[suntigen]

All:

I'm sure this has been asked and answered 100's of times in lots of separate places... but I'm gonna ask it here in one place.

I just bought a beautiful 2005 MINI Cooper S Convertible. It is loaded with Navigation, HK Audio, Sport, Premium, Cold Weather, Convenience, and Limited Slip Diff.

Here's the thing. I would like to James-Bondify this beast. I like adding features, but I don't like it to be obvious that I have. The features I'm looking for are:

Bluetooth Hands-Free Kit (integrated to stereo, Nav, and MFSW controls)
Sirius Satellite Radio
iPod Interface which displays my songs either on the radio or Nav display
Aux Input
Alarm System which is integrated to my existing Key Fob

All of these additions need to be 100% non-obvious to a casual observer. I don't really want to change out my head unit (although if that's the only way to go, so be it), or have any additional screens (ala the Tom Tom). Any human interface interaction should be done with the existing radio, Nav or MFSW controls (with the possible exception of a bluetooth "pairing button" which would have to be added).

I've searched these forums, and I've found mentions of ICELink from Denison, and I've found references to MINI parts on MINI USA's website. What I'm trying to understand is what are the limits? Can I have all of this simultaneously? If so, what EXACTLY do I need to buy? If not... where are the choices?

Also... I'm in the NYC metro area... and if there are any skilled installers around (there has to be, right?)... I'd love to know who they are. I'm new to the MINI family... but I'm smiling allot more lately.

Thanks to everyone in advance for their assistance. Motor on!

- matthewk (MSK2)

[bigturtle]

Oooh, watching this with interest. I'm curious to find out which is the best bluetooth kit that will enable full interfacing with the 3 spoke MFSW with phone buttons, HK sound and do decent voice dialling. Come on folks - who likes what?

[indimini]

If you want a stealthy aux port installation, I would say you should first install the parcel shelf. Then you can put the aux jack on the back wall of the shelf. Anything you want to connect can sit on the shelf w/o it being visible. I did that in my MCSC and am very happy with the install.

If you are going the Sirius route, can't you just get it from the dealer? I know there were delays/issues with the sat nav antenna on the convertibles but thought that would have been sorted out by now. Personally, I went the XM route using XMDirect and a Blitzsafe adapter. All of the hardware is very well hidden in the boot and it works with the head unit and MFSW.

Sorry I can't help on the other items. Hope these suggestions are useful.

[suntigen]

Quote: Originally Posted by indimini

If you want a stealthy aux port installation, I would say you should first install the parcel shelf. Then you can put the aux jack on the back wall of the shelf. Anything you want to connect can sit on the shelf w/o it being visible. I did that in my MCSC and am very happy with the install.

Thanks for the suggestion! I just need to find a power source for my iPod, aux accessories.

Quote: Originally Posted by indimini

If you are going the Sirius route, can't you just get it from the dealer? I know there were delays/issues with the sat nav antenna on the convertibles but thought that would have been sorted out by now. Personally, I went the XM route using XMDirect and a Blitzsafe adapter. All of the hardware is very well hidden in the boot and it works with the head unit and MFSW.

I've had XM... I've had Sirius... I don't want to start a war... but I prefer Sirius. I'm concerned if I do the factory install, that I will limit my options on other things I want. I'd like to make sure that I do this right.

Thanks!

- matthewk (MSK2)