So, I've only had my MCS for a couple weeks now and am still learning all kinds of things about her that i didn't know before. I checked the manual but didn't seem to find anything to answer my question.

When the ipod is connected to the aux input (not the adaptor in the glove box) - shouldn't i be able to use the buttons on my multi function steering wheel to change tracks instead of having to use the ipod itself? I've tried using the buttons on the wheel AND the buttons on the stereo center console thing too. Neither seems to work. Am i doing something wrong?

 

the multi-function buttons do NOT control the Ipod when hooked to the aux port. The aux port is just a line-in input.

 

Exactly!
I'm actually glad I didn't get the ipod/usb jack. I use the aux jack and keep my ipod on my lap as I drive. IMO there is a lot better things to spend 500 bucks on!!

 

Shouldn't something be able to control the Ipod once it's connected?

 

I just use the ipod interface on the ipod. The optional ipod jack is so you can use the MFSW to change the songs/playlists and also get the read out of what song is playing on the radio interface.

 

There is a cable that you can get that can be purchased or if you get the convenience package it comes with it, that alows you to connect through the aux in and usb, but you have to have the media connect for it to work. My personal opinion is that if you want the functionality through the car, that would be the only way to go. The iPod interface that is available that goes through the glove box is way to expensive, and outdated. My dealer wanted $1100 for that option, so I opted for the aux/usb cable available at Mini and it works great.

 

1100???? Wow. I thought I was being ripped off at 550 for the ipod in the secret compartment...

 

Ya, I was quoted $600 for but apparently it take 5 hours or so im told to install so add $500 for labour.

 

That's what i'm trying to do. I'm trying to use the aux jack and be able to change songs on the MFSW and it's not working. It should work, right?

I haven't noticed if the songs show up on the radio interface. i'll have to check. but i know that using the buttons on the mfsw doesn't allow me to go to the next track on my ipod.

 

It will not work with just the aux jack, the only ways are the ipod interface and the usb interface. The aux-in will only allow you to play muic not to control it, forcing you to use your ipod controls.

 

I didn't know it required the convenience pkg. I was about to post how it worked fine on mine...

 

I'm curious to know why you consider the iPod adapter to be "outdated" relative to the USB port? I have the iPod adapter (nowhere near $1100 in my case) and I'm very impressed with both the sound quality and the funtionality of the controls on the stereo interface.

 

Well, i'm completely bummed. I thought the MFSW could control the ipod when plugged into aux.

 

The $1100 was complete bull, but that could just be my dealership, they also wanted $1200 for the armrest. But the iPod adapter is the frontrunner for Mini because it costs the most $$$, but if you look what it is it used a CD changer style setup. For me, to find anyone that knew anything about the aux/usb cable was like pulling teeth. The dealer knew I wanted the iPod functionality, and wanted me to spend for the more expensive option. The sound quality from the iPod adapter is great, but with the aux/usb cable i've had no problems, and I saved some money too.

 

Just in case you missed minimasterdrive's post above, you just need the combo adapter cable that is a combined USB/3.5mm audio jack. Should be in the neighborhood of $40.00.

The USB port connection handles the interface between the iPod and the MFSW, while the 3.5mm connector handles the audio through the AUX port like you have going already.

 

Yeah, the AUX in is purely an 1/8" mini line in, no charging, no MFSW controls, no ID3 tags.

iPod interface in the secret compartment is "only" $500 installed by my local dealer.

Not sure if the USB/Bluetooth install is more involved, but I would think it has the potential to be.

The iPod interface in the R56 seems alot more functional than the one I have in my R53. Talk about outdated....

 

The USB/Bluetooth option is factory-only- there's been a few people that looked into a retrofit only to run into dead ends.

 

I'm glad I ordered the convenience pkg then

I'm a little bummed that it will use the aux in for audio though. Why wouldn't they just go digital over the USB cable to the head unit

 

It's because the files are DRM'd- I'm sure that anyone who knows the details is non-disclosure'd to full capacity, but I'd bet that it was just not feasible financially to license all of the possible DRM schemes and codecs necessary.

I'd be sad too, if my September car was built with it Quality is one reason why lots of people are just going with MP3's on USB keys.

 

I'm wondering if I can get the dealer iPod adapter installed in addition to the the USB/Bluetooth ( or is that analog as well? ).

Kinda sucks as I rip all my music myself from CD or vinyl to 320kbps DRM-free MP3s but I guess more and more people are buying exclusively via download nowadays.

 

I don't have the USB interface so I can't comment on it from first-hand experience, but from the feedback on this forum, it sounds as if both the glove-box iPod adapter AND the USB interface will provide what users are looking for: (1) Good sound quality and (2) Effective iPod control through the stereo interface. The standard AUX-in port (without USB option) won't provide iPod control through the stereo interface, and it seems to be a mixed bag of feedback as far as sound quality is concerned. I have the glove-box iPod adapter, and will state without reservation that I'm very satisfied with its performance and in no way consider it to be outdated or compromised. I got it for a great price, too. I had an '04 MCS with the AUX-in port (even that was an extra-charge option at the time), as well as the old iPod interface, and either one of the two new interfaces are light years ahead of what was available then.

 

I wish I hadn't spent the $500 on usb/iPod.

All I wanted was sound quality -- trying to avoid an FM transmitter. I didn't realize that there is a line-in you don't need to pay extra for. The downside to it (other than no MFSW track selection) is no charging of the iPod unless you make a cable or use the somewhat lower quality headphone jack as output (freeing up the bottom connector for a charger).

Incidentally, there is another thread related to problems scrolling through large artist lists, album lists, etc. I'm not sure if it's still true on the '08s, but at some point, the MFSW could only scroll through line-by-line. If that is still the case, I'll probably ignore my $500 iPod package and use the front aux port instead.

On the scale of what is important, this is pretty low so I'm not upset. But if I'd have known that front aux is standard, I would have saved some money.

 

My understanding is that the dealer installed USB/BT option is the same as the factory option, so it should include the iPod cable.

I rip all my own music too. But I have found vinyl to be more trouble than it's worth if there is a CD available. I couldn't afford the time with the tools available a couple of years ago.

 

There are actually several downsides to ignoring the excellent new iPod interfaces (USB or dealer-installed adaptor) in favor of the old Aux-in port: (1) No charging unless you resort to a kludge of additional cabling, (2) No ability to read song/artist titles off the face of the factory head unit or Nav display, (3) No ability to control song selection through the factory head unit or Nav unit (4) More cumbersome to hide iPod out of view. IMO, items (2) and (3) are legitimate safety considerations. A standard iPod has a tiny display screen that is ill-suited to viewing while driving a car. I had an '04 MCS with the Aux-in port and there were a number of times where I almost got myself in trouble staring at a tiny screen, fumbling with the iPod in one hand while trying to drive with the other and fiddling with the tiny controls on the iPod itself. I now have the dealer-installed glovebox iPod adaptor in my '08 MCS, and it scrolls extremely fast using the top scroll **** on the factory head unit. I can quickly glance at the head unit display while barely averting my eyes from the road, and operate the scroll **** while keeping that hand close to the steering wheel and stick shift. I wouldn't even consider going back to the old unsafe practice of fidling with the iPod itself while driving. I don't know if some of these folks complaining about slow scrolling have defective early units, but there is no issue with scrolling speed on my Feb '08 build.

 

It's good news that the slow scroll has been fixed. Thanks for the update. Maybe I will go ahead and try the iPod adaptor then, but I'm not sure it will be my long term choice if I can find a cable (not really a kludge, IMO).

I believe I mentioned all the negatives you suggested, except the part about hiding the iPod. But, since I just had an iPod stolen out of a hidden location in my locked truck (in my driveway, in a "safe" neighborhood), I wouldn't rely on an iPod being safe just because it's out of sight. And the "secret compartment" isn't very secret at all, is it? I would really, really recommend taking your iPod with you.

I believe you can control volume and turn music on or off from the main volume control or the MFSW for any source playing through the aux in. To me, that is the most important functionality, and you get it for free. Since my personal listening habits are a vestige of the past -- I tend to listen to complete albums (CDs) -- the only fiddling I would personally be doing with the iPod is when I get in or out of the car or when I realize I've already heard the loaded CD a few times . And then, I'm going to scroll through the iPod cover flow view to pick the next CD -- except the scroll wheel on the iPod classic is locked out when the unit is connected to an external controller and I can't use cover flow. Oops.

If, on the other hand, you tend to select and play individual tracks, then you may be better off the iPod adaptor option (in the configurator under cockpit, gauges and electronics, I think). Please be careful not to lane-change into a poor motorcyclist while you are fiddling around with track selection. You could ruin my day.

All-in-all, for me, I think the functionality trade-offs are a wash -- more convenient track selection control with the iPod interface, better interface (cover flow) running through aux in. Volume and on/off are controlled the same in each case (non-option, the iPod keeps running, but you don't hear it).

Thanks for the update on the scrolling bug. But my opinion is the same -- I'd have saved the $500 if I'd have known about the aux in. That's a personal choice and others will choose differently. But we should be clear about the control you still get without the expensive interface. You are not relegated to taking your eyes off the road in order to change the volume or turn off the music. And even though the display is on your dash, you are still taking your eyes off the road to select tracks, even with the iPod option.

However, If you think you would rather store music on a usb drive and play from there, then the upgraded interface is pretty great. You can apparently load a usb drive with your music and play from that while it is stuck in the usb port that's also included with the package. Don't risk putting your iPod in your car at all. And, of course, a small number of cell phones will work with the bt part of the interface. Neither of these apply to me, hence my opinion.