Comments on: The iPod/MINI Connector Reviewed http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/07/19/the_ipodmini_connector_reviewed/ MINI Cooper news, reviews and opinion. Sat, 20 Mar 2010 15:20:20 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: iPod’s Death-Token and the Mini-Cooper http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/07/19/the_ipodmini_connector_reviewed/comment-page-4/#comment-257238 iPod’s Death-Token and the Mini-Cooper Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:32:48 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/07/19/#comment-257238 <p>[...] been keeping my eye on the iPod since it has the wicked-cool connector to the Mini Cooper but I’m waiting for the whole process to come down in price before making the move. I hope [...]</p> [...] been keeping my eye on the iPod since it has the wicked-cool connector to the Mini Cooper but I’m waiting for the whole process to come down in price before making the move. I hope [...]

]]> By: Samantha http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/07/19/the_ipodmini_connector_reviewed/comment-page-4/#comment-239037 Samantha Sat, 01 Nov 2008 22:17:45 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/07/19/#comment-239037 <p>I recently bought the ipod adapter for my 2001 330i. Does anyone know how to install it? I cant find intstructions anywhere!</p> I recently bought the ipod adapter for my 2001 330i. Does anyone know how to install it? I cant find intstructions anywhere!

]]> By: NiKo http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/07/19/the_ipodmini_connector_reviewed/comment-page-4/#comment-230032 NiKo Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:20:41 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/07/19/#comment-230032 <p>IT BLOWS!!!!!! People with over a gig of music will never find the track they are looking for.</p> IT BLOWS!!!!!! People with over a gig of music will never find the track they are looking for.

]]> By: Craig http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/07/19/the_ipodmini_connector_reviewed/comment-page-4/#comment-175362 Craig Fri, 09 Nov 2007 10:51:41 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/07/19/#comment-175362 <p>I'm plagued with electronic on my OEM iPod interface. Not loud, mind you, but very annoying. I have a 2006 MC with dealer-installed OEM BMW/MINI iPod interface and with 2 iPods--3rd gen. 40 gig iPod and 2nd gen. Nano iPod, I hear (like Jason) an "annoying noise (whirring, beepy, weird stuff) between songs and into the first 5-10 seconds of each song." Both iPods do it, but I notice it more with the 40 gig than with the 4 gig iPods. Are otherd hearing but tolerating this sound? I hate to. Mentioned above is an inherent flaw in the white cord design (" the white Apple pin connector cord is a problem, as it’s not insulated/grounded properly to avoid some electronic noise"). So does BMW / MINI have a solution for this since 2006? Or should I tolerate the noise. It's just subtle enough that non-audiophiles might not even pick up on it until you pointed it out. Are there cable upgrades since 2oo6? Are other OEM users hearing this sound? Or not? Should I ask them to rewire or upgrade the wire? Thanks, Craig</p> I’m plagued with electronic on my OEM iPod interface. Not loud, mind you, but very annoying. I have a 2006 MC with dealer-installed OEM BMW/MINI iPod interface and with 2 iPods–3rd gen. 40 gig iPod and 2nd gen. Nano iPod, I hear (like Jason) an “annoying noise (whirring, beepy, weird stuff) between songs and into the first 5-10 seconds of each song.” Both iPods do it, but I notice it more with the 40 gig than with the 4 gig iPods. Are otherd hearing but tolerating this sound? I hate to. Mentioned above is an inherent flaw in the white cord design (” the white Apple pin connector cord is a problem, as it’s not insulated/grounded properly to avoid some electronic noise”). So does BMW / MINI have a solution for this since 2006? Or should I tolerate the noise. It’s just subtle enough that non-audiophiles might not even pick up on it until you pointed it out. Are there cable upgrades since 2oo6? Are other OEM users hearing this sound? Or not? Should I ask them to rewire or upgrade the wire? Thanks, Craig

]]> By: Tommy http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/07/19/the_ipodmini_connector_reviewed/comment-page-4/#comment-134058 Tommy Wed, 27 Jun 2007 16:14:39 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/07/19/#comment-134058 <p>Hi all,</p> <p>I have recently purchased the BMW Ipod connector interface from my local dealer and I am having problems installing it. I have removed the head unit and connected the white cable at the back of the head unit but there is nothing happening!</p> <p>There are three small cables which look as if they should be connected somewhere but I am unsure as to where???</p> <p>Can anyone help? My car is a 2001 mini cooper.</p> Hi all,

I have recently purchased the BMW Ipod connector interface from my local dealer and I am having problems installing it. I have removed the head unit and connected the white cable at the back of the head unit but there is nothing happening!

There are three small cables which look as if they should be connected somewhere but I am unsure as to where???

Can anyone help? My car is a 2001 mini cooper.

]]> By: Doug in LA http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/07/19/the_ipodmini_connector_reviewed/comment-page-3/#comment-99744 Doug in LA Sat, 24 Feb 2007 21:41:19 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/07/19/#comment-99744 <p>My question is opposite of anything above (I think). I bought a used 2004 325i with iPod attachment dangling in the glove compartment. But my AM radio reception, which I use while commuting, is next to nil. The dealer says it is that way because the previous (original) owner put tinting on the rear window, covering the built-in radio antenna. Is he telling it like it is, or is the installed iPod, which I will never use, cutting off the AM signal?</p> <p>Right now my solution is to wear a headphone radio, which gets stares, and the reception isn't that great.</p> <p>Any way to bring the AM radio signal into my car without costing very much?</p> <p>Thanks! Doug in LA</p> My question is opposite of anything above (I think). I bought a used 2004 325i with iPod attachment dangling in the glove compartment. But my AM radio reception, which I use while commuting, is next to nil. The dealer says it is that way because the previous (original) owner put tinting on the rear window, covering the built-in radio antenna. Is he telling it like it is, or is the installed iPod, which I will never use, cutting off the AM signal?

Right now my solution is to wear a headphone radio, which gets stares, and the reception isn’t that great.

Any way to bring the AM radio signal into my car without costing very much?

Thanks! Doug in LA

]]> By: Victoria http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/07/19/the_ipodmini_connector_reviewed/comment-page-3/#comment-64031 Victoria Fri, 17 Nov 2006 09:01:38 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/07/19/#comment-64031 <p>I'm currently waiting on the 2007 328xi coupe and I was wondering if it was worth calling up my dealer to ask if they could install something to connect my ipod to the cars music system. But i do have the navigation system and was wondering which people think would be the best option for me. But I live in L.A so, by the sounds of it, the FM adapter doesn't seem like it would be too good, which is a shame cause at home in my mini its fine. But please if anyone has any ideas, they would be appriciated!!!! Cheers</p> I’m currently waiting on the 2007 328xi coupe and I was wondering if it was worth calling up my dealer to ask if they could install something to connect my ipod to the cars music system. But i do have the navigation system and was wondering which people think would be the best option for me. But I live in L.A so, by the sounds of it, the FM adapter doesn’t seem like it would be too good, which is a shame cause at home in my mini its fine. But please if anyone has any ideas, they would be appriciated!!!! Cheers

]]> By: dave http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/07/19/the_ipodmini_connector_reviewed/comment-page-3/#comment-61549 dave Sat, 11 Nov 2006 02:08:25 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/07/19/#comment-61549 <p>I am trying to find out where the cd changer cable is on the Mini Cooper S Convertible with HK HU. Anybody know?</p> I am trying to find out where the cd changer cable is on the Mini Cooper S Convertible with HK HU. Anybody know?

]]> By: taufic http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/07/19/the_ipodmini_connector_reviewed/comment-page-3/#comment-60564 taufic Tue, 07 Nov 2006 20:44:19 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/07/19/#comment-60564 <p>i just have a question for those who have hooked up their ipods on the stock head units. i have an 03 bmw 330i, w/o dsp/ w/o a cd changer, w/ a harmon kardon system. im planning to connect a 30 gb ipod to the stock head unit but am so confused with the tons of aftermarket connectors out there. i saw one running at $100 at a local best buy store in southern california. its iSimple ipod interface for 1997-2005 bmws made by peripheral electronics. does anyone know if this specific connector works on an 03 bmw 330i? if no one has encountered such a product, would anyone suggest a good connector at that? the one with the least complications? would anyone suggest just hooking up a cd/mp3 changer(alpine cha-S634) rather than an ipod interface since ive read a lot of electronic problems with the ipod and head unit? or maybe just simple changing the whole head unit to lets say an alpine 9857 so there wont be a risk of any electrical/electronic issues?</p> i just have a question for those who have hooked up their ipods on the stock head units. i have an 03 bmw 330i, w/o dsp/ w/o a cd changer, w/ a harmon kardon system. im planning to connect a 30 gb ipod to the stock head unit but am so confused with the tons of aftermarket connectors out there. i saw one running at $100 at a local best buy store in southern california. its iSimple ipod interface for 1997-2005 bmws made by peripheral electronics. does anyone know if this specific connector works on an 03 bmw 330i? if no one has encountered such a product, would anyone suggest a good connector at that? the one with the least complications? would anyone suggest just hooking up a cd/mp3 changer(alpine cha-S634) rather than an ipod interface since ive read a lot of electronic problems with the ipod and head unit? or maybe just simple changing the whole head unit to lets say an alpine 9857 so there wont be a risk of any electrical/electronic issues?

]]> By: Steve http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/07/19/the_ipodmini_connector_reviewed/comment-page-3/#comment-55508 Steve Wed, 11 Oct 2006 16:44:05 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/07/19/#comment-55508 <p>This site has the best option for getting an Ipod in a Mini or a BMW. I is a simple direct hookup that charges while it plays and allows you to completely control the Ipod using the actual Ipod or by using the radio buttons. The hookup is very simple - it just attaches to the empty 6 CD changer outlet typically in the trunk or under a seat so you don't have to take out the dashboard usually to hook it up. It's the best deal out there and a snap to hook up and use.</p> <p>http://mp3yourcar.com</p> This site has the best option for getting an Ipod in a Mini or a BMW. I is a simple direct hookup that charges while it plays and allows you to completely control the Ipod using the actual Ipod or by using the radio buttons. The hookup is very simple – it just attaches to the empty 6 CD changer outlet typically in the trunk or under a seat so you don’t have to take out the dashboard usually to hook it up. It’s the best deal out there and a snap to hook up and use.

http://mp3yourcar.com

]]> By: andrew wilkins http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/07/19/the_ipodmini_connector_reviewed/comment-page-3/#comment-54025 andrew wilkins Thu, 05 Oct 2006 21:55:49 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/07/19/#comment-54025 <p>just re-checked all my wiring for about an hour,it was correct,re conected everything and still the same problem,then i checked the fuse panel in the drivers side footwell and found a 5 amp fuse for the radio had blown must have been while i installed the interface put the spare fuse in and now the radio turns off with the ignition and i suspect i will not have the ipod switching off after 20 mins of playing hope this helps anyone with the same problem andrew</p> just re-checked all my wiring for about an hour,it was correct,re conected everything and still the same problem,then i checked the fuse panel in the drivers side footwell and found a 5 amp fuse for the radio had blown must have been while i installed the interface put the spare fuse in and now the radio turns off with the ignition and i suspect i will not have the ipod switching off after 20 mins of playing hope this helps anyone with the same problem andrew

]]> By: ANDREW WILKINS http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/07/19/the_ipodmini_connector_reviewed/comment-page-3/#comment-53925 ANDREW WILKINS Wed, 04 Oct 2006 16:28:57 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/07/19/#comment-53925 <p>Just installed OEM ipod inteface in 05 cooper and followed the instructions, but now the ipod switches the radio off after about 15-20 mins of play,it also does not turn off with the ignition key. Did i do some thing wrong with the install, called the bmw dealer and they said they never have that problem when they install them, help!!!! thanks andrew</p> Just installed OEM ipod inteface in 05 cooper and followed the instructions, but now the ipod switches the radio off after about 15-20 mins of play,it also does not turn off with the ignition key. Did i do some thing wrong with the install, called the bmw dealer and they said they never have that problem when they install them, help!!!! thanks andrew

]]> By: Ali Fancy http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/07/19/the_ipodmini_connector_reviewed/comment-page-3/#comment-52711 Ali Fancy Fri, 22 Sep 2006 07:04:07 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/07/19/#comment-52711 <p>For Richard,</p> <p>Thank you very much for posting the "WORK-AROUND-FOR THE BMW ADAPTER". I had almost given up on the IPOD Connection!</p> <p>I used a similar method to you (small variations): 1. Start the car 2. Turn the radio on to FM or AM but not CD. 3. Make sure the IPOD is off. 4. Plug in the connector to the IPOD 5. As soon as the battery symbol comes up on the screen, push the "menu" button on the IPOD.</p> <p>It works! Full control from the IPOD. Steering wheel functions also still work and you can increase/ decrease volume / change songs etc....</p> <p>Also possible to set up an on-the-go playlist and move between songs from the buttons on the steering wheel.</p> <p>Specs on BMW 2005 X3, no navigation equip.</p> <p>Cheers,</p> <p>Ali</p> For Richard,

Thank you very much for posting the “WORK-AROUND-FOR THE BMW ADAPTER”. I had almost given up on the IPOD Connection!

I used a similar method to you (small variations): 1. Start the car 2. Turn the radio on to FM or AM but not CD. 3. Make sure the IPOD is off. 4. Plug in the connector to the IPOD 5. As soon as the battery symbol comes up on the screen, push the “menu” button on the IPOD.

It works! Full control from the IPOD. Steering wheel functions also still work and you can increase/ decrease volume / change songs etc….

Also possible to set up an on-the-go playlist and move between songs from the buttons on the steering wheel.

Specs on BMW 2005 X3, no navigation equip.

Cheers,

Ali

]]> By: Paul http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/07/19/the_ipodmini_connector_reviewed/comment-page-3/#comment-52208 Paul Thu, 14 Sep 2006 17:27:41 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/07/19/#comment-52208 <p>does anybody have the wiring instructions to connect the kit to the bmw business radio</p> does anybody have the wiring instructions to connect the kit to the bmw business radio

]]> By: S1500 http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/07/19/the_ipodmini_connector_reviewed/comment-page-3/#comment-52042 S1500 Tue, 12 Sep 2006 16:22:18 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/07/19/#comment-52042 <p>Hey Andy,</p> <p>You're not the only one with the "radio stays on" symptom. I installed the adaptor on my '02 MCS and the radio now runs independently of the ignition. Really annoying. That, and it likes to shut off after 20 minutes on its own while blastin' tunes.</p> Hey Andy,

You’re not the only one with the “radio stays on” symptom. I installed the adaptor on my ‘02 MCS and the radio now runs independently of the ignition. Really annoying. That, and it likes to shut off after 20 minutes on its own while blastin’ tunes.

]]> By: Luke http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/07/19/the_ipodmini_connector_reviewed/comment-page-3/#comment-49047 Luke Wed, 16 Aug 2006 21:41:24 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/07/19/#comment-49047 <p>Hi All, can someone tell me why my 5G 60 GB vidoe ipod does not work with the BMW audio link? Thanks</p> Hi All, can someone tell me why my 5G 60 GB vidoe ipod does not work with the BMW audio link? Thanks

]]> By: Andy http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/07/19/the_ipodmini_connector_reviewed/comment-page-3/#comment-41352 Andy Sat, 17 Jun 2006 23:06:16 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/07/19/#comment-41352 <p>I had an I-Pod adapter installed recently in my bmw, and it works great. However, now my stock HK stereo won't turn off when the turn the car off (and remove the key in the ignition). I could walk away from the car for the night and the radio would play all night long!!! What's wrong?</p> I had an I-Pod adapter installed recently in my bmw, and it works great. However, now my stock HK stereo won’t turn off when the turn the car off (and remove the key in the ignition). I could walk away from the car for the night and the radio would play all night long!!! What’s wrong?

]]> By: Aris Navarro http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/07/19/the_ipodmini_connector_reviewed/comment-page-3/#comment-39971 Aris Navarro Tue, 06 Jun 2006 05:00:54 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/07/19/#comment-39971 <p>Hi Richard, Thanks for info about the WORK-AROUND-FOR THE BMW ADAPTER!!! It really works... But now how did you extend the factory installed wire so that it will reach the driver-side seat. My wire is only long enough to reach the glove compartment. Does anyone know how to extend the ipod dock connector?</p> Hi Richard, Thanks for info about the WORK-AROUND-FOR THE BMW ADAPTER!!! It really works… But now how did you extend the factory installed wire so that it will reach the driver-side seat. My wire is only long enough to reach the glove compartment. Does anyone know how to extend the ipod dock connector?

]]> By: John David Dunson http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/07/19/the_ipodmini_connector_reviewed/comment-page-3/#comment-37056 John David Dunson Thu, 04 May 2006 09:03:21 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/07/19/#comment-37056 <p>I just went to the BMW site (www.ipodyourbmw.com) and there is a video showing some "accessories manager" guy using what looks like a fancy BMW navigation system to control an iPod. CD 1 shows all your playlists, and you can use them like normal. And it shows song title and artist name. CD 2 lets you browse by artist, CD 3 lets you browse by album, 4 genre, 5 podcasts, and 6 selects 500 songs at random from your entire library. He also said some BMW that doesn't have the fancy navigation thingy can access "the same functionality" through the radio. oh, forward, back and volume controls on the steering wheel work too.</p> <p>So it looks perfect. The only thing is, he didn't say anything about the Mini Cooper. I'm supposed to be getting mine in June, so if nobody knows anything, I'll post an update then.</p> I just went to the BMW site (www.ipodyourbmw.com) and there is a video showing some “accessories manager” guy using what looks like a fancy BMW navigation system to control an iPod. CD 1 shows all your playlists, and you can use them like normal. And it shows song title and artist name. CD 2 lets you browse by artist, CD 3 lets you browse by album, 4 genre, 5 podcasts, and 6 selects 500 songs at random from your entire library. He also said some BMW that doesn’t have the fancy navigation thingy can access “the same functionality” through the radio. oh, forward, back and volume controls on the steering wheel work too.

So it looks perfect. The only thing is, he didn’t say anything about the Mini Cooper. I’m supposed to be getting mine in June, so if nobody knows anything, I’ll post an update then.

]]> By: Spike http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/07/19/the_ipodmini_connector_reviewed/comment-page-3/#comment-34418 Spike Thu, 06 Apr 2006 04:12:44 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/07/19/#comment-34418 <p>Richard--thank you, Man! I'm a new MINI owner (motored for 902 miles so far) and I absolutely love this car EXCEPT for that dang iPod adaptor. It aggrivates me that I've lost so much control over what to listen to and when. I'm really close to asking for my money back on this adaptor but then I found your message tonight. Wow! Is it that easy? I also have a 60GB 5G iPod and I can't wait to try this myself in the morning.</p> <p>Thanks for sharing!</p> Richard–thank you, Man! I’m a new MINI owner (motored for 902 miles so far) and I absolutely love this car EXCEPT for that dang iPod adaptor. It aggrivates me that I’ve lost so much control over what to listen to and when. I’m really close to asking for my money back on this adaptor but then I found your message tonight. Wow! Is it that easy? I also have a 60GB 5G iPod and I can’t wait to try this myself in the morning.

Thanks for sharing!

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