The Y cable that came with my wife's CM doesn't securely connect to iphones or ipods. It might be coincidence, but the dock connector on my wife's iphone died and I'd like to replace the cable with something better before she gets a new phone. Anyone have an aftermarket Y cable they'd recommend that's better than MINI's?

 

I'd just have the dealer give you another Y-cable under warranty.

 

There is NO aftermarket cable that works with Connected (if that's what you are after). It has a special chip built into the cable. I already tried and failed to get a cheaper connector to work... other Y adaptors may charge and possibly provider audio, but that's it.

As kunzman said, getting them to swap it out with another under warranty might help get a cable that fits better.

Now what is also an option is to get a dock extender cable, that would go from the end of your Y connector to the iPod. Most of them I think will work, just make sure they say they support audio.

 

We don't have Connected, just Bluetooth prep on HK. I called the dealer and they won't just swap it. I have to make an appointment to drop off the car, take a loaner while they evaluate it, then probably have to make a third trip to get the cable once they order it. Serious fail on their part. Probably just gonna wait until oil change.

Thanks for the extender tip. That might work as well if they won't swap it.

 

I am curious which aftermarket cable you tried. As far as I can tell, the OEM cable is nothing more than the standard apple sync/composite AV cable with the 3 RCAs on a TRRS 3.5mm. Pioneer offers a similar cable for their Navigation head units that you can buy under $30 on amazon.

 

I found the Pioneer cable at Best Buy. Went and bought it, went to the parking lot, tried it and it didn't work. Returned it and got my money back. Their was a buzz unless I pushed it farther then it wanted to go. Second the cover art was not avail. I am going to try the dock extender next. I have mini connected..

 

Not sure which one you tried but in theory Pioneer CD-IU51V or CD-IU50V should work. They both have A/V TRRS 3.5mm jacks and USB. I am not sure which dock extender you're trying next but make sure the tip of the 3.5mm jack has 3 rings as per the attached image. On the other hand, if you can live without album art, The standard apple sync/charge cable will do everything else. I should note that after any "mission control" comment, my display reverts from displaying the playing song to the list of external devices which I find extremely annoying.

 

It was the the cd-iu51v. No workie..http://www.cablejive.com/products/dockXtender.html this is the one on deck....

 

Are you sure this is the correct link? This dockxtender is a simple extension cable for the ipod/iphone port. It does absolutely nothing and the other end is a male ipod tip. How will that help you?

 

Male part of extender to phone. Male part of y cable to extender...

 

Everything worked flawlessly. Should have bought this one to start with. Everything with the connected worked as it should...

 

And how does that differ from connecting directly with a standard dock cable?

 

It's a dock cable extension, to add extra length to what the Y cable provides. The issue is that most aftermarket dock extension cables do not connect all of the pins in the connector, and cause some functions to be lost.

 

slightly OT.. but If you dont have Connect, HK or the BT options... DO you still get a cable foe the iph.?
my countryman is on order. I didnt order any of those option but would like to plug my iph into the system for music.
is that possible?
TIA

 

All you need is an audio jack. Play from any phone or music player using the player's controls.

 

Wow, congragulations for your new mini countryman! Since your may also need an car hold for your iphone, I recommend this for you:

With this kit, you can connect your iphone with your car to enjoy music in your iphone or listen to the radio.
9-in-1 FM Hands-free Car Kit FM Transmitter for iPod/iPhone
Similar options for you:http://www.tmart.com/iPhone-FM-Transmitters/

 

This is the Y-cable available from Outmotoring.com

http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...interface.html

 

Thank you.
My CM is on order so I an unaware if it has a port. (my build did not include BT, HK radio, or connect, etc. Just the basic radio)

 

I got MINI countryman about a week ago. I Have the Y cable but having a very hard time figuring out which is the correct MINI part # for the USB snap in cradle needed for full MINI connected functionality. Would you guys know?

 

84 21-2 218 390-02

But its ~$250, and the Plug-in feature of Connected doesn't work. Nor will it work with a case.