I have an appointment set up with another dealer this Friday and I am debating whether this AUX cable is all worth it. Have anyone compared the AUX input and the IPOD connector in terms of sound quality? If this is in the IPOD thread, please let me know and I will do a search there. I would appreciate it if someone can tell me. The IPOD connector is out of the question for me since it's too expensive, and I have read a lot of limitation with it (Chinese character display for one)

 

I had the AUX IN connector on my E60 and I have the ipod connector on my E61.

As far as sound quality goes, that is a tough one for me to answer as a I have Logic 7 in my E61 and standard sound in my E60.

FWIW, I feel the ability to scroll through playlists or songs through idrive (and use the steering wheel controls) is far more useful than having the ipod connected to the car for sound only and changing songs by hand on the ipod. I also like the fact the the ipod interface integrates with the BT phone - call comes in, the ipod is paused until I hang up on the call. Built in charging is a nice plus on long trips.

 

hello!

Guys I'm new to E60. Before I start I want to say I did a search. Can anyone tell me where to get the parts needed to the Aux install on my late model 04 545I with no Nav. I know the dealer has to reprogram some software and do the install how much should i expect to pay in Houston,TX.

Joseph

 

So on the sound issue alone, are would you say that it's a toss up (appreciating that you have two different head units), or at least the AUX input would not be a complete waste of time and money.

 

The AUX in is an inexpensive way to have an external audio source play back through the car speakers. The cable is relatively inexpensive (80 bucks or so) and it will work with any E60/61. Sound is fine provided you have the proper cable. If all goes well, 1 hour of labour is what is required to enable the connection.

The ipod pricing makes no sense to me as it varies from dealer to dealer. The part itself is about $300 give or take. I have read on BMW bulletins that the software update to enable the device is covered under warranty yet dealers are charging several hours for programming labour.

Sound is fine with the AUX. You will be more than happy Matt. Having had both, I like the ability to change tracks via the steering wheel controls and not need to take my eyes off the road, hence, my preference of the ipod interface.

 

Thanks ademitt! That's good to hear. I would love the iPOD connector but the costs and, more importantly, its limitation (no Chinese characters display, limit on # artists and # songs per folder, etc) did not make sense for me. I will get the AUX input installed tomorrow so if all goes well, I will be enjoying my iPOD on my road trip starting this Saturday. I can't believe a $89,000 car did not even come with CD changer as standard!

 

What a MAJOR disappointment! So I went to Toronto BMW this morning to get the AUX input installed. The SA asked me to sign the authorization - $700! I said, no way. I was quoted $117 for the cable and 1.3 hrs at $119 per hour. That's $270 or so plus taxes. He said that's for the installation. And then it takes 3-4 hrs to program it. Obviously I left without the installation. Why would someone quote me 1.3 hrs without programming when programming is required? It's like telling people the car is $25,000 without saying that the engine and transmission are going to be another $50,000. Needless to say, I am never going to Toronto BMW again.

Now that I got that off my chest, I guess I will be bringing with me lots of CDs for my 8 hrs drive tomorrow to Philly. Or maybe I will give my FM transmitter another shot.