I've been searching the forum but haven't been able to get a clear answer to this...
I have been using an FM adapter for my iPod and it sucks. I want to hook my iPod up direct to the radio, I don't care about controlling it over the head unit or the multi function or charging it or mounted or anything else. I just want the sound to come through clearly, NOT have to keep it in the glove box, and be cheap.
I called my dealer and they said it would be $182 to intstall an iPod adapter, that seems pretty steep. Can anyone tell me what is the cheapest and easiest way to accomplish this myself?
Scroll down to "Auxiliary Audio Input". This is a cable that plugs into the back of your stereo and has a jack that you mount somewhere like the glovebox, side of a downtube, or under the toggle switches. Your iPod plugs in there (using a short male-male headphone cable). Cheap, especially if you do the install yourself. I'm sure you can find install instructions here or elsewhere on the web (do searches with "aux input").
The aux input is great- it lets you use the ipod to search for music so you arent limited to playlists- I got an aux input for £40 from BMW, and a phone holder for £1.49, It is an easy install- about 40 mins tops.
I just ran the ipod on battery.
I was just about to post a message about the iPod. I've been scanning the forums for weeks but I was still confused, until I read about this auxiliary input option.
This looks good! I've got an '05 base Cooper in the US (the basic $17,500 car, no options). I just might order this and give it a shot.
Before I do - what's the next step up? I've look at that Icelink, but read so many good and bad reviews that I have no idea if it's any good or not. I wouldn't mind having just a few playlists to control with the head unit. I don't need anything fancy like a separate display, but it would be nice not to have to fiddle with the iPod itself.
(interesting side note - the $40 auxiliary option is cheaper than many FM transmitters!)
Oh wait - there's the iPod interface at the top of the same page for $149. Finally, I have a name for the Mini-sanctioned iPod adapter... now I can research that one. Thanks!
The Aux input works very well with an iPod, especially if you have the gigantic US-spec cup holder installed, which gives you a great place to put the iPod in full view.
Do a search and there is a DIY guide to the install. It takes on the short side of five minutes to do.
-Eric
Just want to say that I am pleased to report that I got my aux input cable from mini peabody for $39.95, installed it in about 5 minutes, and it works perfect. Thanks!
i have just bought an ipod nana 4 and want to connect it to my nov 02 cooper with cd boost.
if i use the aux output like the one from newministuff or the one from mini for £40 (the one that is a female headphone jack) will i be able to change track throught the ipod or will i need to do it on my ipod.
im not very good wit electrics or steros so please dont blind me with science.
Hi there.
The aux input, according to BMW's parts catalogue is suitable for all Boost radios, whereas the iPod interface is only on later radios. They can tell you this from the chassis no.
The female jack is PURELY an audio input. and as such does NOT let you change track or anything else via the radio buttons. It is, however, extremely easy to fit - 5 or 10 mis on LHD cars, but about 40 mins on RHD (the socket for it is on the rear lefthand side of the radio) Ther'es a full how-to here:
You can fit it under the toggle switches as it says, or pretty much anywhere you want (I fitted mine inside the glovebox, in the blanking plug next to the aircon tap so as not to drill holes or have to take out the whole glovebox.)
The upsides of the AUX input are that it is cheap, and you can put any audio source you want into it (even Walkmans etc.) The downside is that you have to change tracks on the iPod or whatever and not on the radio.
so what do i need to be able to change tracks through the stereo (nov 02 cooper cd boost oem unit).
what will i need to do the above an provide power to the ipod?
where does that plug in?
has anyone made a lead themselfs and knows which connectors bmw use in the back of the radio? or found a really cheep place to get the bits. sorry im being tight again!
has anyone mounted the ipod under the handbrake? laying flat?
i would like to be able to get to it/see it easily and dont like the ones where they are next to the stereo ot the revs. i already use the cup holder for my phone so cant use that. pics anyone
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