I have a 2005 545i non nav with cd changer and 1 slot cd in the dash. I can not play mp3 cds at all. I took my car to the dealer for a "flash/firmware" upgrade to correct some rough idle issues. I asked the sa to enable mp3 playback for me an he told me that he couldn't because I the sib that I gave him that I found on this site about enabling mp3 was for cars with nav. So I have decided to do the ipod install. The dealer wants 600 for (parts/labor) for the ipod install. I have read the tutorial on this site about how to do the ipod install yourself. It seems pretty self explanatory and easy. However since my car doesn't play mp3 cds, even if I do the install is there something else the dealer will have to do to make it work?

 

Yes, they'll need to enable iPod functionality.

The dealer is right, since you have a 2005 w/out nav you wont be able to play MP3 CDs iPod integration is different. it uses the CD Changer

 

So the basically quoted me 2.5 hours labor for the install. Any idea how much of that is the actual install and how much is the program or whatever they need to do to enable it?

 

Took me 20 mins to do the actual Ipod install itself, and I'm kind of an idiot when it comes to those sorts of things. As I understand it, if your software is up to date, the Ipod adapter should just work. Again, that's my impression of it.

 

You need the mp3 retrofit for it to work.
Will

 

The non MP3 iPod install means that you need to control your playlists via the iPod itself. The iDrive will just display "Aux In", and play whatever it gets from the iPod. With the MP3 install, you can control the playlists/song selection through your iDrive and steering controls. The iDrive basically controls the iPod.

 

Hey 545insc....I'm having my dealer install the Aux input and they told me they have to reprogram the software in order for it to be recognized. They also quoted me, from BMW of Manhattan that for the Ipod it'll be $650.

Question: If they reprogram the software and we install the ipod unit ourselves would that still work or do they have to reprogram it again after having installed the Aux input. I ask because this might be a cheaper alternative for us 545i owners as the unit for the Ipod is only like ~150 if I'm not mistaken. We could put that money towards rims

 

If your car is still in warranty, you can get the mp3 retrofit for free...do a search. Then get the dension gateway 500 from fantastic5(member) and install it yourself(aagain do a search for the instructions). The dension is much better than bmw ipod adapter..It's a pretty easy install.
Will

 

hey 545insc...i just had the same problem just two weeks ago. i took the SIB to my dealer and they did the mp3 update. i dont have nav. however, they may have inabled the ipod from functioning because when i installed the interface myself it did not work. i had to go back to the dealer to have them update the idrive so i could use the ipod. they charged me $125 for that. it took about an hour or two. i waited in the lounge.

hope that helps.

 

just got the car to install latest cip and you can DIY , search under my name you will see