This is my first post to this forum. I am sorry if I am not 100% on the rules. Please inform me if not...

I have a 2004 530i e60. I am trying to find the best iPod integration kit for my car. I have looked into the Gateway 500 but it seems it is not compatible with my version of iDrive. Dension says the only thing they can offer is a form of FM Modulator. I do not want to go this route. I have also looked at moBridge. It seems they do have one that integrates to my car but I want to make sure before purchasing one. Can you guys tell me how to determine which iDrive system I have or if you have a better (less expensive) option, I am open to ideas.

 

Back then there were two versions of iDrive. Basically one with navigation and a bigger screen and just the basic iDrive without navigation which came with a smaller screen. I had an '04 545 with the basic iDrive and used the BMW oem iPod integration kit. It goes in the glove box, connecting where the 6-disc changer would plug in. If you already have the changer you will have to remove it to get this connection. It was a good trade off in my view because the iPod offered far more music capacity than 6 CD's did. Keep in mind the 6-disc changer could not play MP3's.

The BMW iPod kit also has some limitation on the number of songs but it is way more than the 6 CDs. It's been too long and I can't recall the limitation on the number of songs but I had a dedicated 8 GB iPod I just left in the glove box for music. Don't recall the Gateway 500 having issues with one of the versions of iDrive, but then I never had it!

 

The 2004 will work with the BMW ipod adapter for MOST bus. I had a 2004 525i, that was prewired for a CD. The kit went in fine, but the car did need to be coded for the adapter, at least that is what they told me they did. Actually, I think they just code it to recognize a CD changer and it thinks the adapter is a changer. I know that if you have a CD changer, it is a quick plug and play.

I have attached the release notice that came out when the ipod adapter was first released. If you have an e60 with a build date of 9/03 or later, you are good. The adapter I had would work with the iphone and newer ipods, but it would not charge them. To charge them, I bought an extension cable that converts the connection to the newer 30pin connection. It worked great. With it, I was able to plug in any older ipod and any newer ipod or iphone, and have everything work and charge.

 

I have the ipod integration. There is one thing that drives me nuts. When selecting a song, you have to scroll through the entire list.
I’m wondering if there’s an update. It should be like scrolling through contacts in communications. You have a header with the alphabet so you can easily select a contact that starts with a particular letter. My ipod integration is not doing this.