Connecting iPhone/iPod R56 1st POST!

[tomstroud]

Hello all,

This is my first post! Hurray!

I am trying to connect my apple devices to the Mini One with a cable I bought on eBay. I have tried two different ones but neither of them carry out the desired function. I'm wondering if this is even possible? The cable both claim to be original 'Y' cables suitable for MINIs and BMWs. When I plug one cable into the USB and aux sockets there is an option to connect to IPOD on the screen but when attempting this an error message saying that this cable is not supported comes up. The other cable I bought doesn't even give me the option of connecting to an IPOD.

I want to be able to control and select tracks from my music libraries directly from the MINI audio console rather than from the device itself. Also so it displays track info on the radio screen rather than just "Aux".

I have successfully played audio through the aux input from both iPhone and iPod but not yet figured out the way to achieve full connectivity!

Any help most appreciated please.


Thanks,

Tom

[creedR56]

It seems to be hit and miss with the unofficial cables (even if the ebay advert claims they are original), so either you can try another cable or bite the bullet and shell out the £40 for the official one, which does work.

[bigry]

I just use the standard white Apple USB cable and it works a treat for me.

[tomstroud]

Thanks for your replies.

bigry: I tried using the white apple cable to no avail. Can you let me know what you are able to achieve using the white cable? Thanks.

[bigry]

Hi Tom,

I don't do anything special.

On my Nav screen I just go into CD/Multimedia and then select my iPod. For the record i'm using two iPods, a Generation 3 and and Gen 6 Nano. What iPod are you trying to use as i'm not sure that all are supported.

Also, what year is your car ? Mines an October 2010.

I've posted the pics so you can see what I see.

Cheers
Ryan

[bigry]

Sorry Tom, I forgot to answer your actual question.

I can do everything using the cable, I get full iPod functionality. From the MFSW buttons or the main console buttons I can flick through albums and artists, select playlist, search for songs.....absolutely everything plus the iPod charges too.

Cheers
Ryan

[tomstroud]

Quote: Originally Posted by bigry (original)

Hi Tom,

I don't do anything special.

On my Nav screen I just go into CD/Multimedia and then select my iPod. For the record i'm using two iPods, a Generation 3 and and Gen 6 Nano. What iPod are you trying to use as i'm not sure that all are supported.

Also, what year is your car ? Mines an October 2010.

I've posted the pics so you can see what I see.

Cheers
Ryan

Thanks for the pics, sadly I don't have connected, just a boost radio DAB system with USB and aux in the central area by the switches.

I have tried using an iPhone 4S, iPod Classic 4th Gen, iPod nano 4th Gen. None behaved differently, all did not connect! I can try with an iPhone 3GS and an iPod nano 6th Gen when my wife is around and see if that works but I'm somewhat dubious. Is it worth getting the MINI garage to take a look? Firmware in the car? Or just try one of their official cables...

I feel like paying £40 for a bit of wire is a bit much!

Thanks.

[tomstroud]

Oh, our mini is a March 2011 One.

[chatuge]

Had similar issues this week on my M3 (still BMW unit so should be same!) I have found out there are 2 types of Y cable from BMW now. One for later models. If you have a more recent mini then go see BMW as you will need the AV Ycable which is their new wired one.

[Platty]

I'm just starting down this road also. Can anyone confirm the audio is sent via the 3.5mm jack only?

If so, whats the sound quality like?

[Dermottdog]

Hello
I have just got a 'Y' cable. £42.96 inc VAT. It does the following:- Charges the iPhone/iPod, displays the track name on the radio screen (it is a radio boost model radio) and controls the music, volume, track selection etc via the radio rather than the phone or iPod. As already said, the cheap 'Y' cables are very hit and miss. The cable is not just a cable, it must have electronic circuits built in which is why the cheap imitation ones don't always work.
The part number on my cable is B61.12.0.440.812

A bit of extra info. I have a snap in adaptor, the base model version. This is not much more than a glorified charger. Unless you go for more expensive snap in adaptor, the 'Y' cable is all you need.