lucienp

I put in my Dension Gateway 500 (GW500) a couple of days ago and it's been awesome.

I thought I'd post a guide for those people like me who don't have the CDC installed and therefore can't use the plug n play connectors that come with the Dension.
If you do have the CDC, you should follow this instead: http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=48749

First, my setup: 2004 545i with Nav that didn't have the mp3 enabled and no CDC, but had the CDC prep (this is key). I convinced CarMax into paying for the upgrade to in-dash MP3 capability and to upgrade the system (which had never been done - wow the Nav looks better!)

Instead of using the parts that Bruce Miranda used in his excellent post http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=54922 , and since I wasn't preserving the CDC connections, I went an even cheaper route on parts and went to Radio Shack and picked up a power connector plug set Part 274-222 (pic below)

A few notes that hopefully will save you some of the headaches I had.
- The fuse panel is located behind the removable panel at the back of the glovebox, but the fuse diagram is on the inside of the trunk lid in the emergency kit.
- The proper Fuse for the CDC is probably installed (number 38) and needs to be REMOVED before you start monkeying with the wires. The CDC wires are (contrary to some other posts claims) ALWAYS on (that's why it's a good one to use for the Dension, which requires a trickle of power at all times, but recognizes the Sleep Command on the MOST ring to save the battery) You don't want to trip the fuse (like me) or kick the dog (like Muttley) so PUT it BACK when you are done, too!

- despite the photos, if you are going to attach the ipod clip, AUX (RCA) in, and USB clips to the back of the glove box, put them as HIGH AS POSSIBLE, the darn box is too small to fit the manuals (in their pretty case) in otherwise.
- if you lose track of which fiber is in or out, just turn the key in the ignition, it will illuminate the fiber that is your 'IN'


This photo is of the fiber already connected to the lead included with the Dension unit, but the connector is the same as the internal one that connects the two parts of the fiber optic when you first open the box (thus creating the ring/link). You have to disconnect those and use the included straight thru connector and the one that is already in there to connect the in and out fiber lines.






You have to pull the power lead off the bigger connector. You do that by lifting the 'latch' holding the power portion to the body of the connector and pulling sideways.







This is where you install the part from Radio Shack (or wherever) - The nice thing about that particular one is that you don't have to remove their endings to crimp the (larger) male ends of the new part onto the end of the wire.





























Good Luck!

And Thanks to Fantasic5 for the Group Buy!

Other Install Guides and important Threads:
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=68029
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=54922
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=48749
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=72402
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=71577
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=73608
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=73722
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=52253

theXman

Great DIY. I really like the clean look. Good job!

Sagar

Great write up, gives hope to us without CDC's!

lucienp

Forgot one very important part - after I did the install, it still didn't work (because it wasn't programmed yet), so I had to find a dealer or Mechanic that would do the programming for me with a non-OEM, DIY install.

I live in the Balt/Wash area, so I went to Urban's Auto in Baltimore. They did the programming for under $100 and it worked like a charm.

Unfortunately, something happened when they did, and the mp3 functionality stopped working on the in-dash unit. I didn't notice at the time, of course. I HAD AN IPOD TO LISTEN TO!!!!

When I did notice, I called them up, they said bring it right in, they hooked it up, fixed the problem and had be back on the road in 20 minutes. No charge.

Honestly, I'm kinda glad I had the problem, because now I know what kind of business they run (an honest one) and I'm totally comfortable taking my girl in there the next time I need something done (like the 2 oil changes I've had them do since).

Best of luck to you DIYers out there.

LP

lucienp

One more thing. Even though the mp3 function was disabled when the programming went wrong, I still got text from the Gateway and iPod, so, if you have the Pro system (8" screen), you may not actually need to have that part of the programming done before getting the Dension GW installed. Not positive, as it may have been enabled from the original upgrade, but might be worth a try if you don't need the in-dash mp3 CD (I never use it now that I have USB and iPod capabilities).

Best

jas_r_1

How do you know if you have CDC prep? and what Dension 500 do you need? there seems to be a few different versions

ryan60isu

I have the CDC prep and am currently installing the Gateway 500. I have what is potentially a stupid question.

I have the fiber optic cable out of the pass through. I now have both ends with just the white caps on. Now how in the hell do I get that connected to the "car side" cable that came with the gateway? I feel like a retard, but after spending hours fidgeting and losing gallons of sweet in the Texas heat, feel like I've exhausted all options. Please be kind, I searched all the DIY threads on this forum and others. I know I will be doing this once someone answers.

Thanks!