Man, I hope I didn't order six months too early.
 

I didn't really HAVE to have a new Cooper S right now, very happy with my 03 MC but wanted some new options, so the new one's on order.

But, stereo is VERY important to me, I've read the many posts about disappointing HiFi and NOW, sales manager told me they're going back with HK stereo in the 09s.

AND... now this smartphone USB cable will provide true data connection to iPhone in the 09s.

Two issues very important to me. Kind of enough to bum me out.

Haven't heard about the HK stereo change for 09. Was that system better than the current one? What I heard was there would be a USB connection in the armrest sleeve for the iPhone (you have to buy the sleeve, they're usually $120-150). But you have the same capability in the 08 just not in the armrest.

http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/05/...ection-for-09/

MINI will be launching a new connection aimed directly at the iPhone and other smartphones for 2009. The option (code named 6NF) will be available on September ‘08 builds. It will connect a smartphone using the phone’s digital USB port for the connection, instead of an analog connection like that MINI currently offers with the 6NE Comfort Bluetooth. This provides quicker response time and offers clearer sound when playing MP3s.

Of course one thing to keep in mind is the armrest is mandatory for this option due to the connection (which as you guessed it is in the armrest). You’ll also need to purchase a separate snap-in adapter from MINI for your specific phone. And yes we are told MINI is planning to expand supported phones for 2009 - the iPhone obviously being one of them.

Got it. But it won't sound any better than my 07 or the 08's do, it'll just be in the armrest sleeve. The 08's connect the iPhone to the car's stereo screen so you can play with it using the MFSW already. This option just gets it in the armrest sleeve and out of the way. I bet it'll cost you a few hundred$ too. This shouldn't surprise anyone. With a new model year they have to add some new stuff and people have complained that the current armrest sleeve doesn't do anything but charge the iPhone. This fixes that. It'll sound exactly the same though.

I don't think I'd like that, anyway. The armrest snap-in adapters fit the phone so snugly, that they have to be sans case to work. I carry my iPhone in a Revo iSkin case, so relegating the iPod connectors solely to the armrest sleeve would mean I'd have to get rid of my case.

If you are committed to the one you ordered, upgrade the speakers in the HIFI and it will sound fine. Get the iPod Integration if you want the best iPod connection with MFSW control. Or, burn mp3 CDs.

Even if I had an iPhone (which is becoming more likely) I think I'd prefer carry the iPone on me and use a dedicated iPod for the MINI, rather than messing with the armrest.

Robin, that's actually what I've done in my 03... a Nano for music and carried around the iPhone.

You guys are right, it'll all be fine.

I'm definitely going to upgrade the speakers. Have been studying what you did, Robin. Definitely want something no muss, no fuss, zero alterations, and I'll probably still pay somebody to do it right.

I have the HK in my 06 and it sounds great, no need to install my aftermarket system I kepy from my old mini.

Hehe, I'm actually toying with the idea of ripping out the HK speakers from my R53 and replacing them with the cheapest Radio Shack replacements I can find before I trade it in so I can retro fit them to my Hi-Fi equipped R56 after I take delivery.

They're the same size aren't they?

On topic though, I'd be kinda bummed if they went to a pure digital input for USB/Bluetooth in the '09. I was pretty disappointed when I found out I'd be analog in from my iPod in my new MINI.

Can they goto pure digital? After it was mentioned on this board about the iTunes encryption I did a bit of research and I would say they can't for iTunes purchased stuff only stuff imported from REAL cd's. I'm not even sure if the ICE adapters people use for MOST bus cars (i.e. BMW, Porsche, VW) is really all digital or pulling audio though the dock connector and then encoding it for the digital bus.

I'm not an expert though, just a "googler"

The HiFi stereo is pretty good. If you have VERY high demands, you would probably upgrade the in-car system no matter what.

Consensus seems to be that speaker upgrades are a worthwhile investment if you need better sound.

That's what I was thinking myself, that most likely it was just another place for the USB/line output rather than a USB only connection. Not to say it's impossible for them to have implemented a digital connection, I believe Fairplay was licensed out to some companies before (only for playback of course), but I just doubt that's the case here.

The HK upgrades in BMW have been consistently sub par. You get lots of speakers and a sub... but they perform completely average if you at all have a taste for loud music. But, if you dont opt for the HK system, then you dont get some of the bells and whistles....and factory speaker mount locations.

RedMini - There's always something newer "just around the corner". I'm sure you'll love your new MINI, and you'll be driving one instead of waiting for one!Also, I hope the new H/K system is great, but I agree that the BMW H/K systems in the past were just O.K., not great. My biggest complaint with the HiFi system in my Clubman is lack of bass response. Otherwise, it's about on par with the H/K I had in my '02 BMW.

Not fair!

I miss the H/K from my R53 :cry:. By far one of the best factory sound systems I've heard.

The HiFi leaves a lot to be desired....

Well, here's the killer question... what about those of us that want to use USB in the dash to attach a USB stick or an iPod, but also have a "usb" style smartphone, in this case a Blackberry Curve? Are there two USB connections, an "ipod/usb" one and a "phone" one?