Advice on best Ipod solution

[daemon]

Hi All,

Looking for some advice on the best Ipod connection solution for my Mini.

I have an 04 Mini Cooper S fitted with a 05 Boost mp3 CD player (changed under warranty as my old one skipped).

I have a 30gb iPhoto and my wife has a 40gb iPhoto which we currently use in the Mini via a FM transmitter but I am a bit narked by the sound quality of this.

I usually stick something on and don't change it much (as I drive the car) but my wife likes to see the tracks/artists etc and change music frequently (as she is always a passenger).

What would you recommend as the best solution for better sound quality and ease of use?

[heatherh]

Hey

I, too, am trying to decide how to handle this for my Nano. I didn't even consider an FM transmitter due to sound quality. From what I've figured out so far, there are 2 options that provide better sound quality. Personally, I'm leaning towards the Ice Link (search the ICE forum - there's tons of stuff on them) since I want a stealth install and to be able to control the Nano from my steering wheel.

Since your wife does the song surfing as a passenger, an aux cable might be a cheaper option that meets your needs - she can surf from the iPod controls that way.

[rentagas]

The mini kit is warrantied, works well, integrates with the cd boost and MFSW, gives good quality sound and can be installed neatly so it sits in the glove compartment lid.
BUT if you have a big music collection it is extremely frustrating not knowing or not being able to choose what you are listening to. I tend to put playlists on random and take it out of random when I find something I'm in the mood to listen to-hardly ideal
The alternative is the ice link plus wjich is all of the above but SHOULD display track info on the BOOST display and be navigable from the ipod but I would establish from the person fitting it that this is true -it seems that the correct hardware/firmware versions need to be present for this to work.
Note also that not all ipod kits work with the NANO
There was a rumour that a new mini kit was going to be available with more functions but I have seen no confirmation of this
In theory a direct connection should sound better than the aux out but I suspect this is marginal.

[12lee]

ice>Link Plus on an 05 Boost will work very well and enable browsing of tracks through the head unit. If you have nav, the text will *also* appear on the nav screen overwriting the map. If you have nav with the latest nav firmware supporting split screen, you'll still see the turn arrows even with the text overwriting the map.

[rakh1]

Hi,

I *just* fitted the Dension IceLink+ to my MY06 Mini One with CD Boost for my Nano. Works very very well and took only 40 mins to fit (first time I have taken it apart).

R

[minisoopercooper]

my advice on this, as all thing ice, is to contact mikeythemini. I have just bought an ipod (60gb colour photo) but before doing so I called Mike. As I have aftermarket ice and didn't want to loose the cd changer in the boot he told me about an ice link he sells that connects to the aerial input and charges the ipod too - unforunatley it means it wont intergrate with the screen (unless I loose the cd changer - but thats my choice) but he can also supply a bracket that will mount the ipod next to the rev counter so you can easily and safely change tracks/albums/artisits etc

hope that helps - contact him at www.newministuff.com

Paul

[theone]

With a little modification to the base of the holder, the Belkin Tune Dock works very well for holding your ipod in place. You loose one of your cup holders but lets be honest, who really uses them anyway!!

the cup holder mounts are designed for American Supersized cup holders so it does require a little modification but nothing major.

I'm a fan of the ice link plus too, works very

cheers

[shazam]

Just fitted BMW aux input- very easy, thanks to Mini2 FAQ- £40.

Bought phone holder (again thanks Mini2 for idea), Wilkinsons £1.49 (yes £1.49)

Now I use the Ipod controls set just behind steering wheel.

Using battery power at mo.

All good

[bimini]

how much do you want to spend.?..

alpine do an adaptor and head unit that has complete control over the ipod + charges it but it will be the thick end of £220

[daemon]

Thanks for all the advice people.

I like the idea of the icelink plus but does this have a holder to suit both the 30 and 40 gb iphoto ?

Also intrigued by the full control Alpine solution, do you have more details on this (model etc).

[12lee]

Quote:

I like the idea of the icelink plus but does this have a holder to suit both the 30 and 40 gb iphoto ?

Yes.

Quote:

Also intrigued by the full control Alpine solution, do you have more details on this (model etc).

Check out Becker's offering. Fabulous and more appropriate styling for the Mini interior IMO.

[daemon]

Quote:

Check out Becker's offering. Fabulous and more appropriate styling for the Mini interior IMO.

See what you mean. The styling does match the mini well. Very pricey though and which Becker model has ipod integration ?

[12lee]

Option launching now for Mexico Pro, Indianapolis and Indianapolis Pro. Best head units IMHO.