i-pod connection

[DirtyBlackLotus]

I've just ordered a MCSC and was going to spec an i-pod connector for the glove box from the options list at a cost of £40. The dealer said that this was unavailable but could be done after delivery for £150ish. Has anyone managed to get the £40 brochure option fitted in the UK?

[customcascade]

Very interesting!!!
I haven't seen this brochure reference. I'm about to spend £200 on the ipod instillation which i had been led to believe was a 'dealer fit' option only?
I see no one has replied to say they have got this option as a factorry fit?
Which brochure contains it?
It's not on the 'mini.co.uk' website , is it?
Have you learnt anymore??
Cheers

[Minty]

never seen it in the spec list

[rentagas]

Perhaps they were referring to an "aux in" socket install. Of course the ipod installation is £200, a dealer fit and allows the ipod to be controlled as if it were a CD changer, the aux in is simply an audio connection. Whilst I have never seen the aux in connection as an official option I assumed it was available in the UK. Nevertheless it is available aftermarket and is apparently easy to fit. The official ipod kit is good but navigation is not what it could be.

[am0eba]

Both the Aux input and the iPod interface appear in the US 2005 "MINI Motoring Accessories You-Ification Workbook", which lists Factory and dealer add-ons. As far as I know, both of these are dealer options here. I got the iPod interface and it works as advertised, the only real drawback being that the display and controls on the iPod itself are disabled while it is connected to the MINI.

_Dave_

[blaubaer75]

Hello, I'm a MINIdriver from Switzerland. Yesterday I installed this AUX Cable Package for my MINI and my iPod MINI (you see, I like MINI.. ) When I connected all stuff, I was not able to choose the AUX "Line" on my Radio/CD Unit...there is only Radio and CD displayed..what I'm doing wrong?????

I got one of the first MINIs ever made and also the "old" designed Radio/CD Player, but I think, when there is a AUX Port, then I should be able to choose it, or what do you think?....

All the best and kind regards
Andy

[stephenjc]

Quote: Originally Posted by blaubaer75

Hello, I'm a MINIdriver from Switzerland. Yesterday I installed this AUX Cable Package for my MINI and my iPod MINI (you see, I like MINI.. ) When I connected all stuff, I was not able to choose the AUX "Line" on my Radio/CD Unit...there is only Radio and CD displayed..what I'm doing wrong?????

I got one of the first MINIs ever made and also the "old" designed Radio/CD Player, but I think, when there is a AUX Port, then I should be able to choose it, or what do you think?....

All the best and kind regards
Andy

I have an 05 MCS with HK and an ipod adapter. First I think if I did it over again I would get the aux instead of the ipod adapter and there are a few who would agree with me. The aux allows full navigation on the ipod whereas the ipod adapter has very limited navigation and no song/artist display. I think the aux is also less expensive.

As I understand it, both the ipod adapter and the aux are connected through the CD changer connection so when using the aux or ipod adapter it will display CD on the head unit.

[rentagas]

Displays "CDC" with the ipod adapter vs "CD" when playing a CD

[blaubaer75]

oh cool, I will check that out tonight - hope it will work

Thanks guys, I'll give you some more infos

[jason2025]

I have a 2003 MCS and we just fitted the official iPod adaptor. Canadian cost for the part was $200.00 and I, with the help of my car-stereo installer housemate, installed it ourselves. Took about half an hour, not a complicated job really if you follow the directions properly.

I considered the AUX in route and mounting the iPod somewhere but I wanted it out of sight and for my needs, the playlists work just fine. Of course, as I've mentioned before, I purposely bought a damaged iPod off eBay with a broken screen that works fine otherwise, perfect for mounting out of sight in the glovebox.

Cheers.

J\

[xmrcx]

I guess there are pros and cons for both the AUX and the iPod adapter:

Two big ones for the iPod adapter are 1) That it charges your iPod's battery (I think) and 2) You can control the iPod with your stereo (even if you can't see the songs it's nice to control the volume via the stereo and/or your steering wheel if applicable).

Two big ones for the AUX are 1) That you can plug any other MP3 players in case you have other devices or you decide to switch eventually (more flexibility) and 2) It is less expensive.

Anyone else have any other pros/cons from experience?

[Eric_Rowland]

Quote: Originally Posted by blaubaer75

I got one of the first MINIs ever made and also the "old" designed Radio/CD Player, but I think, when there is a AUX Port, then I should be able to choose it, or what do you think?....

I believe the '02 players are incapable of utilizing the Aux. input. They have a spot for it, but as you have found, it doesn't work. I have a friend with an '02 that has the same issue. You'll need to get an '03 head unit to utilize the Aux. input.

[stephenjc]

Quote: Originally Posted by xmrcx

I guess there are pros and cons for both the AUX and the iPod adapter:

Two big ones for the iPod adapter are 1) That it charges your iPod's battery (I think) and 2) You can control the iPod with your stereo (even if you can't see the songs it's nice to control the volume via the stereo and/or your steering wheel if applicable).

Two big ones for the AUX are 1) That you can plug any other MP3 players in case you have other devices or you decide to switch eventually (more flexibility) and 2) It is less expensive.

Anyone else have any other pros/cons from experience?

Your number 2 for the ipod adapter is viewed by many as a con for the ipod and the pro for the aux is that you can continue to navigate the ipod through the ipod. To me the biggest pro for the ipod adapter is the one you mentioned about charging.

[wilsondavidp]

If you build your MINI throught the MINI website they allow you to have both the AUX and the IPOD adaptor built in to the vehicle. But, I thought there was only one input in the back of the head unit. Any one tried to install both. The AUX would be great for a satellite radio!

Dave

[stephenjc]

Quote: Originally Posted by wilsondavidp

If you build your MINI throught the MINI website they allow you to have both the AUX and the IPOD adaptor built in to the vehicle. But, I thought there was only one input in the back of the head unit. Any one tried to install both. The AUX would be great for a satellite radio!

Dave

Yes, and I did that on the web site but when i ordered they told me it can't be done. It is one or the other, not both.