Comments on: The Future of the MINI & the iPod

By: R

Thu, 27 May 2004 22:39:17 +0000

Thanks Gabe that helped…R

By: Gabe

Gabe — Thu, 27 May 2004 21:02:25 +0000

R – here's a full review that should answer all your questions: http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/02/09/densionice-linkreview.

The short answer is yes you can control the iPod through the MFSW and it works on 2002-2005 radios.

By: R

Thu, 27 May 2004 20:54:08 +0000

I've tried the irock with limited success the itrip with almost no success. I tried to get an ICE-link and I'm still waiting for that.

I have a 2002 MCS with MFSW will the ICE-Link connect into that and allow me to use the MFSW to adjust, sound level, change tracks ETC, on my mini ipod? So it sits as I don't think you should drive with head phones.

No one, even the dealer, has ever been able to tell me if a newer MINI radio wouldwork with my 2002 car. If it did then I would just do that...R

By: Philip

Philip — Thu, 27 May 2004 17:47:06 +0000

Personally I'll go for the ICE-Link solution once my Mini is delivered.

However, if you want to check a quite nice and probably cheaper and easier Belkin integration, here is a link: http://forum.mini2ig.de/viewtopic.php?t=9763 (Scroll down to see the pictures).

This is a post on a German Mini Site. The person used the Belkin CarAdapter along with an iSkinExo2 cover and clip, which he bolted to the dash with a single screw mount.

By: Frank

Frank — Thu, 27 May 2004 16:10:29 +0000

I am very interested in the Alpine MP3 solution as it seems more transparent than the Dension Ice-link setup.

However, the Alpine website does not specify whether their integration will work with Alpine OEM factory stereos such as ours (Alpine/BMW GROUP Model CD35 R50).

I will give them a call today to find out more details.

By: Gabe

Gabe — Thu, 27 May 2004 06:52:02 +0000

Of course my current preferred method of iPod intregration is the ICE-Link which I reviewed this past winter: Dension Ice Link. Until the Alpine unit comes out it's really ultimate solution out there.

By: Unxmaal

Unxmaal — Thu, 27 May 2004 06:37:06 +0000

I'm just waiting for the Alpine iPod-link that's "due in late summer". We'll see.

For now I recommend using the Belkin DC adapter, because it has an aux-out built into it, and will amp that output. Plug its dock connector into your iPod, then run an aux cable from the built-in aux port to the dealer-installed aux port in the glovebox.

Since you've already blown a wad of cash on an iPod, blow $40 more for an iPod remote. Hide the iPod in the glovebox, and run the remote out to the console. I normally clip the remote to my pants so it's within easy reach while driving. You'll be able to pause and skip tracks using the remote, and you can adjust the volume with the steering wheel controls [if you've got that option].

This setup has worked pretty well for me for a few weeks so far. Next up will be to clean up the cable runs so they're not so conspicuous.

By: Dillon

Dillon — Thu, 27 May 2004 06:07:39 +0000

...well,I hope you're right Gabe. I had to have Hank Arron MINI in Atlanta to install one(mp3 player adaptor)in my '03 Pepper White MC. Too bad they won't make this an option/or standard on the '05 models. Oh well,it won't stop me from getting the Cabrio MCS at the end of this year.