[h3nn18]

I have currently got my ipod connected through the headphone socket on my ipod to the aux port in my mini, but the sound is very poor, was thinking about getting the connection that fits through the bottom of the ipod to the aux port. Has anybody connect their ipod this way????

I have used the ash tray from my old mini as my docking station, has anybody got a better docking station??

[M111 CGC]

The sound quality from the headphone socket will always be poor compared with the line level output you could get from the Ipod's dock connector.

If it's just the sound quality you want to improve and you are not bothered about controlling the ipod from the head unit (or MFSW) then I would recommend you get a Belkin car kit. I used this on my R53 before I got the Icelink and it was great working through the aux in on the standard stereo.

The Belkin kit has an amplifier bult into the charger plug (I guess you'll need to have the Smokers' pack on an R56 to power it?) with a volume control so that you can adjust it to suit the head unit aux level. I also used a Belkin holder for my Ipod Mini at the time, one of the ones that fits into the cup holder and provides a rubbery clip for the Ipod. Now I have the ipod in the glovebox but still use the holder as it works well with many Nokia phones.

If you want full control of the Ipod then a proper adaptor for the head unit is the way forward, however the BMW one is expensive (particularly as the head unit requires recoding) and seems to have mixed reports on the forum (do a search).

Chris

[M111 CGC]

Belkin Auto Kit for Ipod



Belkin TuneDok

[TheBigNewt]

I think that's what I want. I assume the TuneDok allows the dock connector to connect via the slot in the bottom of the cradle, and you use a male/male wire from the lighter plug to the aux input. I was gonna just get a dock to Aux wire but I heard you need amplification too. I assume the Belkin charges it.

[M111 CGC]

Yup, you've got it. Much cheaper than a full interface if you are happy to control the Ipod.

[DerekH]

Logic 3 cable into connector reels its self back in when not in use got in maplin, far better than in head phones socket, also leave it in gear 4 case and put it in the cup holder. How does the Belkin holder fit in the cup holder?

[berty]

The logic3 cable does give a far better sound that the 3.5mm double ended cable, although i did struggle to get one as they were sold out at all my local maplins. The poor sound could be down to your ipod settings. Have you changed you EQ settings on your ipod, i have set mine to Loudness.

[Knowlsey]

Don't have a problem with mine, sound fine thru the Aux input, make sure all the volumes are turned up to full on both the Ipod and the aux set up. Then control the main volume as normal.

[jodes]

I use the ipod tuneflex for nano and it is great. Holds the nano very securely and an aux cable is provided to connect the tuneflex to the aux connection. Sounds good and is positioned nicely to change playlists etc and also has a blue light that matches the ambient lighting. Search for griffin tuneflex nano in google it cost me around £25. - griffintechnolocy.com/tuneflexnano.

[berty]

if you get the logic3 lead you don't need to bother with the volume on the ipod as the volume contol doesn't affect it & it also comes out alot louder so you don't need to turn the car stereo volume up as much.

[TheBigNewt]

I just got an $8(shipped from Hong Kong) dock to aux-in black wire on ebay and the difference in clarity over the male/male wire is amazing. The volume increased as well. I turned my bass/treble and aux volume back to flat. You'd think that I'd put in new speakers. Best $8 I ever spent! (I avoided the Belkin Auto Kit because I like to keep music playing when I turn the car off).