I just received the following email from Alpine. Looks like their full ipod integration will be available end sep for around $100.

Alpine Fan:

We wanted to give you an update regarding Alpine's Interface Adapter for iPod™ (which we announced in January).

The Alpine Interface Adapter for iPod (model KCA-420i) enables users to experience superior in-vehicle sound quality and advanced control of their iPod music using any of Alpine's 2004 Ai-Net in-dash head units in their own vehicle. The unit will ship at the end of September for a target retail price of $100.

Alpine's Interface Adapter for iPod enables people to use the in-dash receiver's exclusive Bass Engine® technologies to tune their system to get the best sound quality in their own vehicle. The solution allows users to control iPod playback using the head unit's front panel buttons or remote; view song information (artist, album and/or song name) on the display; and easily find tracks through the receiver's Quick Search interface with the rotary knob. Alpine’s exclusive MediaXpander™ technology restores lost detail to compressed digital media, bringing the original impact and life back to the music.

The Alpine Interface Adapter for iPod is a hide-away design and can be installed anywhere in the vehicle - under a seat, in the glove box or behind the dash. A single cable connects the adapter to the Alpine head unit, while a second cable connects the adapter to the iPod through the iPod dock connector. The iPod then acts like a plug and play hard drive controlled by Alpine’s easy-to-use rotary knob control. When the vehicle is on, the Interface Adapter also charges the iPod's internal battery.

Pricing and Availability
The Alpine Interface Adapter for iPod will be available through Alpine Authorized Dealers at the end of September for $100. It is compatible with any iPod mini with the dock connector and iPod update 2004-04-28. Go to the iTunes site to download the latest iPod software. Alpine offers 11 2004 Ai-Net head units through authorized dealers at target retail prices starting at $200. .


http://www.alpine-usa.com/ipod/

Any idea of UK date/prices? Or will a US model work with a UK HU?

No idea, hopefully mike the mini will be able to shed some light?

I cant imagine it would be any different, especially as it plus into a standard interface, although i'm sure it will cost twice the price, i would imagine £100!

Don't obviously know if this would work with MINI but........
http://www.apple.com/ipod/bmw/

Just saw it whilst looking at i-Pod info.

v12,

there have been several threads on that, the release initially included the mini, now it isnt, but apparently it will arrive later. It provides about the same facilities as the Denison ICE setup, which is good, but nowhere near as well integrated as the alpine solution, that allows full ipod control from the head unit.

will this work with my alpine 9815rb head unit?

First-I'd like to thank all of you for helping me gather info.

Own an early 2002 Cooper (Silk green/black top) and have been struggling w/ various ways to hook up my ipod. HU is a CD boost, so tape adapter out. Tried 2 differnet fm transmitters in 2002 but they suck. Did a FM modulator but lost AM. Brought into Dealership in early 2004 to install aux. jack but the early boost radios are not comp.-nor icelink or the bmw ipod thingy. finally i had to upgrade HU--went with Alpine 9831. Looks modern but can change colors to almost match amber/red. When the Alpine ipod adapter comes out (in Oct) i'll add that. MFSW still works (swix) minus mode button. Alpine adapter will charge the ipod as well as all info will be displayed on HU. Not to mention this thing rocks. Was not happy about spending the cash but now that i hear the difference--i'm sorry that i didn't do it earlier.

ice>Link:iPod works just fine with the Boost head unit.