I have an iPod that I used to have hardwired into my old car. I definitely want some sort of decent-quality connection for it, and anything else I may want to plug in at any given time. Also, I will have nav on my new Mini so the BMW/iPod deal is presumably not an option. Is the aux input worth it? Any downsides? I'm inclined to go for it but was wondering if there are any drawbacks. Thanks.

-mike

I LOVE MY AUX INPUT!
I have an ipod and think it is great.

It's in the glove compartment right?

It's in the glove compartment right?

I believe that's where the instructions with the parts say to install the "port". But, if you're even slightly inclined, and own some torx bits, you can just buy the part and say "I'll install it myself" and put it wherever you want. I did that, and just ran the cable out the bottom of the little plastic door thingy at the base of the dash legs. Alternately, if your dealership is nice, you can probably tell them where you would like the heaphone jack like part to go...

Hmm I'm tempted to do that but I'm not entirely sure of the configuration of the 05 interior in terms of that sort of thing... It would definitely be preferable to have it elsewhere.

-mike

Yeah it is in the glove box.

I had my dealer install it in the pillar, and I much prefer it there...see here for some pics http://www.mini2.com/gallery/personal/gallery_11982.html down towards the bottom.

Don't forget the Belkin car adapter which has a powered line out (don't use the controller output as it attenuates the signal for headphones) and don't use iTrip!

You can also see I place mine in a Panavise 2000 model 703 mount, really for a mobile phone but it works great for the iPod...up high, I can see it easily (and safely).

I installed mine myself (50 quid seemed a bit excessive i thought though) 1 week after i got the car. It's not hard to fit if you don't mind getting your hands a little dirty ;) - I'm almost certain it's possible to install it without taking the centre console (like i did) to bits just by removing the little plastic panel under the toggles. There seems to be a load of space behind and you should be able to line up the connector you get.

I just drilled a hole in that panel and put the port there. With my belkin tunedok and the belkin car kit it's really tidy. Just have a 3" long jack to jack to connect the aux to the belkin adaptor and you're laughing.

One thing though is if you do attempt it don't over tighten the radio back in (if boost anyway) - it's made of plastic and is easy to break :/

I can post some pics if you like.

Dealer offered to install it below the switches when I asked.

Installed the AUX port myself for my iPod and it works a treat. Perfect sound quality and the volume controls work through the MFSW. Highly recommended - haven't used my radio since it was installed 4 months ago.

do it!

i cant do the AUX because my mini is a july 2002 build and the HU doesn't have the AUX port. I managed to use a blitzsafe adapter which plugs directly in to the CD Changer wires in the boot, i then ran an RCA caple to the front of the car and my pod plugs into that

same deal really.. no drawbacks 100% quality sound.

I,d still like to know if the new 05 CD HU will have AUX I/P capability.
I can't imagine that it wont have it.
I guess we wont know until the 05 cars start being delivered.

Texy

do it!
it's very easy and requires no drilling, just one screw to loosen, so you can do it yourself.
The DIY FAQ has excellent pictures.
I've got mine in the cupholder which allows easier access.

Can someone verify that the AUX input can be installed if both the Harmon-Kardon speaker system and Sirius satellite receiver are present? I'm picking up my new Mini which has these options tomorrow, and want to get my iPod hooked up as soon as possible.

Thx,
Jeff

Can someone verify that the AUX input can be installed if both the Harmon-Kardon speaker system and Sirius satellite receiver are present? I'm picking up my new Mini which has these options tomorrow, and want to get my iPod hooked up as soon as possible.

Thx,
Jeff


I would think you could use the blitzsafe line in adaptor that connects to the cd changer input. I would ask blitzsafe and see if they know for sure.

guys I have been to the dealers twice and they still claim this wont work and have tried different head units apparently

I have Dec02/Jan03 build with boost cassette and cd changer with HK - can anyone say why it is not working??

there is an official aux input available, that plugs into the back of the HU.
also pretty soon there will be an adaptor that allows you to control the ipod through the steering wheel.

check out www.ipodyourbmw.com
this is currently only available in North America, however MINI GB have these items in for test fit at the moment. I have heard that they will not work if you have a CD changer, or Changer prep, as they use that connection point for the Ipod port.

guys guys guys, ive got an ipod and use an iTrip. Buy one on ebay for £30. It broadcasts an FM frequency to your stereo and you just tune your stereo into it. Its so easy and sound quality is fine.Its cheap, easy and can be used in your house too, any stereo with a radio can play you ipod music.!!
Any more questions pm me

there is an official aux input available, that plugs into the back of the HU.
also pretty soon there will be an adaptor that allows you to control the ipod through the steering wheel.

check out www.ipodyourbmw.com (http://www.ipodyourbmw.com/)
this is currently only available in North America, however MINI GB have these items in for test fit at the moment. I have heard that they will not work if you have a CD changer, or Changer prep, as they use that connection point for the Ipod port.
it was the official one which wasnt working - could it be to do with my head unit although the dealer claims to have changed it for another one to check

Really don't understand why its doesnt work given lots of people here have managed to get it to work

any thoughts?

Aqualung, what did you use to attach the panavise to the pillar?

I have heard that they will not work if you have a CD changer, or Changer prep, as they use that connection point for the Ipod port.
Well, all 05's come with changer prep as standard if I recall correctly, however as all it does at the back of the head unit is plug into a socket I guess if you want the new iPod interface you could just get it unplugged and plug in the iPod interface instead,,,,

The Panavise Mount attaches with the screws that hold the right side of the radio head unit in. It's clear once you get the right hand downtube removed.

oh well since everyone seems at a loss on my prob looks like the Dension route for me

bump bump!!

Can anybody explain why my dealer cannot get the aux to work?? Please help as I am about to go on a rather large road trip (Stelvio) and I want to make sure I have iPod working

any help?

What's the problem, exactly?

Just saying "It doesn't work" won't get you very far.

they (dealers) claim they cannot get it to work with my head unit, I have a dec02/jan03 build with boost cassette and HK

They also claim they have tried it with another unit and keep repeating to me that it wont work, I keep telling them that many others have managed to get it to work

As for not getting very far, well your right - thats the problem!!

Well, I was going to say that the H/K is what is making it not work, but some searching shows that the aux in does work with the H/K. Possibly the fact that you have the cassette head unit is the difference?

RICK

here is an idea

Forget the AUX altogether and get one of these tape adapter things..

works with the same quality. problem fixed