MINI Adds Smartphone Connection for ’09
MINI will be launching a new connection aimed directly at the iPhone and other smartphones for 2009. The option (code named 6NF) will be available on September ’08 builds. It will connect a smartphone using the phone’s digital USB port for the connection, instead of an analog connection like that MINI currently offers with the 6NE Comfort Bluetooth. This provides quicker response time and offers clearer sound when playing MP3s.
Of course one thing to keep in mind is the armrest is mandatory for this option due to the connection (which as you guessed it is in the armrest). You’ll also need to purchase a separate snap-in adapter from MINI for your specific phone. And yes we are told MINI is planning to expand supported phones for 2009 – the iPhone obviously being one of them.
From the JCW packaging article – “Convenience Package: $1,250 (was $1,500). MINI has removed the 6NE Comfort Bluetooth (which included the 249 Multi-Function wheel and 473 Center Armrest and added the more popular 6ND Bluetooth and USB/iPod option. This allows customers to order the package without getting the often criticized center armrest.”
question: 6NE (w/Armrest) is dropped. 6ND is MY09 w/O armrest, & 6NF is MY09 W/ armrest which is required to complete function in the MY08 6NE package?
Why a special adapter? Can’t you use USB?
Chad, Special adapter is advertised to integrate the Cell antanna that is in the radio antenna assembly, and provide power charge to the cell device when docked in the arm rest.
Can this be retrofitted in a 2007 R56? I’d definitely be interested for when the 3g iphone comes out.
There is no room for an armrest in a MINI. Features should not be tied to such an apendage.
If only the iphone played and synced (with your car and computer respectively) over bluetooth, there’d be no need for any of this.
Of course, some would wonder why the files can’t just be read over a Bluetooth PAN or Wifi. I suppose it’s nice to charge your phone on longer trips, but for a short runabout, I’d rather not be bothered with wires.
Guess I’m in the minority who still thinks that car phones are a stupid idea. And that goes double for MINI drivers who talk and motor at the same time.
Grrrrr…..
Scarlett: No I agree, I can’t stand talking on the phone while driving, even if it’s handsfree. I’m happy to miss a call or let my co-pilot answer. If I were in sales or something I could understand the appeal of phone integration though.
So no love for the r50-r53-r52, pre usb.
Gabe do you like your iphone, mine has been good so far. Just wish they would have the Flash/adobe upgrade by now, we can’t even go on the MINIUSA site.
The electronics industry has been looking for the next big thing, the convergance product that works, and it’s right under everyones nose! (or butt or foot). It’s the car! whether you like it or not, the cost delta to add stuff it a car is a very small percentage of purchase price, and we all spend too much time in them.
Life will go on, but only if you upgrade! 😉
Matt
Scarlett, add me to you minority group. I am a sucker for gizmos but I also believe that phones cause more harm than good onboard cars.
20+ years ago, if you needed to make a phone call, you had to scoot out a pay phone, stop the car, get out and get change and make the call.
It has been demonstrated time and time again that using a cell phone (and this includes handsfree solutions) while driving a car is akin to drive it under the influence of alcohol.
How spoiled have we become in all that time.
That is very interesting 2009 option info. I wonder what else is in store. By the way, does anyone know if the Coupe and the Clubman will be on the same 2009 model year build/release schedule?