just a quick one , hope someone whos installed a gw500 can help ,but i have one and cant seem to figure out once in ipod mode if i want to switch back to my cd changer how do you do it throught the idrive as i have seem to be stuck on the ipod mode at the moment

 

You will only be able to select CD (In idrive on the list of songs push up and on the top menu when you select source it should show DVD CD, CD 1, CD2 etc) and it will play the cd in the central slot via idrive

If you want the CD in the changer you will need to flip the switch on the phono block.

 

Can the gateway 500 be installed if you dont have the CD changer, I know i will have to get the code updated by BMW but will the wiring be in place for the CD changer even thought the car wasn't supplied with one?

Car is 520d SE Dec 2005

 

See if you had what is called "CDC Prep". Only then will you have the CDC wiring. Otherwise you won't. You can get your car coded as either CDC or iPOD. Both work with the Dension.

 

I've installed a Dension today, loosely following these steps, many thanks.

I bought a Belkin Bluetooth audio adapter and wired this to the CDC power (using a Nokia 12v car charger which i mofified to provide power without having to be in the 12v socket) this charger happens to fit the power connector of the Belkin, and down-steps to 5v, so is perfect. This is all hidden behind the glovebox with the dension, and the audio from the Belkin is connected to the AUX of the dension

Anyhow, I'm a bit worried as when the car is off and locked up, this CDC power cable appears to provide power, it isn't getting cut when the car sleeps as this post suggests. I know this because if I stand near the car my iPhone connects to the Bluetooth adapter.

I am worried that this will drain the battery, I'm sure it will in fact. Does it take a long time for this feed to get cut, or is it actually a permanent feed?

Thanks

 

Ive never actually timed it, but I would guess that it takes a good 3 - 5 minutes for the car to sleep after shutting off the engine and locking the doors. When the car goes to sleep the audio amplifiers and Dension GW500 would then power down/off. Hope this helps.

 

Hi,

I am working through in the install.

I have the optical setup and cables ready to go. I am working on the power with Bruce's suggestion to link the CDC power to the GW500 power with the OEM connectors. I will stop by spare parts to take a look. Is fuse 38 the correct fuse to remove when connecting power and not disconnecting the battery? I have 2008 535 US version

I do have a question about removing the entire glove box compartment like what Bruce did to place the GW500 along the inside wall. I have removed all the visible screws and the left side of the compartment has come lose, the right side seems to still be stuck. I am trying to remove the "housing" http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...10&hg=51&fg=30

I got the door way trim removed and didnt see a screw there. I was not able to find what is still holding the housing in place... it feels "stuck". Is there a DIY somewhere?

thanks

 

Hello,

just a quick update, I found the last screw hidden under the plastic trim by the door.

I also installed it in the CDC bracket with zip ties for the time being.

I would like to run the adapters to the center arm console but not sure what to remove to get access like Bruce's photo. I tried searching on a DIY to run cables but I wasn't able to find details. Should I run the cables under the small felt trim on the passenger inside portion?

Can someone help me locate or point me in the right direction? Its almost the way I want this installed.

Thanks for your help.
-p

 

Hi,

Are you guys sure that the Dension 500s does not loose state if not connected to a permanent 12v. I cant find a good answer as to why Dension recommends to use a permanent 12v supply.

Cheers,
Pim.