USB & mini stereo plug to connect an iPod

[Bert]

Has anyone found a better "Y" adapter plug to connect an iPod/iPhone to the stereo?

 

The "Y" adapter plug that MINI supplied for my MINI Connected stereo works (sort of) but it is too short and too rigid and it stresses out the mini stereo plug and channels drop out (left or right stereo channel). I have a better mini stereo to mini stereo, flexible and coiled wire that is much better but I would like to have the USB connection to so that I can scroll using the MINI Connected interface.

 

AAHGA (any and all help is greatly appreciated)

Bert

[carman63]

I found this during a google search:

http://www.aliexpress.com/product-fm/498645207-For-BMW-Mini-Cooper-iPod-iPhone-3GS-3-4-G-USB-AUX-Cable-Black-wholesalers.html

 

I have no idea if it or the seller is reliable. But it shows that there are alternatives.

 

-Jim

 

EDIT: Found this one, too: http://compare.ebay.com/like/160496225042?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&_lwgsi=y&cbt=y

[cmcveay]

Has anyone found a better "Y" adapter plug to connect an iPod/iPhone to the stereo?

 

The "Y" adapter plug that MINI supplied for my MINI Connected stereo works (sort of) but it is too short and too rigid and it stresses out the mini stereo plug and channels drop out (left or right stereo channel). I have a better mini stereo to mini stereo, flexible and coiled wire that is much better but I would like to have the USB connection to so that I can scroll using the MINI Connected interface.

 

AAHGA (any and all help is greatly appreciated)

Bert

 

Hey Bert! I agree, the cable supplied with the car is too short to be of any use and I have the same problem with it pulling itself out of the phone unless I stick it in the cup holder.

 

I hate to point elsewhere but there is a Connected forum on NAM and there are a couple of cables that have been purchased and tested for this. I was going to try a standard USB extension cable and a stero extension cable to see if they work properly. I've got 'em at the house, it's just a matter of finding time to try it.

[Bert]

Thanks for the info and feedback. I'll check out NAM.

 

Craig, you are right, if you use the iPhone or iTouch you have to stick it upside down in one of the cupholders directly below the input jacks, but you get to use the interface. I like to keep my phone in a cradle above the dash to the left of the wheel and use the bluetooth (I'm a lefty), but you can't use the interface from there. I also like to use a small nano for my driving playlists but the USB jack and mini stereo jack are too close to use together so I have to check out the links and find a better combined cable.

 

I'll keep you updated.

[Bert]

After doing a little more searching I found a number of USB and stereo iPhone/iPod adapter cables out there; Crutchfields, Kensington, ebay (as you recommended Jim, thank you). ebay definitely offers the less expensive options (~$9.00) and one vendor is US-based but it is 6' long... this is a MINI. Do I need my daughter in the back seat DJing, as she loves to do? :thrasher: :rock:

 

Kensington has a nice option (#K39204US at http://www.kensington.com), it comes with a USB charger, the cable is only 3.5' long, BUT it is $40. I don't mind the price IF it works well. Anything is better than the 18" long OEM adapter cable.

 

I want to check out Best Buy and Micro Center before I order something because I know that it is important to have the correct mini stereo jack. One missing section on the stereo plug (2 sections instead of 3, etc.) and you can loose the entire left channel of sound). :musicus:

[Bert]

Well, after spending way too much time and money on this...

 

I have done extensive web searches and blog trolling, talked with MINIUSA, the dealer (MoCo MINI), BMW Parts (checked out there cable, only a 2 ring 3.5mm stereo plug), bought a few connectors and cables (extension 30 pin iPhone cable, 3.5mm headphone cable, and others), I am still getting a bad connection with the 3.5mm plug. Channels (left and right) still just drop out or the singers sound as if they are in the back of a room when I move the connected device or hit a bump. I like to have my iPhone (not a Galaxy ) mounted in a cradle to the left of my steering wheel, so.....

 

I am giving in, leaving my phone in the cradle and loading my playlists onto USB flash drives. I just went to Best Buy and picked up 2 SanDisk 16 GB Cruzer Fit, low-profile flash drives (on sale for $12.99 each)http://www.bestbuy.com/site/searchpage.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_dynSessConf=-4711211890812975343&id=pcat17071&type=page&st=sandisk+cruzer+fit+16gb&sc=Global&cp=1&nrp=15&sp=&qp=&list=n&iht=y&usc=All+Categories&ks=960 These things are really small and will not get in the way of the cup holders or anything down there. I tested another USB drive before doing this and, as stated on a number of MINI boards, the sound quality is great and the album covers and lists still display.

 

Moving onto the next project. :rock:

[cmcveay]

Hey Bert, if you can make it to the M&G on Saturday, remind me to show you the cable that I have. It's working like a champ! I got this cable from Carman a while back and I thought I'd tried it and it didn't work but now, I have it in the car and it's working great. I think it'll be long enough to connect to the car, tuck into the dash panels and reach your phone on the left hand side.

[LostDenverite]

Well, after spending way too much time and money on this...

 

Nube inquiry: So all of this is if you have MINI Connected installed?

 

EDIT: so what does this thing do for you? http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mini-connected/id376699654?mt=8

Edited May 15, 2012 by LostDenverite

[Bert]

Hey Bert, if you can make it to the M&G on Saturday, remind me to show you the cable that I have. It's working like a champ! I got this cable from Carman a while back and I thought I'd tried it and it didn't work but now, I have it in the car and it's working great. I think it'll be long enough to connect to the car, tuck into the dash panels and reach your phone on the left hand side.

 

Craig, I'll be there on Saturday but I can't do the scavenger hunt. I'll take a look at the cable you have. Thanks.

[Bert]

Nube inquiry: So all of this is if you have MINI Connected installed?

 

EDIT: so what does this thing do for you? http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mini-connected/id376699654?mt=8

 

Will, the Mini Connected iPhone app still works, and it does a nice job giving the driver useful information but I don't like it DJing for me. I used to DJ, long ago, and I have a very broad range of music interests. The new small flash drives are working great. I was sitting on the American Legion Bridge this afternoon rocking it out. I even called my wife and told her how much I LOVE THIS Car... and her. She sees the smile on my face, even after driving home in rush hour for an hour... a trip that usually averages 30 minutes in the afternoon/evening. :motor:

[LostDenverite]

Will, the Mini Connected iPhone app still works, and it does a nice job giving the driver useful information but I don't like it DJing for me. I used to DJ, long ago, and I have a very broad range of music interests. The new small flash drives are working great. I was sitting on the American Legion Bridge this afternoon rocking it out. I even called my wife and told her how much I LOVE THIS Car... and her. She sees the smile on my face, even after driving home in rush hour for an hour... a trip that usually averages 30 minutes in the afternoon/evening. :motor:

 

Hmmmmm...along with my iPhone I have a Shuffle. I've plugged my iPhone in via the aux port under the switches and figured I could do the same with my shuffle (but with a 1 mile commute I don't get much past one song, depending on which track on the CD I'm listening to).

 

But this past weekend where I played hooky and burned gas, I found myself wishing for the 6-disc changer or being able to plug my iToys in and control more than just the volume. I get the impression I can't do so without the "Connected" package(?)

[Bert]

Which port(s) do you have under the switches?

 

Do you have the USB and the 3.5mm stereo jack or just the 3.5mm?

 

If you have a USB you can do a lot more. If you only have the 3.5mm you can connect any audio device but will have to control it using the device and not the through the car controls. We can compare on Saturday.

[LostDenverite]

Which port(s) do you have under the switches?

 

Do you have the USB and the 3.5mm stereo jack or just the 3.5mm?

 

If you have a USB you can do a lot more. If you only have the 3.5mm you can connect any audio device but will have to control it using the device and not the through the car controls. We can compare on Saturday.

 

From memory it's just the jack, no USB. But then, I'd found it by accident and didn't investigate much further as I already have an aux cable (I take it with me when I travel so I can plug my iPhone into the rental) and started using it right away.

[cmcveay]

You don't have to have the MINI connected to do this, just the iPhone integration with I think is now standard. Just under the lower switches, recessed into the center cubby hole just a bit should be a rectangular "box" on the right side of the cubby hole. The USB port has a cover that slides sideways to protect it and the Aux port is just to the right of the USB. You can use a thumb drive or iPod/iPhone and the head unit will let you select the music. MINI Connected just gives it a little "sexier" interface and adds other creature features.

[LostDenverite]

You don't have to have the MINI connected to do this, just the iPhone integration with I think is now standard. Just under the lower switches, recessed into the center cubby hole just a bit should be a rectangular "box" on the right side of the cubby hole. The USB port has a cover that slides sideways to protect it and the Aux port is just to the right of the USB. You can use a thumb drive or iPod/iPhone and the head unit will let you select the music. MINI Connected just gives it a little "sexier" interface and adds other creature features.

 

I ain't got nuthin' but a hole to nowhere (there wasn't any cover either)

[cmcveay]

Sounds like it didn't come with the iPod interface

 

My daily MacMall email did have this little gem advertised for those who would like a longer interface cable.

[Bert]

I bought that cable already and it doesn't work with the MINI. It works fine with my wife's iPad and other "i" devices at home but there is something with the MINI set-up that it doesn't work.

[cmcveay]

Dang! Make sure you hit me up on Saturday then, I'll show you the longer cable that I have.

[Bert]

I don't know why it didn't work... it is supposed to be a 30-pin extension and it should work... but doesn't. We'll see what you have on Saturday.

[Bert]

http://m.kensington.com/sections/product2011.aspx?language=us&country=us&sectionID=1409&sku=K39204US

 

 

I found the cable!

 

I appreciate it, but you found A cable, not the right cable. I will show you on Saturday. Please don't spend any more time looking, it doesn't exist right now. I already spent a LOT of time on the internet, in Best Buy, Micro Center, Radio Shack, etc.

 

The cable for the iPhone to the MINI has a 3.5mm stereo plug with 3 black rings (dividers), the Kensington cable like all the others that I have found has only 2 black rings on the 3.5mm plug. The BMW cable has 2 but the MINI has 3. 2 rings works for an iPod but not for the iPhone.

[cmcveay]

I wasn't clear (working on my phone for that post). I actually have this cable in hand, connected and it's working. As I was cutting and pasting that email, I was listening to music from the phone that was connected via that cable and all of my MINI Connected apps work with that cable as well. I don't connect and iPod in the car, I use one of our older 3GS iPhones. I'll connect my 4S and then try the iPad as well.

[Bert]

Okay. I understand. If it works for you then it should work for me too. That will give me a working solution. Thanks again. Let's compare on Saturday.

[cmcveay]

Yep, you are welcome to take it and give a whirl to make sure it works for you as well.

[Bert]

Hey Bert, if you can make it to the M&G on Saturday, remind me to show you the cable that I have. It's working like a champ! I got this cable from Carman a while back and I thought I'd tried it and it didn't work but now, I have it in the car and it's working great. I think it'll be long enough to connect to the car, tuck into the dash panels and reach your phone on the left hand side.

 

... does that make him a demi-god? (Don't let that go to your head.)

 

I just picked up my third or fourth USB connecting cable (since the OEM MINI cable stinks). I had thought that I had tried the Kensington cable before Craig showed it to me but they were Griffin and other manufacturers. Well, the Kensington cord with the black, braided cable works, except for the video input as he had already stated. That you again for your help and expertise. :top:

 

My daughter and I were rocking my playlists from my iPhone. :rock: I still like the mini Sandisk thumb drives but this gives me additional options, that I paid for.

[Bert]

Here is the link for the Kensington cable for the iPhone to the MINI, if you have a USB port (Craig found it.). http://www.kensington.com/kensington/us/us/p/1409/K39204US/2-in-1-car-charger-and-aux-audio-cable.aspx

 

You cannot tell from the picture, or even in the enlargement, but the cable is not pvc or vinyl but a braided thread that is much more flexible and 3.5' long. I don't think that we should have to be paying $35 for a better cable than MINI provides after paying for the upgraded stereo connections but the OEM "y" cable (30 pin plug which splits to a 3.5mm and USB connector) really is not long enough and puts stress on the 3.5mm connection.

Edited May 20, 2012 by Bert
Updated URL for Kensington cable