I know this topic has been beaten to death, and searching the thread title didn't exactly give great results. So here's my question..
I bought a barely used 2008 Cooper S in august, and forgot to ask specifically about the smartphone prep. Is there any way I can figure out for myself, or through my local MINI dealer if I've got the elusive 6NF option or not? I did email them already, and got a very not at all helpful response (that also only addressed 1 of my 4 questions), so to summarize..

What's the best way or only way to find out if you've got smartphone prep in the armrest?

 

First of all with owning a 08 you will not have "Smart Phone Prep". That option did not come out until the 09 model year. You may have the Phone Prep in the car and the easiest way to tell is to look at the arms of the arm rest. if there are cables running up either one (they should be enclosed in felt tape) then there is a 99% chance that all the wiring and modules are in place. The only thing you will need is the phone adapter. if you go over to the NAV and Audio section, look for the sticky about blue tooth. In the find a post by nicknbecka and you will find a link in his signature to a listing of bluetooth phoone and cardle part numbers and how well eaach work witht he car.

The difference between "Smart Phone" and "Phone" prep is the ability to have USB connection in the arm rest and that did not get included in the car until the 09 model year.