iPod touch OS 3.0 doesn’t like Mini Cooper

Chris — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:50:44 +0000

Nov 17, 2009 update: It seems that the 3.1.1 OS update from Apple has resolved this issue (I stopped trying after 3.0 broke it and 3.1 didn’t fix it). Thanks to Jessica at MINI Moncton for getting this issue escalated all the way back to Germany and letting me know!

Just a heads-up to anyone out there using a similar set up to mine:

2008 Mini Cooper Clubman
Y-adapter 30-pin plug (to USB and AUX-IN)
1st generation iPod touch
iPod OS 3.0

This combination doesn’t work. So far, I’ve been unsuccessful in downgrading my iPod to OS 2.2.1 (haven’t tried the DFU mode that some have suggested — see the Apple thread linked below). The result is that the iPod has a really hard time connecting to the Mini (it has routinely taken 10 minutes to connect), and then disconnects the first time it changes tracks (either by skipping to the next track or by letting the first track play to the end).

I’ve been in touch with Mini about this. My local dealer didn’t know about the problem, and the support people at Mini said they’re pretty much at Apple’s mercy on issues like this (which is about what I expected; Apple’s legendary secrecy extends to third-parties supporting their products).

Hopefully there will be an update from Apple and/or Mini that addresses this issue.

Also, for what it’s worth, Mini told me that while the iPod touch isn’t supported under OS 3.0, the iPhone 3G is. The iPhone 3GS isn’t, though, so guess who upgraded their iPhone 3G to a 3GS this weekend…

Ah, technology…

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iPod touch OS 3.0 doesn’t like Mini Cooper