iPod in BMW -- Need Help/Opinions
Yes - I've read the other posts and still have a few questions...
I have a 2003 330. I've read the other posts and it certainly seems to me that I don't want the limited functionality of the BMW install (6 playlists; in glove). I'd rather have full functionality.
I am a complete technical moron and will not for a second think about doing this myself, but I've read there are ways to do it -- perhaps even a way to get steering wheel control and control right on the ipod.
I live in New York City -- where would people recommend I go to get this done, and how much should I expect to pay?
Thanks.
jweisler
[678 byte] By [
jweisler] at [2007-11-10 22:44:25]
# 1 Re: iPod in BMW -- Need Help/Opinions
Yeah those units that lock the ipod display and control out are kind of a drag. I got a Neo Ion and it works great. I can use the factory radio controls or the ipod itself. Check it out
Gavin
GavinD at 2007-11-15 15:51:31 >
# 2 Re: iPod in BMW -- Need Help/Opinions
Gavin -- thanks for the response. I called the number on the neo site and I asked them something about the neo ion vs. dension and he said something like that their product uses dension's -- huh? What am I missing? Aren't these two competing products?
# 3 Re: iPod in BMW -- Need Help/Opinions
I thought that I was purchasing a Neo box for my Accord from them as well. However when it arrived it was the Dension ice>link!
I can only think that only certain head units work with the Neo and so to cover the whole of the market they resell the ice>link.
# 4 Re: iPod in BMW -- Need Help/Opinions
Are you happy with the unit? Did you install yourself?
# 5 Re: iPod in BMW -- Need Help/Opinions
Yes I am very happy with the ice>link.
I did install it myself. I searched the net for instructions about how to get to the head unit, which involved taking the dash apart. Once I had access to the head unit I was able just to plug the ice>link to the CD changer socket. I then hid and routed the wire to where I have my iPod mounted and then put the dash back together.
The only issue that I have is that sometimes when I power up the head unit with the iPod attached via the ice>link the iPod switches itself off and on several times. However this soon stops.
I control the set up via the iPod rather than using the head unit buttons as I didn't like the graphics on the iPod the other way around.
Definately much better than the iTrip that I was previously using.
# 6 Re: iPod in BMW -- Need Help/Opinions
I have an 2004 BMW 330i.
It came with the premium Harmon Kardon stereo system. I am almost done ripping that crap pout, installed Audison Amp, Focal speakers and JL Sub. I have the BMW iPod adaptor, wow does it suck. The volume is horribly low in comparison to CD, only 5 supported playlists, no text, no numbered tracks above 99...YUCK!!
I wish I had gotten the Dension Ice Link plus. I had the Alpine 9855 and their ipod adaptor installed in my wife's honda. It was pretty good, but man that Glide Touch thing is a pain to use.
The one part of my BMW I have yet to change is the Head Unit, still factory. With aftermarket stereos looking the way they do, not many head units will fit in with our dash nicely. I have decided that the only decent looking aftermarket head unit is a Double DIN sized Navigation Unit, Like the Pioneer Avic D1, and the Eclipse models.
Unfortunately, getting a double DIN unit into an E46 330i is no easy task, must move the AC controls down into the place of the sunglass compartment, must modify the AC ducts to fit the large unit, must have custom trim piece fabricated so that it fits in nicely and looks factory finished. It also may be possible to seperate the main body from the touch screen of an Avic D1, this would require no modification to the AC ducts. but you would have to mount the main unit in the glove box or something and have an extnesion cable custom made.
Once that is done, I will decide on an ipod controller that will allow use of the ipod through the on board steering controls, head unit or ipod iself. The iPod will be mounted near the cup holders using a Euro Spec replacement part from Circle BMW. This piece replaces the 2 cup holders in the center console with a perfectly sized tray and sliding door. This way yoru ipod can lay their, easily accessible, safe, visible and when you park the car, just close the sliding door over your ipod and thieves wont know its there.
I have waited to complete this project in anticipation of iPod Video.
Alpine does not make a Double DIN sized head unit, so I will probably go with Pioneer. the Avic D1 is very affordable but does not play DVDs. That will not be a problem because I plan to route the video from my ipod into the Pioneer Video In jack. This way I will have a full library of music and movies for my passengers to enjoy.
All work has been done by Sound Innovations of Hayward, one of the very best.
# 7 Re: iPod in BMW -- Need Help/Opinions
That appears to be one hell of a customisation of your BMW! I hope that it works out for you.
# 8 Re: iPod in BMW -- Need Help/Opinions
Plans on hold again until the Pioneer Z-1 comes out:
By the way, here is a picture from a web forum of someone using the half size BMW euro tray center piece to store their ipod:
W W W .luxedit.com/~casey/ipod-euro_tray.jpg
# 9 Re: iPod in BMW -- Need Help/Opinions
Very neat and unobtrusive. As you said in your previous post, it keeps the iPod out of the eyes of thieves and robbers, but allows it to be used when driving.
