So I 've heard that builds after August were supposed to have the USB interface built into them but I'm not sure that I have it. It should be left of the aux plug correct? And if so, I heard there's like a door or something hiding it anyway. If someone has the USB interface, could you please post pics and how you got to it. I'm still not sure if I have it.

 

I'm pretty sure word is that it has only been showing up on US MINI's delivered to Europe as of yet... We'll only see it on a wide-scale level here on '08 models which arrive in February.

 

Last I'd heard, they were delayed to an unknown date for the US market- even the press release that's on MotoringFile this morning didn't mention the USB port specifically. It does talk about the auto-up window though

 

It's listed on the new MINI USA online configurator though, so I'm not sure. It was also reported for awhile that auto-up windows were delayed indefinitely, yet they're on the config as well. IMO it should be more accurate than any publication. Not bashing MF at all, I'm a huge fan and they're generally on point.

 

It's just a straight push of Mini USA's latest press release, it does have a mention of the availability of an iPod adapter, but that could refer to the older one or even the Aux port.

I hadn't noticed it was in the configurator now, that's good news!

@giantjoe: I just found a photo of the port itself in this thread over on Mini2:
http://www.mini2.com/forum/2nd-gen-i...th-option.html

 

This is the pic he was trying to post. I don't have it in my car though... Too bad.

 

My understanding is that it is only available with the bluetooth option though. So if you didn't order bluetooth you wouldn't get the USB port. I did notice that blutooth is now available without the stupid armrest.

 

If you have bluetooth, why would you need a USB port?

 

Music.

 

It is odd that the USB port is being sold with the Bluetooth Prep package seeing as the two have absolutely nothing in common as far as functionality goes (i.e. the USB port is for playing music from a thumb drive and the Bluetooth is for wirelessly connecting your phone to your MINI - there's no Bluetooth enabled audio features going on here at all).

The ONLY reason I can give for the two being combined is that it was easier/cheaper for BMW/MINI to have the Bluetooth module control the USB port as far as interfacing it with the k-bus in the car goes. Otherwise, I'm sure it would have been a stand-alone option just like the iPod adapter is.

 

One of the dealerships I was at during test drive I overheard some of the MAs talking about this. Their thought was the USB was there to charge phones. This makes some sense as most newer phones can charge off any 5v USB plug. That would also match up with the option only coming with the bluetooth package for phones.

Its neat that it will play songs off a thumbdrive but that might be a side-effect and not a real feature as I've never seen that on any official MINI docs.

 

car delivered 11/12 NO USB port

 

Begs the question, though, as to whether the entire stereo is different or the USB port is just part of an add-in set-up. If it's an add-in, can it be retrofitted to the older r56s?

 

More than likely, it's the same head unit, just getting audio and track data the same way it would through the older iPod adapter or with a CD Changer. I just isn't cost effective to design/manufacture/stock major components like that.

A retrofit of the existing iPod adapter is almost certainly a cheaper option.

 

Only if you already have an iPod.

Seriously, though, if I can add the USB port to my existing head unit for less than the CD changer, then poke in a 2G thumb drive full of music, why give up the secret compartment for the changer? That's certainly something I would pay for.

 

I'm wondering if you can pop out the existing Aux input and substitute it for an Aux/USB/Bluetooth module on Week 32 and beyond builds....

 

Interesting question. And if it were possible I wonder if there would need to be a software update on the car.

 

You're assuming that a new bluetooth module with USB is cheaper than the iPod adapter and an iPod

If you look at where the USB port installs to, I think the labor alone in the dash work would pay for a nice iPod. It's all just speculation though, until somebody tries.

@jw34: Even the iPod adapter retrofit for the R56 requires a software update, according to the BMW installation instructions I've seen.

 

I have USB port on my Mini...I can not take a picture of it as it is down below by the aux input. There is no door hiding it. Its just a USB slot.

 

Have you priced the CD changer? You could buy most small developing nations for less than MINI charges for the CD changer.

 

does it look like that?

 

11/30 delivery and no USB port

 

Dec 1 delivery and no USB. Do have convenience pkg; bluetooth prep supposedly yes (have not tried to set up yet) no USB. Oh well....

 

I think so, Yes. Never tried to bend over the gear shift rod and see [:P].

 

Did you special order or pick one from the floor? I think the ones specially ordered from UK have those.