USB when IPod or Aux is selected)

Use any other setup, and it won't work. You'll never get the iPod choice as an input. I tried other adapters etc..

 

Bummer. My wife just sold her 2013 CX-5 and it had amazing BT for phone and A2DP. She is now going to be driving the MINI primarily as I got another car so we have 2 cars that are "mine" so I need her to feel somewhat happy with one of the cars. She wasn't happy with this solution. Still trying to make it a nicer transition.

 

DanJ is correct. The options for iPhone music are either a wired connection via the Y cable, or a Bluetooth connection via a Bluetooth adapter connected to the Y cable. I liked the Bluetooth adapter as It auto pairs, stays charged via the Y cable, and I don't have to connect it and can keep it in my pocket. I use an iPhone protective case that is a PIA to connect to the iPhone cable. I should add that if you use the Bluetooth adapter option, you actually have to pair the iPhone twice: once for the MINI phone Bluetooth and another time for the adapter Bluetooth.

For a company that seems to think it is "cutting edge" to attract younger owners, MINI's audio and connectivity technology is stuck a number of years in the past. I guess you can rip your music to a few dozen CDs to use in their technologically advanced CD player... Sent from my iPad using NAMotoring

 

For sure. Pretty depressing that my Wife's 2011 Golf has better MP3/Bluetooth integration.