[digitaldave]

I've recently ordered my new Mini Cooper, and went with the Radio Boost option with singel CD player. I'd like to connect my iPod, but I'm not sure what options I have. Could someone let me know if the radio boost/single cd player can take:

a) Denison Ice Link
b) Aux input cable

Also, is it eaasy to fit the cables? I don't want a dash mount, as there is an iPod holder that fits in a cup holder that I would like to use, so it would be OK to have the cables coming out at the bottom of the centre console.

Thanks,

Dave.

[duncanbanana]

I have a 2003 Cooper S with Boost and H/K and i bought an Aux cable from BMW (£45) that plugs in the back of the Boost radio and i have run a cable out form behind the cigarrete lighter (there are vents there and a cable fits easily through) I have an Ipod also (old one) and it has an Iskin on it (rubber jacket) and it sits very nice and snug in the cup holder in front of the cigarrete lighter (rubber jacket stops it from moving). I also bought an Infra red remote control which i use to control it but ive heard that this can be done using the multi function steering wheel by using a different control unit Hope this has been somne help

[digitaldave]

duncanbanana,

Thanks for the quick reply Duncan .

Is the H/K a replacement head unit, or just the speakers? I'm only getting the Boost upgrade and the regular single CD head unit, so I need to make sure that it has the aux input.

How difficult is it to get to the back of the radio?

Dave.

[duncanbanana]

The H/K system used the Boost head unit and there is an anp in the back of the Mini which powers H/K speakers.
To get the head unit out is a little difficult but there are plenty of threads on here which run through the proceedure of how to do it. Basically you have to remove the silver pillars to get to the screws which hold the head unit in . But to get the silver pillars off you have to loosen the plastic surround of the gear lever , there are screws in both the cup holders in front of the cigarette lighter and screws underneath the button which moves the wing mirror (this can be removed by just uncliping in using a flat blade screwdriver and a bit of care) The silver pillars are held on by 2 screws (which are torque heads) the pillars are easily scratched so care is needed when removing these .

Here are some links reguarding the Aux Cable

http://www.mini2.com/forum/interior-ice/36298-european-aux-adapter-assembly-tips.html

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...&highlight=aux

[mikeythemini]

The ice link will fit all boost units providing you don't have a cd changer
Mike

[duncanbanana]

Quote: Originally Posted by mikeythemini

The ice link will fit all boost units providing you don't have a cd changer
Mike

Oh forgot to mention, mikey the mini is your man for all your audio needs and much more. Top bloke for ICE and radars and all kinds plus electric folding mirrors

[Aqualung]

Just be aware that there is a 3rd option, an FM transmitter. I personally am not using it as quality, especially in urban areas where spare frequencies are rare, is not good. But there are some that swear by 'em. You can do a search for Griffin here, or go to www.ipodlounge.com to find out more info.

I personally have the AUX input, paid the extra $$$ for a dealer install and they put it into the left silver pillar and I use the Belkin car charger which has a powered 3.5mm out (assuming you have a 3G iPod) it works great as the distance between the 12V and the AUX input is slight.

[duncanbanana]

Quote: Originally Posted by Aqualung

Just be aware that there is a 3rd option, an FM transmitter. I personally am not using it as quality, especially in urban areas where spare frequencies are rare, is not good. But there are some that swear by 'em. You can do a search for Griffin here, or go to www.ipodlounge.com to find out more info.

I personally have the AUX input, paid the extra $$$ for a dealer install and they put it into the left silver pillar and I use the Belkin car charger which has a powered 3.5mm out (assuming you have a 3G iPod) it works great as the distance between the 12V and the AUX input is slight.

Ive had all kinds of FM transmitters inc the Griffin one , they are all no good , ver poor quality in my opinion, you get too much interference. The best way like Aqualung said is ato hard wire it

[trek]

Quote: Originally Posted by daveabrey

Is the H/K a replacement head unit, or just the speakers? I'm only getting the Boost upgrade and the regular single CD head unit, so I need to make sure that it has the aux input.

How difficult is it to get to the back of the radio?

Dave.

I have the Boost with single CD head unit, car build date was Feb 2003. It does have the aux input - I know cos I just installed it!

You're in the UK so you've got a right hand drive like me. All you need to do is take out the glove box (5 torx screws) and reach behind the head unit to plug the aux connector in. There is no need to actually take out the head unit etc. I didn't use the little face plate they supplied so my cable is just running down the side of the head unit into the area behind the cupholders. Using the aux face plate requires drilling so that's a little more work.

[digitaldave]

Quote: Originally Posted by trek

I have the Boost with single CD head unit, car build date was Feb 2003. It does have the aux input - I know cos I just installed it!

You're in the UK so you've got a right hand drive like me. All you need to do is take out the glove box (5 torx screws) and reach behind the head unit to plug the aux connector in. There is no need to actually take out the head unit etc. I didn't use the little face plate they supplied so my cable is just running down the side of the head unit into the area behind the cupholders. Using the aux face plate requires drilling so that's a little more work.

trek,

That sounds good, I'm planning to get the Belkin TuneDok to hold the iPod in one of the cup holders, so having the cable available down there will be perfect.

Cheers,

Dave.