this has prob been posted before but i cant seem to find it. i was thinking about getting the Alpine iPod Interface KCA-420i installed in my cooper. currently i have the Harmon kardon system and finger controls. i was wondering if they would still work if i had it installed. also has anyone had the interface fitted if so is it worth it?

you will also need a alpine i-pod controler head unity and a aftermarket connection lead from mikey the mini newministuff

The install the alpine ipod interface first you will need an aftermarket alpine stereo - to make this work in your mini you will need a facia, aerial adaptor, HK enabler & mfsw adaptor - all available from www.newministuff.com, along with the alpine ipod interface

I had an Alpine CDA-9835 and the KCA-420i in our GTI. I can honestly say it is by far the best Ipod interface currently available. All the song info is displayed on the screen and the playlists are very easy to navigate. I only wish the BMW interface was so easy and informative. I am guessing Ice-link plus is my best option at this point :(

The KCA-420i will only work with Apline Ai-Net HU's so if you have an older Alpine head unit with Ai-Net you should be able to use it.

If you want a matching pair Halifords are doing a dealer with a ALPINE CDA9847R witha KCA-420i for about £269. odd not sure of exact amount.

If this helps.

Simon

I thought that some of the new Alpine 05 models could 'talk' directly with an Ipod - ie. without the KCA-420i !?

kenwood came out with its own iPod adaptor for Kenwood HU. According to what i've ready, it does display the text to your headunit.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-xCpN6tbIKAY/cgi-bin/prodview.asp?I=113IP500&s=41

http://www.bassjunkies.com/?P=bmc&A=shop&cid=13&mid=409

some of the options available

Bad news:

adapter review (http://forums.ipodlounge.com/archive/topic/78125-1.html)