USB MP3 & ipod connectivity for your Mini - with browsing & titles

[mikeythemini]

Many people ask me how to connect their MP3 player to their Mini as all the options seem to be for the ipod.
This device has both an ipod dock connector & a USB socket. So you can connect your ipod, a USB memory stick or a MP3 player with USB connector.
It allows browsing from the stereo/MFSW buttons.
It is plug & play (behind the stereo) so easy to fit yourself.
Versions are available for WAVE, BOOST & HK stereos
On 05/06 MInis with Boost or HK (without nav) you can get scrolling titles (artist & track title) on the stereo display & browse playlists, folders, artists & albums from your stereo/mfsw.
This unit uses the cd changer socket so if you have a cd changer & wish to keep it go for the 400 model
Gateway 300 available here - NewMINIStuff.com

[ccoston]

In your picture, you have both an Ipod and MP3 player hooked up at the same time. Will both devices be available at the same time, or do you have to only have one or the other hooked up?

Also, does anyone know any U.S. companies that carry this? (No offense to mikey, but my dollar is worth less and less each day compared to the pound, not to mention the extra shipping fees incurred for overseas shipment and such). If newministuff.com ends up the only place to get one though, I'll be ordering (eventually).

[mikeythemini]

Only 1 at a time, if both are plugged in you get ipod, unplug ipod to get USB
The USA dension importer no longer imports dension

[humph]

Fitted my Gateway 300 at the weekend, really is a nice piece of kit for those that want to keep the OEM head unit. Does everything I could have wanted it to. Can now connect mp3 players via the ipod connection, USB connection, or 3.5mm jack (for those people still using cassette walkmans. As usual service from Mikey was top notch, answering all my stupid questions swiftly. Thanks Mikey.

[ohsoblue]

So, me being totally thick I have an iPod 20 and want to use it in my 06 Cooper with standard factory CD/Radio ............. is it something I can do or is there anyone that could fit it for me. I'm in Gloucestershire.

TIA

[humph]

Reasonably easy to fit, as long as you can remove your head unit following the instructions in here

http://www.mini2.com/forum/faq.php?f..._faq_head_unit

The unit then plugs into the back of the headunit. Decide where you want the ipod connection and run the cables to there, mounting the box that comes with the unit somewhere out of sight. My connection is in the storgae cubby hole on the drivers side and the box is mounted behind the knee bolster. You will probably need to drill a hole to poke the connections through but the kit comes with gromits to seal the hole afterwards. Reasonably simple but not as simple as messing with the head units in other cars.

[Big Mike]

Quote: Originally Posted by ohsoblue (original)

So, me being totally thick I have an iPod 20 and want to use it in my 06 Cooper with standard factory CD/Radio ............. is it something I can do or is there anyone that could fit it for me. I'm in Gloucestershire.

TIA

Its pretty straight forward, i fitted my dension ice link plus following Mikeys (newministuff.com) instructions, i would assume the gateway 300 is a similar installation.

NewMINIStuff.com DIY Guides

[humph]

Just to say if all you want to do is connect an ipod then Mikey has other kits too, such as the one Big Mike mentions.

NewMINIStuff.com

I chose the gateway as I wanted the USB connection.

Also as Mike says installation is very similar to his ICE link plus except the Gateway has a small box (approx 100x75x20) to hide behind the dash.

[ohsoblue]

Thanks for all the advise, much appreciated.