The good new is that I picked up my new MINI yesterday!

The bad news is that one of the options I ordered was the iPod adapter. When ordering this I explicitly asked my salesman (sorry, motoring advisor) if the adapter was compatible with a 3rd generation iPod and he answered in the afirmative. But my iPod does not work with this adapter.

Since I was given incorrect information and paid $600+ for this option, I am seeking opinions on how to deal with this situation. Seek a rebate so I can purchase a compatible iPod? Have them remove the adapter and refund the whole amount? I'd like to be able to use an iPod in the MINI but I shouldn't have to buy a new one due to the dealer's misinformation.

What do you think?

 

Which iPod do you have? The one with the four touch sensitive buttons?

 

Yes, that's the one. 15GB capacity.

 

You may be able to go to apple on the web and get a software update for the ipod. We are in the same situation and were advised to upgrade software. Have not done that yet and if it does not work, then what the hell, we'll just buy a newer ipod and move forward.

 

Well, from the department of "It never hurts to ask...", you could always ask the dealership to update your ipod so it will work, or reimburse you for a new ipod, pointing out to them that it was their mistake and that a new ipod is cheaper than removing the equipment from your car. If they dont like that option, then politely ask them what they would suggest instead.

 

You can usually check the software version in your iPod by plugging it into iTunes. When you select the iPod in iTunes there is a button "Check for Update".

What sort of incompatibility did you run into? Does the MINI not recognize the iPod when it is connected? Or, is it a physical problem with connectors that don't match?

 

Why is that the dealer's problem? The advertisement for the adaptor says: "The Interface is compatible with any iPod equipped with a dock connector— including fourth- and fifth-generation models, as well as the iPod Mini and iPod Nano."

I was surprised that many models worked. I thought it was required that for a Mini you had to use an Ipod Mini.

 

definitely download/update your Itunes V.7+ & plug in your Ipod.
The stand alone update may be current enough, but I would use Itunes to be sure.
http://www.apple.com/downloads/macos...orwindows.html

If you're worried about syncing/wiping out the music on your Ipod, just make sure to choose Manual Sync, NOT automatic if the wizard pops up.

 

If the problem is software related then it isnt the dealers problem. But the original post described the problem as:

"When ordering this I explicitly asked my salesman (sorry, motoring advisor) if the adapter was compatible with a 3rd generation iPod and he answered in the afirmative. But my iPod does not work with this adapter.

Since I was given incorrect information and paid $600+ for this option, I am seeking opinions on how to deal with this situation."

My answer was based upon that information. If the original information changes I reserve the right to change my original answer.

Hindsight is 20/20 vision. I probably should have asked for more information.

 

Yes, I am brain dead. The original post described it exactly as you said. Brain dead and apparently I can't read, either. Obviously, the OP asked the right question and was given the wrong answer. That does sound like dealer fault.

I have a mini Ipod and a newer one with the color screen and I can't keep straight which generation either of them are. That's my biggest complaint.

 

You should first make sure there IS a problem before trying to assign blame and collect on their mistake.
Aside from the obvious first updating you Ipod, there may be a software update for the cars stereo.

a new Ipod nano is worth barely more than an hour of shop time. Try the constructive approach.

 

We'll that stinks (the mis-information part) and it's probably worth it to try to get some sort of consession out of the dealer for the mixup. However, I would not get the iPod adapter uninstalled (especially if it was a VDC installed option). I'm using an old iPod Mini with mine and generally its been great.

Reasons to keep the adapter...

A) You loose the adapter and have to have the dealer mess around in the dash of your perfectly new car (and with the secret compartment you always risk some major rattling if they mess something up, and to undo the iPod install they will have to essentially disassemble the whole bottom right side of your dash.

B) That probably won't be your last iPod ever and you can always use the capability down the line. Frankly even if they don't do anything for you, I'd look at a new one. They have come down in price a bit recently, so you may be surprised by what you can get in comparison with your 3rd gen iPod.