[Professor Peach]

I just bought my son an IPOD Shuffle. Amazing piece of kit, I've never used one before.

It connects to my PC via a USB cable. If I plug that cable into the USB port on my car, will it play through the stereo?

Also, are they controllable via the Boost stereo controls and steering wheel controls, and if so how easy are they to use?

If it works well it seems a very good way of carrying effectively all my CD's in the car and being able to play them easily.

If it can be connected via USB then I'll try my sons in it and if I like it I might get myself one.

[bob corbishley]

You need to buy a special combined USB and audio lead from Mini for about £40. We've got the same setup in the wifes 1 series and its very good. It appears on the head unit as an Ipod with all the appropropriate options, whereas in my mini with the ipod interface it calls it a CD changer, and disk 1 is playlists, 2 is artists etc etc.

I'm not sure what a shuffle would display though, also a lot of the latest Ipods dont work properly in the mini so check with the dealer regarding compatibility before you splash out. I've got a 5th gen video ipod and mrs C has a 2GB Nano and they both work great. The new ones dont charge the Ipod and it goes flat.

[supa-dupa-cooper]

Ive got my iPod attatched to the official iPod Interface in the top glovebox.

It then works with the Nav Screen and the MFSW

Ive got an iPod Touch and it charges ok It doesnt switch off I dont think but because it goes into sleep mode and turns off the screen it works just fine

[mister.t]

Got the official iPod interface with the MFSW and no Sat-Nav - Still works really well - To have the iPod interface, you have to have the MFSW, which SC failed to tell us when ordering it Great device though, and the sound isn't too bad.

This interface works well with both mine and my sisters 5th Gen Video iPods, and mum's 2GB Nano - Always keeping them charged They don't fully switch off as Jo said, just a 'standy-by' mode which doesn't require a human input to start it again (I think...)

I'd imagine the USB interface worked in a very similar way to the regular iPod interface

[rogan200]

Quote: Originally Posted by mister.t (original)

Got the official iPod interface with the MFSW and no Sat-Nav - Still works really well - To have the iPod interface, you have to have the MFSW, which SC failed to tell us when ordering it Great device though, and the sound isn't too bad.

Do you definately need the MFSW with the interface?? My dealer has never mentioned this to me while speccing my JCW, and considerind so far he knows i want the ipod interface and no MFSW this is a little alarming to say the least!!
Thanks, Rogan

[bob corbishley]

I only use the MFSW buttons to occasionally step forward to the next track. I do all the hunting about using the rotary selector knob on the Boost.

The BMW USB option forces you to upgrade the head unit to their Professional level which is identical to the Boost in the Mini. Its much more obvious in operation because the screen gives more info. Also, with the Mini Ipod adaptor it tends to restart tracks at the beginning if you turn off the ignition. The USB version remembers exactly where you were.

[Professor Peach]

Thanks for all your helpful comments guys, much appreciated.

However whilst ferreting about last night I discovered a whole new option I hadn't even considered!

I'll start a new post because it's nothing to do with IPODs.

[Union Jacks]

Hi
Has anyone installed the IPOD Control module themselves as an aftermarket buy?

ive got the MFSW and radio boost - so i was just wondering if i can do it instead of BMW

[bob corbishley]

No, you need dealer tools to reconfigure the system to accept it.

[supa-dupa-cooper]

Quote: Originally Posted by Union Jacks (original)

Hi
Has anyone installed the IPOD Control module themselves as an aftermarket buy?

ive got the MFSW and radio boost - so i was just wondering if i can do it instead of BMW

It will need coding by the dealer