[ScottC25]

HI All,

I am new on here and About to order a MCS as my new car but looking for some definitive answers on the ICE options.

1. What is the difference between ordering the bluetooth/USB option and having the Ipod interface retro fitted. (obviously I know that the bluetooth part is the main difference but want to know if theres any difference between the USB and Ipod interface)

Have a parrot bluetooth kit so don't really need to pay for bluetooth integration unless there's another good reason for it.

2. I also have an Alpine head unit with ipod interface, Amp and sub/speakers in my current car that could be installed(HU in the glovebox obviously) or I could just buy a cable and use the amp and sub/speakers but keep the OEM HU functional in order to make things easier to operate. What have others done and what would they advise.

3. Can anyone recommend somewhere to purchase a stealth box to replace the square sub enclosure?


Thanks for any help


Scott

[Stiggy]

Are you getting the SatNav? The USB/bluetooth kit is all integrated with the display, and with the SatNav it's really nice.

I still don't understand the retrofit iPod interface, but what I do know is: with USB/bluetooth you can just plug a USB drive into the port and see all your music on the radio display. For an iPod you have to buy a combined USB/audio cable with allows you to control the iPod from the MFSW, and see track information.

I like the USB/bluetooth. When the phone rings, you just press a buttom, and it mutes the radio. Making a call is easy too.

Can't help with 2 and 3, sorry.

[FergusM]

I went to newministuff and got them to upgrade the stereo... they leave the head unit as standard but replace all the speakers (added tweeter mounts from hi-fi upgrade in my case) and add an amp (neatly hidden under passenger seat). They have custome wiring look extensions so no cutting of wires, and wire in good cable for all teh speakers. End result is excellent sound and something that looks 100% standard. Quality of work is brilliant. NewMINIStuff.com

I have the ipod interface, ipod sits in storage compartment, on the display at bottom of speedo I can see track, artist etc etc. I can control it via the buttons on my MFSW.. works well. No USB option when I ordered mine so no idea about that.

Sounds madness to put another stereo in the glove box to be honest, how would you change volume etc ? Have you any idea if it would fit ?

Where are you in Scotland ? If in Glasgow area I can let you hear mine if that helps....

[ScottC25]

Thanks Fergus, I am in Glasgow and will likely take you up on that at some point. Not keen on putting 2nd HU in the glovebox myself to be honest but it is an option.
Not having SATNAV, why give BMW a grand when I have a perfectly adequate tomtom!!!

Pretty much have all the kit already for upgrading anyway, all I would need is the wiring loom and the time/inclination to get my sleeves rolled up.

Car unlikely to be ordered until late Feb, I have a mielage trigger to hit before I can order a new one.

Have you got a sub in the boot as well or just upgraded speakers?

[FergusM]

Just the upgraded speakers... newministuff did do an option for a sub but I wanted to still have some boot left Besides with 6 x 9's in the back I don't find it lacking in base.

Just PM me and we can sort out a meeting.

I did not go for SATNAV either..just tooo expensive compared to TOMTOM / Garmin products.

[ScottC25]

Thanks Fergus,

Might be a month or two but I will come back to you. Although I live in Glasgow, spend a lot of time working in Highlands and Islands so away from home a lot. What size speakers do you have in the front?
Must admit I am more a fan of upgrading fronts, disconnecting the rears and adding a sub, makes it feel more like the hifi at home, ie the sound coming from the front of me rather than the back. appreciate that the lack of boot space in a Mini might make this slightly trickier than my current set up has allowed.

Do you have the amp under the seat or somewhere else? Whereabouts is the battery, under the bonnet or in the boot? Whereabouts in Glasgow are you? I am in cambuslang, south east of the city. Sorry for all the Qs but want to be prepared and have everything ready so that my first weekend can be spent getting the sound sorted, cheers

[FergusM]

I am in Blantyre..so not far at all.

Amp is under the passenger seat...so almost invisible. Battery is under awee panle beside the scuttle which you get access to when you lift the bonnet.

Can't rememeber the size of the front ones, I know Mikey put in over sized ones...and added new tweeters on the front pillars.

[ScottC25]

Wow thats spooky!

We live in Drumsagard which is the Blantyre end of Cambuslang, not far away at all. Will def PM you to get a listen to your car when I get some time if thats ok?

Cheers

[FergusM]

No problem...just PM when it is closer to when you want a listen.

[Yoastie]

Do you do home visits too? I live in the south...



(I am very impressed with the way SatNav integrates and works - a lot better than TomTom can do. I'll agree it is a loooot of cash, though)

[FergusM]

Silly £££ for SATNAV... though it does look great.

Not sure about working better than a tomtom... does it do speed cameras ? Able to link to pc to download latest maps each day ?

And...south...south Glasgow maybe

[drb5]

Can you remember any details about the speakers Fergus?

I've been used to Focal speakers for years now, but sizes and depths do play a big part in my mind now. I no longer want to cut door frames and drill extra holes in the metalwork.

[FergusM]

back are 6x9'... the front ones that came out were 6" (I think) but Mikey fitted in over sized ones. Other dimentions, depth etc...not a clue. Never say / measured them before they went in.

Bits can be seen at NewMINIStuff.com

I love fact that they all fit behind standard grills..so looks completely standard.

[drb5]

Cheers fella....yer, standard look is definately best.

Are the rears originally 6x9's?

[FergusM]

Nope..they are replacements..when you see how bad the originals are you will see why they need replacing ! Sooooo light.

[drb5]

lol

I hope i can put up with the original stuff for a while at least! Won't be straight away, that i'll replace them.

[FergusM]

I waited a while also...just makes you appreciate the improvements even more when they happen

[drb5]

:d