[Solved] Finding the good reference of iPhone snap-in for your Mini model

[kasimodem]

EDIT : if you look for the snap-in references, see my answer number 11 later in this thread.

Hello all,

I have a 2009 Mini with central armrest where I can insert a phone and control my music on the Mini screen with a snap-in.

I bought the snap-in for iPhone 3GS in 2009 and I could control my music on the Mini screen.
I just got the new iPhone 4S with iOS 5 so I bought the iPhone 4 snap-in but I can't control the music anymore, the iPhone doesn't appear on the screen.
I tried with a friend's iPhone 4, it doesn't work too, but he has upgraded his iPhone 4 in iOS 5. So I think it's more an iOS 5 issue than a phone model problem.

My Mini is a 2009 model, which means it's not equiped with the news 2011 Connect system, I have the previous version, it has less functions but has always worked fine.

Has anyone got successfull music control from an iOS 5 iPhone and a snap-in in it's Mini ? If yes, via Connected system (models 2011 and more) or previous ?

Thanks for help.

[timp]

My understanding was that there were 3 iPhone 4 snap-ins (which I must admit I presumed would be for a pre-Connected car) and only 1 actually worked to control the music (others simply charged or did video too??). Will be interested in how this thread pans out as I have a 4S on order and was planning on getting new snap-in.

[scillyisles]

I have Iphone 4S and bought the 390 armrest snapin last week - works fine with Mini Connected. Have not tried it yet with music as I have not yet loaded any music onto the Iphone but it recognises the Iphone as a music device and brings up the control screen fine but as there is no music to play it does not do any more. I suspect the problem you have is related to the Snap in and not to Io5.

[drewbles]

I had various issues with snap-in's. My dealer tried two, an 'Audio' one and two 'Media' ones. The third one worked and is labeled as 'Media' but does not play videos (no big deal) although album artwork is just fine. It's just a shame there's no mini connected in AU

[kasimodem]

OK so the news is that there is more than one iPhone 4 snap-in references and some are compatible with Connected system, others not.
As I don't have the video function, I just want to read my playlists, so I guess I don't have the good reference for my model.
I'll look at it tonight and will try to post a photo, it could help some people.

[timp]

The part number is probably more useful as I'd expect them to look pretty much the same anyway. There is a post on here that lists the various part numbers and what they do (or more accurately don't do!)

[kasimodem]

OK you gave me a clue, and I found a link in another post which show my snap-in. It's said it's for Connected models (2011 and more), so not for my 2009.

So the good question now will be : what is the snap-in for older models ? I'm googling

[timp]

Let us all know the result!

[outpost]

I have the iPhone 4 Snap-in connector (Media), which does work with the Sat-Nav system (not all the time ..... sometimes it will just not recognise it) and will even play movies. However, it does not work with Mini Connected, so I pretty much stick with the Y cable most of the time, which works 100%.
So overall a pretty expensive armrest !
(2011 MCS with Full Media Pack)

[timp]

Am I right in saying the Y-cable is a bit of a compromise in terms of audio quality? (uses the 3.5mm analogue connection rather than the digital one??)

[kasimodem]

OK I finally have my answers, it was long to find on the web, but BMW did not help me at all, I guess I will have to inform them about their own products !

So here are all the models and references of iPhone snap-in. They are from the BMW catalog, but references are the same for Mini :

For vehicles without link or Music Player in mobile section :
- Snap-in adapter, Basic for IPHONE 2G ref 84109182792
- Snap-in adapter, Basic for IPHONE 4 ref 84212199389
- Snap-in adapter, Basic for IPHONE 3G/3GS ref 84212158682
This one only charge the iPhone, no music control, but you have the benefit of the external car antenna for your calls (need bluetooth option for calls), for old Mini models I guess.

For vehicles with link, Music Player in mobile section but without Combox :
- Snap-in adapter, Music for IPHONE 4 ref 84212199390
- Snap-in adapter, Music for IPHONE 3G/3GS ref 84212158683
- Snap-in adapter, Music for IPHONE 2G ref 84109164213
- Snap-in adapter, Music for IPOD TOUCH ref 84212162534
This one is for Mini prior to 2011 with music controled. There seems to exist 2 versions of each reference, first is standard, second has a built in ventilator because the iPhone becomes hot. Refs are -01 or -02, ex. iPhone 4 model with ventilator is 84212199390-02.

For vehicles with link, Music Player in mobile section, Combox and BMW Apps :
- Snap-in adapter for media for IPHONE 4 ref 84212218390
- Snap-in adapter for media for IPHONE 3G/3GS ref 84212218391
This one is for 2011 Mini with Connected system.

For vehicles with link, Music Player in mobile section, Combox but without BMW Apps :
- Snap-in adapter for media for IPHONE 4 ref 84212199392
- Snap-in adapter for media for IPHONE 3G/3GS ref 84219229004
Not sure, maybe new 2011 models without the Connected option.

All models of iPhone and all references of Mini are covered, so don't let your dealer tell you it doesn't exist or give you the wrong adapter because he don't know its products

EDIT : I renamed the thread

[timp]

Kasimodem,

Which one did you get for your 2009 car?

I've got my 4S now and am gonna need the snap-in for my 2009 too. Either that or I'm gonna look at modifying the 3G one that I have already (assuming I'll only need to make it physically fit)

[fr8d]

Hi everyone,

I own a 2011 Mini Cooper S Convertible equipped with Mini Connected. I have access to all multimedia functions using the Y Cable but can't use the "plugin" function (which would let me stream music through the snapin) with the snapin.

Is this a limitation of the snapin or is my snapin the wrong one or faulty ?

I have already tried 3 different snapins: the first one would only charge my iPhone 4 and the other 2 would let me use the Apps but no plugin function.

Unfortunately connecting my iPhone 4 with the Y Cable or Snapin disables bluetooth music audio streaming so connecting my iPhone in the Snapin (which is the most convenient thing to do for a long drive) doesn't let me play music (something I can actually with the Y Cable).

Thanks for your feedback.

Fred

[creedR56]

Useful info in this thread, thanks. I'm curious tho, how does the snapin work? Is it wired to the console or does it transmit music via bluetooth?

If it's wired why doesnt it work exactly like the Y-splitter cable and also do video?

and does anyone know if the iphone 4 works with a 3G snap-in or if u have to be specific (iphone 3 is bigger than 4).

[fr8d]

It's wired.

As for the snapin:
It replicates most functionalities (Apps, Webradios etc.) besides what they call "snapin" which lets the user stream audio via USB. I found a way to make it work but can't skip songs or change playlists which I can do via the plugin function only accessible through the Y Cable (interestingly I own a BMW X6 as well and I have the exact opposite problem in the X6: plugin function available via snapin but not using a USB dock cable).

I don't think the iPhone 4 would fit in the iPhone 3G snapin...