[Tom78]

Haven't visited these forums in a while, so I'm a bit out of touch.

I've got a 54 plate MINI Cooper, with a standard Radio Boost fitted. I'm looking to get my Ipod integrated (i.e. can be controlled by the headset) up into this setup, which I assume (?) requires me to purchase a new stereo. If that's the case, I have the following requirements:

- Must fit with the current interior decor i.e. amber lit etc...
- Must allow me to control the Ipod from the headset, and store the Ipod in the glove box. (it should also charge the ipod)
- Must be able to get it fitted professionally (as I'll probably mess it up )

If I'm replacing the stereo, DAB and bluetooth would be nice (although I think last time I looked at this, Mikey talked me out of DAB, as the technology was becoming outdated).

Anyone got any suggestions?

[mikeythemini]

WHat is thebuild date of your Mini?

[oldnell]

I bought the Dension 300 kit and Bluetooth module from Mikey and have found it to be excellent. I went for the 300 model as I wanted to use a USB memory stick, so another model might be right for you.

My summary would be -- excellent product let down slightly by a poorly-written manual. The navigation of tracks is slightly fiddly and I wish that I could reassign the buttons to give me folder up or down functions with a single button-press. Apart from that, it's a very clever piece of kit.

As an aside, DAB was out of date when it was launched, but I don't know of anything coming out to replace it in the UK in the near future. I've heard it said that the MPEG2 codec that DAB uses offers poor compression, but is far less susceptible to poor reception than other more modern codecs are. Not sure if that's true, but it seemed a valid argument at the time.

[Tom78]

Quote: Originally Posted by mikeythemini (original)

WHat is thebuild date of your Mini?

Nov' 04

[adam_Randell]

I found Alpine to be the best for the iPod interface - can change the colour of back light too! could have it matching to your mood lights if you have them!

[humph]

Another vote for the Dension Gateway 300 here. Great piece of kit. My only complaint is that when you scroll through artists it can be labourious (especially if you ahve compilations) scrolling A-Z. A software re-write so you get the option of jumpin A-C, D-F etc. would be nice. Overall a great piece of kit that displays track names etc and is fully controlled through the headunit or MFSW. The 300 gives you the option of connecting via ipod, USB or 3.5mm jack. But if all you want is the ipod then the Gateway 100 is probably the one for you. My ipod is in the little cubby hole between the steering wheel and the door.

Oh and they are very easy to fit if you can follow these easy instructions for removing the radio

NewMINIStuff.com DIY Guides

[oldnell]

Spot on, Humph. There are quite a few things I would change about the way the buttons work. A few things just don't seem to have been thought through properly and the documentation doesn't help, but I'm glad I went for it.

I just wish you could stick a configuration text file on your iPod or memory stick that let you configure the buttons how you want them.

Oh, and since applying the firmware update that fixed the Bluetooth issue, it now doesn't start playing music every time I start the car (turning the stereo off and on makes it work again) and also it randomly cuts out for 7-10 seconds at a time.

However, the support is fantastic and with my Bluetooth issue they answered my questions and provided a firmware update over a weekend.

Oli