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In this edition of the MotoringFile Mailbag we tackle the question, where is the official iPod adapter for the MINI:
Question: I have not heard anything lately about the perpetually delayed MINI/iPod adaptor. It was originally delayed till September, then October, and here we are in November. I am sure your readers would appreciate an update from a knowledgeable source, such as yourself.
Thanks,
Scott
MotoringFile Answer: What happened is BMW completely underestimated interest in the product. BMW created an ad campaign, bought the TV spots and ad space and then had 1/10th the supply needed to meet initial demand. Because of that BMW is working hard to fulfill all backorders before starting to produce the MINI version of the adapter. This seems only fair since BMW was the one who actually paid for all the advertising… not MINI. So this really isn't a case where MINI owners are getting the shaft… it's just a case of bad logistics and timing.
I'm told the official iPod/MINI adapter should be out soon. I only wish I could tell you what soon meant. As soon as they make it to dealers we'll let you know.
Of course all BMW had to do was research this topic just a bit to see the pent-up demand for a product like this. Some of our most commented on stories MotoringFile for instance have involved iPod integration.
<p>I can't wait!! Thanks for the update Gabe.</p>
<p>Still no news about getting it to work with a system with nav, I assume?</p>
<p>“TuneBase FM for iPod mini” – new Belkin product well received at Gizmodo, out this month.</p>
<p>If you think FM transmitters are any sort of replacement for a direct digital connection, you should have your hearing checked. ;)</p>
<p>I'm told they'll be at dealers “soon.” Which rhymes with “June,” the month I put my order in.</p>
<p>I sure hope it gets released soon, its not a great feeling knowing that its supposedly 100% compatible with the BMW version and they are shafting us in the meantime.</p>
<p>Check out the Monster Cable site [http://www.monstercable.com] for the iCruze. Looks like their version of the ICELink.</p>
<p>Mikey that is even better than the BMW/Apple solution. Having an extra monitor displaying the track information is just what was missing.</p>
<p>Great find!!!!!</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Gabe, any word yet on Sirius for 05?</p>
<p>I haven't heard anything yet.</p>
<p>I have the Dension ICE-Link and it works like a dream. Installation was fairly easy. I prefer to see my iPod and use the iPod's great interface when needed (and at a red light). MFSW is supported and the ICE-Link's dock is my better than any loose cable imo. Here is a pic: <a href="http://www.hubertus.net/mymini/pages/page_16.html" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.hubertus.net/mymini/pages/page_16.html</a>
Philip</p>
<p>Does anyone out there know where i can order the Dension ICE Link via the internet?</p>
<p>BMW UK offer a version. Although you can only control the volume apparently. The playlist version is coming… err… soon</p>
<p>I talked to Dealer today(in Canada), the guy told me it should be aviable in Spring 2005…</p>
<p>Mike – no, unfortunately I haven't heard anything.</p>
<p>FYI – I just heard from a source that there are 397 at one warehouse just waiting to get released from MINI. Not sure what the hold up us but they should be on their way soon.</p>
<p>Did your source mention what mini defines as “soon”?</p>
<p>nope. sorry.</p>
<p>Any word on when motoringfile.com is going to review Monster's iCruize?</p>
<p>As soon as the iCruize is actually out we'll either do a review or link to a review.</p>
<p>Still not even a release date!</p>
<p>Long Beach MINI has the iPod adaptors in stock. They gave one away along with a Mini iPod at the Poker Rally last Sunday.</p>
<p>As far as I know, they are the ONLY MINI dealer in the USA that has them in stock. You can find them at <a href="http://www.longbeachmini.com" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.longbeachmini.com</a></p>
<p>I don't work for them, but I was a vendor at their Poker Rally.</p>