I need your advise iPOD Connection or CD Changer
06-02-2008, 03:54 AM
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My Ride: 2004 545i TITANIUM GREY II on Black Dakota Lthr, Comfort Seats, Sports PKG, Premium PKG, Active/Dynamic Drive, NAV, Winter Package.
I need your advise, my car did not come in with a CD changer and my in-dash CD does not support MP3, so I am wondering should I buy a CD changer or get the iPOD kit installed from BMW. Thanks
06-02-2008, 04:39 AM
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My Ride: 11 550i Sophisto Gray/Oyster Black/Anthracite, Sprt Trns, DHP, IAS, SP, PP1, PP2, CWP, HUD, DAP, AVSP, SF RS, CA, ACC - Euro Del
I have had both in my e60's. It is a matter of preference. CD sound quality is better than that of the iPod. iPod is more convenient with access to more music. It also depends on the type of music that you listen to. If you like classical music, I would go with the CD changer. Most people will give up some fidelity in order to get the convenience of the iPod.
06-02-2008, 04:44 AM
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My Ride: 2007 525i, mystic blue metallic, black leather interior, dark poplar wood trim, premium package, navigation, iPod, park distance control, voice activation, bluetooth.
Mods: Full M-Tech Kit, ACS Rep Rear Window Spoiler, ACS Rep Rear Deck Spoiler, ACS Rep Quad Diffuser, ACS Rep Exhaust Tips, Remus Duel Exhaust, De-badge, 20% Tint Front and Rear, Umnitza Predator Ice V2, HID fog lights, Clear Side Marker Light Bulbs (yellow when on), Dark Poplar Wood Shifter, Dark Poplar Wood e-Brake Handle, Dark Poplar Wood Steering Wheel Inserts, OEM Steel Pedals, OEM M Footrest, 19 inch OEM 121s (Summer), 18 inch 124s (Winter), Shadowline Window Trim, Blacked-out Kidney Grills
iPod = digital sound. iPod = lots and lots of music. CD changer = having to load discs. I love my iPod set-up!
06-02-2008, 04:57 AM
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My Ride: 2005 530i upgraded to 2007 550i 12/20/06
Took delivery of 2008 M5 3/25/08 cf delete K&N filters, the rest stock.
I have both and we never use the CD player. To be honest I am not sure about the interface kit, both of my Ipod were factory install.
CD may sound better, but than you have to carry all of the discs with you. Ipod is the way!
CD may sound better, but than you have to carry all of the discs with you. Ipod is the way!
06-02-2008, 05:02 AM
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My Ride: Mystic Blue Nov 2004 5.30d SE :: Bluetooth :: Prof Nav :: TV :: Auto :: Beige Leather :: 18'' M Sport Alloys :: Folding Mirrors :: Headlight Washers
cant you get your in-dash upgraded/configured to play Mp3?
06-02-2008, 07:05 AM
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Originally Posted by wacopolumbo' post='593431' date='Jun 2 2008, 08:44 AM
iPod = digital sound.
06-02-2008, 07:32 AM
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My Ride: 2007 525i, mystic blue metallic, black leather interior, dark poplar wood trim, premium package, navigation, iPod, park distance control, voice activation, bluetooth.
Mods: Full M-Tech Kit, ACS Rep Rear Window Spoiler, ACS Rep Rear Deck Spoiler, ACS Rep Quad Diffuser, ACS Rep Exhaust Tips, Remus Duel Exhaust, De-badge, 20% Tint Front and Rear, Umnitza Predator Ice V2, HID fog lights, Clear Side Marker Light Bulbs (yellow when on), Dark Poplar Wood Shifter, Dark Poplar Wood e-Brake Handle, Dark Poplar Wood Steering Wheel Inserts, OEM Steel Pedals, OEM M Footrest, 19 inch OEM 121s (Summer), 18 inch 124s (Winter), Shadowline Window Trim, Blacked-out Kidney Grills
Originally Posted by JSpira' post='593545' date='Jun 2 2008, 05:05 PM
Uh no. The iPod audio output is analog in all cases, incl. through the dock connector.
huh, didn't know that. Thanks!
06-02-2008, 08:52 AM
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My Ride: 2011.5 Alpine White E90 M3 | Black Novillo Leather | Carbon Fiber Leather Trim | ZCP | ZP2 | M-DCT | Navigation | Moonroof | 6FL Mods: TMS 12.5mm spacers all around l Hawk HPS Brake Pads l OEM M3 Edition Grills l Paint Matched Side Gills l Key Hole D
Bigger fan of the IPOD connector just because of convenience. Not a big fan of loading discs or carrying a big CD book around. I guess it's a matter of preference tho...GL.
06-02-2008, 08:57 AM
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My Ride: 2005 525I JIMMY540 XENON'S 19" M5 RIMS
Wow so do you lose sound quality with the ipod ??? I am about to get the interface installed is the sound no good ?????? 
06-02-2008, 09:10 AM
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My Ride: '05 545 Titanium Silver, Black Leather - Nav, Logic 7, Cold weather.
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You lose sound quality mainly because of the sample rate of tracks on the ipod in comparison to the sample rate of a CD track.
Has anyone used the ALE (Apple Lossless Encoder) with the iPod interface in the car? If the audio is sent in an analog format from the ipod then in theory an ALE encoded track will be close to the same quality as the original source. Obviously you can't store as many tracks then but still more than 6 discs worth!
Has anyone used the ALE (Apple Lossless Encoder) with the iPod interface in the car? If the audio is sent in an analog format from the ipod then in theory an ALE encoded track will be close to the same quality as the original source. Obviously you can't store as many tracks then but still more than 6 discs worth!