...late november/december IS model year 2005!
the question should be: does your headunit have mp3-support? then it's supposed to work... (e.g. my nov 04 has mp3-support)
Answer to question 1 for me was, run it along the side under the door, you can tuck it under the trim really easy, the only hard part was pulling the panel on the rear side after I pulled the seat. Really easy, and took me about 5 minutes and looks great.
Asnwer 2, is 2.06 unless you want id text support (only for 05 models)
Yes, mine is definitely a 2005 - actually I reviewed my records this morning and it's build date was November 4, 2004. I was off by a few weeks...I was asking about the ID3 because I seem to recall it being an issue - or is that ONLY with 2004 and previous cars? Mine is not the stock unit, it's the HK...So, it should work, right? I guess to be sure I can put in a MP3 disc and see if the tags show. I do have the song title show up on the head when I use the radio...Is that basically the same thing as the ID3 tag?
Also, not to sound dumb, but where is the CD changer plug in the boot? I was going to get a radio mount model but if it's that easy to run to the front, then I may just get the trunk-mount version. If I go to Best Buy, do you think they will they have the newest model? Then I just do the firmware update online, right?
You will not see ID3 tag info when playing an MP3 CD in any MINI radio.
According to Lee, if you have the new MFSW then your radio is compatible. Don't have the new MFSW... I'd say it's a crapshoot. It might work, and it might not.
Given that this update just came out, I would bet that the units at Best Buy don't have the new firmware...
The tags don't show on mp3 cd's so you'd be wasting your time trying that. I'd say if it plays mp3 cds full stop the ID3 firmware for the ice>Link should work.
I DO have the MFSW but it is not with the phone/ Bluetooth button. I think those came out in the newer 05 builds. Hopefully it still works. Has anyone out there tried this new firmware with success (particular with reference to the ID3 display) in a car like mine yet? (2005 with Oct./Nov. 04 build, HK radio with MFSW but no phone button)
If I get it from Best Buy, though, iI figure it should still be OK if I just update the firmware. It may be easier to return it to Best Buy if there is a problem, as opposed to Dension! What you you all say?
I agree with that point, but I didn't want the cradle, nor did I want to connect it in the trunk and run the wire, and that is the only model Best Buy carries.
So I ended up ordering mine (radio mount dock connection (no cradle)) directly from Dension. Should be on my doorstep when I get home.
My Audi mechanic was nice enough to give me his copy of the Bentley manual for the 2004 Mini (wow, is it a useful thng!) and on second thought, pulling the radio headunit doesn't seem like a horrendously complex thing...so I think I am going to do the radio mount after all. I didn't know Best Buy only carried the trunk mount model - thanks for letting me know and saving me a trip!
I know that the console is different on the 05 models, and I think a bit more difficult to remove than the 2004s. Are you planning on installing your ICE link yourself? If so, I'm all ears for any tips you care to pass on about head unit removal. I have a set of Torx screwdrivers, they are cheapies but they should work.
I've pulled the HU on both a 2003 and a 2005, the only real difference seemed to be the new coin trays and they way the snap in... In the end it's not hard to do, just a pain to do...
And Adam if you go back a page or two tops you'll find the link you seek..
I installed my Ice-Link PLUS fine. Came with 2.07 installed on it, but after reading this thread and the info on the new BMW ID3 tag release 2B1, I thought I would install that update. Installed the update just as the instructions here say. The only difference is after it reset itself, it never asked me to turn off then on the ignition.
So after that I check to make sure it works fine, I go under the setup menu to turn the text option on. I select it and wait to see text on my HU screen, but it never shows up after following these instructions.
So I go about my merry way to listening to music but all of a sudden I can't access the Ice-Link UI. As a matter of fact it just has the song playing (with all of the info on the iPod screen of the song), but when I press CD6 on the HU, it skips for a second like it is selecting the menu, but I can't see the menu (as it is supposed to be on the HU screen).
I tried updating automatically using this method, however as soon as I plug in the iPod into the cable after playing the track, it goes to the first song in my library.
So here is what I believe is going on. I believe everything worked, installed and updated fine. SInce I have a July '04 2005 model, my HU does not have the compatability for text display. However, the Ice-Link is sending info to the HU for me to see the menu. Problem is, my HU won't display it. So... what should I do?
UPDATE
So I used the Dension manual that lists all of the menus, played around with the HU, and basically found where I was in the setup menu blindly. Somehow I actually deselected the text display option blindly and got the Dension UI back up and running.
END RESULT: DO NOT select the text display option under the FW 2B1 Dension menu if you have an 2005 MINI that was built before January 2005. You will experience the same problem I did and will kick yourself repeatadly.
Last edited by steebo777; May 4th, 2005 at 02:59 AM.
I've started a thread in NAM on this, should come up under "new topics" in left-hand menu bar. If not, search my id, matthewz.
Essentially, your Dension UI and menu is now replicated on the HU, ONE LINE AT A TIME.
When you start up, you get the first line of the Dension iPod "Splash screen" --
"WARNING!" (you know the rest)
From there, CD6 will bring up the Dension UI on your HU. Cycle up/down with taps on trk advance, hold to select. There is additional functionality, but it's a tad difficult at first. No documentation currently available from Dension, but you can now browse via artist, play albums, and genre browse. So, when you see "Artists", "Play Album", and such, you are browsing the iPod. CD1-5 still seem to access playlists correctly. When in play, ID3 tag info will still appear on iPod screen, just like before, in same good ol' Dension UI. Just no IceLink menu options anymore. I would go straight to iPod UI, and leave it there, personally.
Thanks for the help, but as I said my HU is from July '04 (still a 2005 model though). Yours was built in March 2005. That is where I believe the problem is for situations like mine.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
