I have installed the iPod adapter in my MINI. So far it has been a GREAT improvement over using the aux input. I set up the playlists by genre with about 300-500 songs in each. I thought the installation was easy. It took about one hour. The install is not recommended for those who are not comfortable removing their stereo or have not had no experience with electrical connectors.
PROS:
The biggest advantage-->I never have to touch the iPod. You turn on your radio, change the mode, and your iPod goes into play. You change modes or turn off your MINI and the iPod pauses and goes into a charge mode.
I can access the music I want to listen quicker.
CONS:
The head unit only displays playlist - track number (ex. CD 2 - 52).
You need to turn on random play (RND) everytime you change to iPod mode.
In RND the track numbers are still sequencial (52, 53, 54...)