MINI Mods

It's been so long since I've posted my last blog that Blogger has a whole new interface.

I finally made the leap, and installed my iPod into my MINI Cooper! I decided to go with the MINI Auxiliary Cable through the dealership. Here's my rationale:

I was going to get the Dension IceLink which cost $220. (that's assuming I'd be able to install it myself). It's a nice product: it has a nice cradle that powers the iPod, and would allow me to use my MFSW (multi-function steering wheel) to control the volume as well as going up and down in the tracklist. However, it was a lot of money, and still doesn't have the functionality to view the song track information from my stereo.

The BMW iPod adapter was another option. It isn't available for the MINIs until the end of the summer at the earliest. It costs $150 plus dealership installation (possibly another $100 or more). It would allow the same control from the MFSW as the IceLink. However, it would be installed in the glovebox, and the iPod's interface wouldn't be able to be used while it was in use. ie: I wouldn't be able to select a specific album from my playlist. In order to specific specific music to be played, i would have to create up to 5 individual playlists that the adapter could read. They would show up as "Track 1" through "Track 6" on the stereo face.

The solution for me (for the time-being at least) was to purchase the Auxiliary Input from the dealership for $39.95. I have read a lot of installation suggestions on the MINI Forums and Dick and I decided that it would be pretty simple to install ourselves.

It literally took less than 5 minutes.

Have I mentioned that I love my super-handy boyfriend? :)

Benefits of the AUX input:

It works will all portable media that have an audio out. I love my iPod, but in case we ever change to something else in the future, we can still hook it up to my MINI.

I can still control the volume from my MFSW, but I can't control the tracks. Omar had the perfect solution for that: I just plugged in the little remote control that came with my iPod. Works like a charm.

Did I mention that it only cost $39.95?

I also got the Belkin Auto Kit ($40)(which charges the iPod, and connects to the iPod via the dock connector) and the Belkin Tunedok ($20), which allows you to hold the iPod in the cup holders. It's a nice arrangement.

Here's a picture of the setup:



I also did a couple of other minor Mods:

I found someone on my forum who was making little glovebox organizer shelves. He made a great design, and the quality is very nice. Plus, he's only charging $20 for them. It made a HUGE difference to the organization of my glovebox. The glovebox is one thing about the MINI that isn't such a great design. it's small, plus everything slides out when you open the door.

Here's my new glovebox organizer:



You'll see that it has a lot of stuff in there:
My owner's manual, a first-aid kit, an emergency tool, napkins, tissue, and my headset for my cell phone.
Notice that little vent on the lower left side? that's an airconditioning vent in the glovebox. If I want, I can put a can of soda in my glovebox, and keep it nice and cool! :)

Last mod (and it's a small one):

The MINI has a fabulously huge panoramic sunroof - which I LOVE. However, I knew that one thing about it could be a minor problem. The sunroof has a small, mesh screen that you can pull closed when you don't want too much direct sunlight. However, the sun can still creep through, and it can get hot during the summer.

I went to Target yesterday, and bought a sunscreen that's meant for the front windshield. It's one of those acordian folding ones that reflect the sun. I trimmed it to size in both sunroof sections, and voila! Plus, I can easily fold them back up, and store them in the nets behind the seats.