USB & mini stereo plug to connect an iPod

[cmcveay]

Hey, can you check the link again? I'm getting an error message when I click on it. It was good to meet you today and we look forward to seeing you at future events!

[Bert]

Updated the link. Thanks again.

[LostDenverite]

Now I have USB-envy :embarassed:

 

I'm trying to figure out if I can retro-fit my buggy with the USB port and iToy connection, but I find myself confused (gee, what a surprise).

 

I found info, but this doesn't appear to be for my R55: http://motoringfile.com/files/R56_ipod_wave.PDF

 

The full Monty Bluetooth Retro Kit http://www.motoringfile.com/2009/10/12/mini-usa-introduces-bluetooth-retrofit-kit/ does appear to be for my MINI, but where I am confused is on the parts list http://s3.motoringfile.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/V-13-0909-M6502-6ND_USB-Bluetooth_Retrofit_Kit_R55_R56_R578087307c.pdf It would seem that the Control Module Mount is necessary, but a) it's a seperate item to order and b) it's the most expensive part (how the heck is the first part a "kit" if doesn't contain everything you need?)!!

 

So which end is up here? I simply want the USB port (and ideally the iPod interface) just so I can play my music and control it through the CD player. Having BT sounds nice, but isn't necessary, esp. at a +$700 price tag for the parts alone.

[Bert]

Yep, it was a hefty chunk of $$ to have it factory installed too.

[wahoo_shoe]

This is out of order, but FYI, if your short factory cable stops working MINI will replace it. It's a BMW part and not specifically made for the MINI, so they know there's an issue with it and will generally replace them with little gripe

[Bert]

It is not that it has stopped working. It is that the short cable is too ridged, you have to place the iPhone in one of the cup holders, and a channel can go dead since the ridged cable is putting stress on the 3.5mm plug when you twist the cable when you put down the iPhone.

 

The Kensington cable works very well. Their cable has a nice, black, braided insulation that is 3.5' long and gives you the length to put your iPhone in a dash mount. Granted you lose any video capability but I don't care about that.

 

Also, the BMW cable looks similar but it is different, at least the one they showed me at Passport BMW of Rockville. It has a circuit board in the middle (at the split) and the 3.5mm plug is a 3 channel, not a 4 channel plug. The Kensington is also a 3 channel but we all have to make compromises.

 

Thanks for your input. I appreciate any and all help finding solutions.

[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.

 

 

For those with the USB and 3.5mm mini-stereo jack in their MINIs --

 

Yesterday I found another option while I was at Best Buy. Kenwood makes an iPod/iPhone adapter cable that works very well and the video works too since the 3.5mm plug has the extra 4th connection point where the Kensignton cable's 3.5mm only has 3 connection points and the plug has a 90 degree angle (when using the Kenwood cable album covers appear on the Mini Connected screen), it is $29.99 : http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Kenwood---A/V-Cable-for-Apple%26%23174%3B-iPod%26%23174%3B-and-iPhone%26%23174%3B---Black/1989213.p?id=1218304517532&skuId=1989213

 

The Kenwood cable has a thick pvc insulation (the braiding on the Kensington cable is nicer and more flexible) but it is also much longer than the Kensington cable. Well... the Kenwood cable is over 6' long, except for the USB lead, which is 3' shorter than the 3.5mm stereo plug lead so you have to also buy a 3' USB cable extension for around $14.99 if you want the lengths to matchup and run it behind the dash, as I hope to do this weekend.

 

Still, you would think that MINI or BMW would come up with a better option instead of us paying $45.00 (on top of all of my other tries and research, probably close to $100 before buying this new cable).

[cmcveay]

Bert, I know you were looking for this so you could put your phone over on the left side of the steering wheel (it was left wasn't it?) but I wanted to let you know that I finally gave in and ordered a ProClip bracket and mount after I couldn't get the Craven Speed brackets to move the phone out from behind the steering wheel without it vibrating like a magic fingers bed while driving. The parts arrived yesterday and I installed them. The mount fits just to the right of the speedo at about the 4:00 position and the bracket is adjustable to fit various phones. I didn't get the "pass through connector" model as I didn't want to be tied to the current iPhone connector (rumors are that the next iPhone will have a different connector). I was very, very happy to find that the OEM cable actually reached the phone without being stretched out.

 

I don't use my phone for Nav but when I'm on the road (even commuting at times), I do run Waze (a total battery hog so having power is a requirement) or the newest version of Escort Live (another online database of various speed cameras, red light cameras and other static enforcement measures). In states where there use is legal, Escort Live also has the ability to interface with a Radar Detector and it will automatically report K band and LASER intercepts so those around you with Live will see them.

 

Here are a couple of photo's of the mount with the phone in it. Sorry, I had the 50mm lens on the camera and I didn't have the energy to run back downstairs for a wide angle.

Edited June 28, 2012 by cmcveay
Photo's didn't upload

[LostDenverite]

Craig, that's interesting as I was considering the Craven to mount my iPhone (approx 2P position). So the Craven doesn't keep it from vibrating, eh? Can the ProClip fit on the driver's side? It seems like you'd be asking for trouble looking down and away (while driving).

[Bert]

Craig, I'll have to check out your setup at the next M&G. The ProClip looks interesting, maybe for my wife (navigator) and her cell phone.

http://www.proclipusa.com/brodit-vehicle-mount/mini-cooper-2007-2013/proclip-angled-mount-854046-13369.aspx

I have tried a number of mounts for my cell phones over the years and actually like the Craven Speed mount on the left of the steering wheel. We south paws have to be able to dial or text as we are shifting.

[cmcveay]

I totally get what you are saying. My Cravenspeed mount does an excellent job of holding my GPS so I wouldn't dream of changing that out.

 

I'm not sure if the ProClip would work for a navigator (or navigatrix) because of the angle though. The mount is angled but the clip will rotate 360 degrees and tilt up, down or to either side but I'm not sure if it's enough for the passenger to use it. I'll have to have Lona test it out this weekend.

 

Happy motoring man, see ya at the next M&G.