[Jaws]

I'm about ready to custom order my new MINI, and had a few questions I've come across in my research:

HK Stereo Inputs: How many auxiliary inputs can you connect to the HK stero? For example, could you have an OEM aux jack, sirius satellite radio, and bluetooth phone system connected at the same time? How about if you had navi built-in?


iPod Adapter: I've read some reviews that people typically prefer the IceLink over the BMW OEM adapter. Will the IceLink Plus work with the MINI, and what features would be available (mfsw controls, ID3 tag displays, etc.). I've read that the IceLink doesn't display ID3 tags (and that BMW's didn't either?), but wondered if the update available for BMW listed on the IceLink site for displaying tags on the stereo would work in the MINI? Depending on the HU input availability, I may just go with connecting my iPod via an aux jack instead of a distinct iPod system.


Bluetooth Phone Features: I've read that the mfsw phone controls don't work with the built-in MINI bluetooth module on sale in the US? Is MINI USA not selling the newer module in the US yet, and is it available in Europe? If you order one from the factory, would it come with the newer system? Also, I've read that phone support is very limited. I currently have a Ericsson T610, but am upgrading soon to probably a new Nokia? Is there a list of phones that work with the new oem system, and if a newer phone doesn't work, what's the likelihood that there will be a software update to get it to work (or will the system pretty much not work with newer phones)? Also, I was told by the dealer that the MINI had a built-in mic, in which case can you use it instead of the external mic if retrofitting bluetooth into the MINI with Mikey's kit? And finally, what features are available with the new OEM system, as opposed to Mikey's retrofit (ex. caller ID display, phonebook display, voice activated calling, remote answer, etc.)?

Sirius Satellite Radio: Does the stock oem satellite radio display song information on the stereo display, and is it controllable via the mfsw? Can XM be used instead of Sirius with the built-in stereo (just adding a XM receiver)? Also, where is the satellite receiver on the MINI located?

Thanks for any help you can provide!
-Jeff

[Mini4Cathy]

If you have the ICE-Link for your iPod, that takes the place of a CD Changer, so you'd still have the AUX port open. It has more features than the BMW-iPod integration, and more issues. (I'm thinking of passing on the iPod and integrating a Mac Mini instead.)

The BMW Bluetooth integration is crap, forget it. If you get one of MikeyTheMini's phone kits it will integrate with the Nav screen and mute the speakers when you're using the phone. I think it also takes advantage of the MFSW buttons. The Aux port would still be open.

Someone else would have to tell you how Sirius / XM integrate. The portable units typically use FM transmission to send audio to your stereo, which is not ideal but serviceable, or the AUX port might be a better option.

Paul

[jwardell]

I beleive the AUX port is independant of anything, and can always be added.

The Nav and Satellite share the same, so you can only have one or the other.

And I think the phone also has its own, but I'm not sure.

I thought the ice-link used the satellite connector but maybe its the CD changer connector.

[Bugged]

Quote: Originally Posted by jwardell

I beleive the AUX port is independant of anything, and can always be added.

The Nav and Satellite share the same, so you can only have one or the other.

And I think the phone also has its own, but I'm not sure.

I thought the ice-link used the satellite connector but maybe its the CD changer connector.

Not completely true. The radio has enough inputs for both Nav and Satellite radio, the problem is that MINI doesn't make an antenna that can accomodate both. The only way to get the MINI OEM Sirius system is to hack in your own antenna.

You may be able to get Aux, Sirius, and MINI iPod adapter to play with each other. It depends on how the iPod adapter connects to the system. If the iPod adapter uses the CD Changer harness in the boot, it's not problem, otherwise you may need to hack some connectors, but even then you may not have the needed pins free in the connectors.

In my 05 with HK I have AUX, MINI Sirius, Sony HCB-300 Bluetooth kit and ICELink, all connected to the stereo.

The HCB-300 is connected using the harness from newministuff.com, and the ICELink is connected to the CD Changer wiring with a patch cable available from BMW. It is actually connected the the CD CHanger input port on the Sirius tuner in the boot.

ICELink does display ID3 tags on most if not all MINIs built AFTER Jan 05. However, it's not a real intuitive system, mainly because of the limitations placed on it by the MINI HU. Plus there is a bit of a delay between button presses on the HU and when you get a response from the iPod. Sound quality is fantastic, but it takes A LOT of concentration to navigate the ICELink,

[Jaws]

Does the MINI bluetooth kit sold in Europe integrate with the phone buttons on the MFSW or does it use the external controller like the US? Does the 2005 MINI have a built-in microphone, or do you have to use an external one?

Also, does Mikey's kit feature voice recognition and all the other features of the US OEM kit (w/ external controller), but just has a more integrated design and uses the MFSW controls?

[Bugged]

Quote: Originally Posted by Jaws

Does the MINI bluetooth kit sold in Europe integrate with the phone buttons on the MFSW or does it use the external controller like the US? Does the 2005 MINI have a built-in microphone, or do you have to use an external one?

Also, does Mikey's kit feature voice recognition and all the other features of the US OEM kit (w/ external controller), but just has a more integrated design and uses the MFSW controls?

From what I've heard the European one is fully integrated.

It's a seperate microphone, but it's usually placed in the panel that looks like a vent in your headliner between the front seats, the one that's off to the right side of the car. Some dealers will install the mike on top of that panel for better performance however.

[Bugged]

Quote: Originally Posted by Jaws

Also, does Mikey's kit feature voice recognition and all the other features of the US OEM kit (w/ external controller), but just has a more integrated design and uses the MFSW controls?

All BT kits have voice recognition, whether it works depends more on whether or not your phone supports it and not the kit.

And to the second question, the parrot kit he sells integrates with the MFSW so no controller is needed...

[Jaws]

Quote: Originally Posted by Bugged

From what I've heard the European one is fully integrated.

It's a seperate microphone, but it's usually placed in the panel that looks like a vent in your headliner between the front seats, the one that's off to the right side of the car. Some dealers will install the mike on top of that panel for better performance however.

I went to my dealer, and was told they were expecting the new integrated MINI bluetooth kit anytime and that it used the built-in microphone that's been standard on all new MINI's built since Jan 2005. The microphone is by the map lights.

Has anyone used the new bluetooth system in Europe, and can comment on how it works? Does it display caller id or phonebook informaton on the head unit? BTW, does Mikey's retrofit kit display this information?

[twig]

Quote: Originally Posted by Jaws

Bluetooth Phone Features:

Sirius Satellite Radio: Can XM be used instead of Sirius with the built-in stereo (just adding a XM receiver)? Also, where is the satellite receiver on the MINI located?
Thanks for any help you can provide!
-Jeff

Get a Motorola BT unit. If you have cingular, just click on their website for in car kits and follow the links. They came to your house to install and it works like a charm. I even had the mike installed where the factory mike would go. see

As for XM radio, get XMdirect box and a blitzsafe adapter. Adapter and XM box go in the boot in the right side cubby hole. They hook up to the CD changer harness and magically work. No power connections, no nothing. Just routing the antenna to roof. The head unit does display "SIRIUS" but just ignore that its really XM.

XM cost me, installed maybe $300. That and BT were the best investments.

have fun