Sorry Guys to bore you with this question -- I have read all the postings on MP3 and if it can or cannot be configured and now a bit confused.

I go my 2005 530i about a month ago and the dealer was going to configure the MP3. But now they are saying it cannot be done based on my production date of Dec 10, 2004 and since I have a M-ASK radio unit.

True or not guys? Should I be persuing it further? If the dealer is correct, then are there any other options to add MP3, iPod, etc to my car?

Thanks .

 

you and i have the same car (got mine a month and a week ago) and i asked the same thing. as far as i've been told, it cannot be done. only cars with CCC (navigation) can as their system is reprogramable.

if you have a cd chager then you have the option to get an ipod input installed. it'll use the cd-changer's controls as the ipod's interface. i'v seen the price for this go anywhere from $250 to $500 for the kit with the installation at the dealer which i think is insane.. its something you can do yourself so if you're handy you can do it but you loose your cd-changer. you can only have one or the other. check out ebay for the ipod kit. its basically a wire that goes from the cd-changer connector to your ipod.

orlee

 

M-ASK vs CCC is not a production date issue, it's a Navigation vs non-Navigation issue. So if you Dec '05 built car does not have Nav, then you have the M-ASK computer system which cannot play MP3s...

You can do the iPod adaptor by replacing the 6-disc changer in the love box. I did this in my old 545 and it works well, much more data than 6 CDs. Even if you don't have the 6-disc changer, the cabling is back there, it will just be a bit more expensive to install.

 

Thanks guys - I don't have a cd changer. The dealer up here in Canada wants about $1000 (parts/labour) to put a iPod interface. Are there any "non BMW" options? I read some postings on Dension unit, but not sure if it can be put in my car.

 

Get an Aux input

 

Looks like I might go that route... btw, dealer in Canada wants 4 hrs labour!!!

 

Hmm, not to confuse the issue, but I'm pretty sure that my '06 530i will play MP3s, and I'm completely certain that I don't have Nav!

Regards, Jon.

 

The Aux-in can't be cheap and you might be much better off with the iPod interface. In the States, it's usually $550 including the unit and installation.

Installation on a 5er Series is easy even if you don't have the CD Changer - but you'll need to have the dealer code the car and update your software (this is covered by warranty if your car is under warranty by BMW of North America).

 

Up here, they are charging approx $680 for AUX input (pars/labour) and about $1000 for the iPod interface (parts/labour). I am wondering if the Dension unit would be better to install, but I cannot find anyone near Toronto that carries it.