Seen variouse threads, which has triggered a moment of spending in a world of financial uncertainty!!! Hoping the end results are worth it.

Peeps with this fitted are encouraged to big up the technology via this thread to make me feel better. Seen a 500 gateway in an A6 but not in an E60..so any feedback, pics etc appreciated.

Installer hasnt said anything, so I'm assuming that I dont need to have a CD changer fitted (it does have prep for) and I can read MP3's from the single CD slot in the dash.

I will of course deliver pics when its in....Booked 1st Feb...so time to bottle it... if you give it big negs
Cheers
Mick

 

Go For It!!!!

It's great!!! To be honest, you're better off fitting it yourself. It's sooooooo easy!!! Follow Muttley's instructions HERE and you really cannot go wrong.

I've only got the use of one arm due to a hit and run a few years back and it only took me 20 to get it all wired up then half an hour to position the iPod holder and AUX box and tuck all the wires away neatly how I wanted them. So if I can do it anyone can do it.

Don't spend more cash on getting it fitted........Do it yourself and buy yourself a few pints with the money you save to congratulate yourself.

The actual thing is brilliant. The sound quality is amazing and I love having the control of the iPod through the iDrive and seeing all my album/artist/playlist titles on screen. It's so easy to use.

Contact me if you have any questions about the install and I'll be more than happy to help.

Marc

 

You have CDC preparation, but you may have to enable CD Changer functionality at a BMW service.
And a more impotant thing: the single slot E60 head unit (Business, M-ASK, 6.5" display) does NOT support text on CD Changer interface. So it only uses a little part of Gateway 500 potential!

 

BMW dealers won't code a car for a CD changer if they are not installing a CD changer. This is one of several reasons why non-BMW solutions are not close to being out-of-the-box solutions for MOST BMWs.

 

followed the link for the DIY install which looks pretty straight forward and which saves ?90....I did note that some said that having either the CDC or an AUX port was needed...have no CDC but do have AUX port which is how I currently play my IPOD through the sstem, I think my CIP is 21. I was careful to spec the Pro radio package as this enabled the MP3 recognition and playback via single CD slot. I am iterested to learn what functionality I might loose based on the comment above - "So it only uses a little part of Gateway 500 potential!"

Thanks for any further clarity....Mick

 

I thought you have Business radio, because you referred single slot CD in the front.
If you have Professional radio, you must have separate slot or audio and navi.

In the first case you won't see iPod tracknames on i-Drive screen just Track 1, Track 2 etc.
In the second case, you will have full iPod functionality/control also full depth folder/category browser on USB.

 

Hi, I have No nav, but do have Full Pro radio with dual tuner and 6.5" screen a UK option, which I specfically went for to get the MP3 CD playback.
I have a single slot CD player in the dash (small cubby hole inder it) This plays MP3 CD and shows full MP3 track info. I have not installed a CD Changer but elected to have the AUX input fitted by a dealer, car CIP was upgraded at the time and shows AUX (Audio) on the screen. When I select this option, I can plau my Nano via the AUX input through the Logic 7, no track info however only audio out.

I have sent this info to the installer, who is passing onto Dension to ensure that i get full track info on the screen, or I wont bother.

 

I think since you have the 6.5" screen and not the 8.8" one, you have the Business radio?
Could you please ask your BMW dealer whether it is M-ASK or CCC based head unit? They should be able to check that based on VIN.

 

Its going into the dealer Monday morning for an anoying squeek on the steering column, I'll get info then...gut feel is that its a M-ASK system I have...specifically asked for Pro radio when I specified the car as in the UK it was the only way to get MP3 CD at the time..
pic of my car showeing the Aux input on the screen...single CD plays MP3...