Hey Everyone,

I know that there's a topic on the iPod stuff already but it seems that it doesn't cover the problems I am having. So here's my story:

I own a 2010 MCS with the USB Media Connect. I have an aftermarket Y-Cable that I use to connect to the USB port and the AUX for the iPod. The first few weeks were working great, but then I found that in the morning after warming up the Cooper while driving the iPod cuts out periodically during the song playing. So I unplug the USB and reconnect it so it starts playing again. After a minute or less it cuts out again. Usually after 2 times it continuously plays with no pauses.


But Lately, it cuts out every 5 seconds for 10+ times in a row!!! This is at anytime of day! After a while this is really frustrating!

I've tried resetting the iPod & tried to change the firmware with the same result!

Questions out there, could it be the cable I am using as it is aftermarket? Does is REALLY make a difference if it was directly purchased from MINI? Could is also the the actual USB port on the MINI that has a problem?
The iPod nano is 5th Gen(with video camera) and it says that it's compatible.

Anyone out there with solutions? I just want my MCS to be bumping with my tunes with no pauses!

Thanks a bunch!

 

when it cuts out what does the iPod indicate. Does it show s "connected" on the ipod screen? Did you try just disconnected one of the 2 input ( USB or ux) so see if maybe one of connections os working loose or something?

Sounds like its some connection working its way loose. Next time it happens I'd probably try and unplug one t time ( Y cable into the MCS), and just the iPod connector to iPod and see if reseating one helps. Then see is mybe there is a way to wedge the connection tighter or maybe support it better, if the after market Y connector isn't very thick at the Y, maybe there is too much weight/pull on it.

I have 2011 MCS with the factory Y cable and have not experienced this issue at all. I wouldn't think you need the factory cable as the connector are standard, but sometimes after market cables aren't the best over all quality and the connectors ( esp Aux type ) don't always sit tight in the socket.

 

IU had roughly the same thing. Once I had played the Ipod a while and went over a big bump, or did something else to "jiggle" the Ipod slightly, it would cut out. I was worried that it was the connection itself and had them look at it during a warranty service. They simply replaced the cable and it has corrected the issue. Why do you have an aftermarket cable? Didn't they give you one with the car?

 

Emvin15,

When you say it works does this mean you have control of the music selection via the MINI or do you still have to control the music on the iPod.

If you are controlling the iPod thru the MINI with an Aftermarket Cable and NOT the MINI OEM Y-Cable then there is you problem. The MINI cable has proprietary circuitry to make the iPod and the MINI work together. This is not available from aftermarket cables.

 

@ CaptainSteve: after it pauses, on the iPod menu is shows the normal menu screen of the iPod but on the mini it states that it is still connected to an iPod. When I move the USB from the MINI it seems fairly loose but I dunno if it's the actual port on the MINI or the USB itself is not a good fit :-S
Thanks for the info/suggestions!


@Reebus: The dealer gave me a cable but I don't think that it's directly from BMW. They go for like $80-90 CAD. :-S Dealers are a little cheap here! ahaha but I may take it to my Service place for them to take a look at it.
Thanks!

@schatzy62: Really? Hmm.....I was not aware of that whatsoever. This cable was from the dealer but he said that the cord I received from him wasn't from MINI itself. Thanks for the info! Any place you know of that sell them for fairly cheap?

Thanks for the info you three! This was definitely a HUGE help!

 

I would believe that if you bought the USB/IPOD connection as an upgrade, that they OWE you the factory cable. Why would they have replaced mine for free if they didn't have to? I'd go back and ask them nicely to please get you the piece that you PAID for.

 

Sounds Good, Thanks Reebus!

 

Thanks for all the advice everyone! I went to my MINI Service and they said that the Media connect port USB itself did not hold a secure connection with the cable. So they are replacing the Media Connect Port and giving me a MINI Cable!

Thanks everyone!

 

Good! I love happy endings.