iPod Touch and iDrive
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 246
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From: Los Angeles, CA
My Ride: 2007 530i, white/black manual, sports package, nav, PDC, etc.
I've recently purchased an iPod Touch and would like to know how it can be integrated into the iDrive system. Presently, I can only link it into the audio system through the rear auxiliary jack, but it's kind of inconvenient because the unit doesn't integrate into any of the dash controls.
My car is a 2007 530i with navigation. It doesn't have an iPod interface, nor does it have a USB port.
What are my options, and what is the approximate cost.
Thank you,
Robert
My car is a 2007 530i with navigation. It doesn't have an iPod interface, nor does it have a USB port.
What are my options, and what is the approximate cost.
Thank you,
Robert
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 8
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From: Southern California
My Ride: 2008 5351 Black Sapphire Metallic, Black Dakota Leather, Sirius, Sport Package
You can purchase the iPod interface for your car. I believe the dealer charges about $1000 for the interface and the programming. Once installed, the cable is in the glove box and you control the iPod using the iDrive. My understanding is that you cannot install the iPod adapter if you have a CD changer in the car. On the iDrive, you get to the iPod by selecting the CD changer options. It's hard to describe...CD1 is your iPod sorted by Artist, CD2 is your iPod music sorted by Song Title, etc. I love that feature and how it's integrated with the iDrive. Worth the investment in my opinion. 
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 246
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From: Los Angeles, CA
My Ride: 2007 530i, white/black manual, sports package, nav, PDC, etc.
A thousand bucks, yikes!! I think I'll go without the convenience until I get my next car and just use the aux jack.
Is there a lower cost aftermarket alternative?
Is there a lower cost aftermarket alternative?
Originally Posted by markd2' post='1031634' date='Oct 13 2009, 02:45 PM
You can purchase the iPod interface for your car. I believe the dealer charges about $1000 for the interface and the programming. Once installed, the cable is in the glove box and you control the iPod using the iDrive. My understanding is that you cannot install the iPod adapter if you have a CD changer in the car. On the iDrive, you get to the iPod by selecting the CD changer options. It's hard to describe...CD1 is your iPod sorted by Artist, CD2 is your iPod music sorted by Song Title, etc. I love that feature and how it's integrated with the iDrive. Worth the investment in my opinion.
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Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Atlanta, GA
Originally Posted by Robert A' post='1031718' date='Oct 13 2009, 07:34 PM
A thousand bucks, yikes!! I think I'll go without the convenience until I get my next car and just use the aux jack.
Is there a lower cost aftermarket alternative?
Is there a lower cost aftermarket alternative?
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 149
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From: Toronto, Canada
My Ride: 2010 535xi
That's excellent!
Now what they need to do is figure out a way to wire the factory ipod integration (i.e. cable in the armrest) to a specdock in the ashtray. Right now, I'm using two separate devices. I'm using an ipod for music so that I don't have to attach my iphone every time, but I'd love it so that I could just drop the iphone in a cradle, and have it charge and supply music.
Now what they need to do is figure out a way to wire the factory ipod integration (i.e. cable in the armrest) to a specdock in the ashtray. Right now, I'm using two separate devices. I'm using an ipod for music so that I don't have to attach my iphone every time, but I'd love it so that I could just drop the iphone in a cradle, and have it charge and supply music.
Originally Posted by jherm' post='1031778' date='Oct 13 2009, 09:31 PM
Here's my setup. http://www.specdock.com/. It uses the Dension Gateway 500 to integrate with your idrive. These guys happened to be about 15 min from my house so i had them install it for $50. They did a phenomenal job as it is very clean and factory-looking. I believe it was about $600.
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 11,084
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From: Thousand Oaks, California
My Ride: 2008 550i Jet Black on Black Leather, SAT with Paddles, Logic 7, Comfort Seats, NAV, Sport Package, PDC, Xenons, Sirius, Trinity 12W LED Angel Eyes, RPi GT Exhaust, M rear spoiler, ACS Roof Spoiler, Tinted Tail Lights, Bimmian Carbon Fiber Pillar Trim, Bimmian Shadow 550i emblem, RPi Scoop, E60 Forum Cling, Mtec bulbs in fog lights, Mtec 2W LED for License Plate Light Bulbs, K&N Filter, Bimmian LED Smoked Side Markers, Blackout roundels, Carbon Fiber Kidney Grills.
Retired Rides - 1989 325i convertible, 1995 M3, 2002 X5, 2005 545i, 2008 X5 (Lemon)
Wow, that Dension is pretty slick! 
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 80
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From: San Diego, CA
My Ride: 2007 E60 530i
2007 E70 X5 3.0si
2001 E53 X5 3.0 (gone)
1997 E39 528i (gone)
I think you can get the adapter for about $160-$200. Installed it myself (search for DIY here). Programming at dealer is $135.
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Joined: Aug 2009
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From: UK - Romford, Essex
If your car plays mp3 CDs in the main dash CD / DVD slots then the Dension 500 is the way to go... Would be cheaper if you fit it yourself. Its better then the OEM ipod unit (More flexable as it has IPOD / AUX / USB inputs) and lets you keep the factory CD Changer 
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Joined: Oct 2009
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Will this work without upgrading the idrive as it states?
http://stores.homestead.com/2point5/-strse...MPKG/Detail.bok
http://stores.homestead.com/2point5/-strse...MPKG/Detail.bok
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