ipod Integration--non BMW solution options in US
09-20-2007, 11:22 AM
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Hi all,
I have a 525xi (2006) with the factory radio, idrive, and the CD changer. The CD in the head unit is mp3 capable.
Because I already have the CD changer, I would like to explore options for ipod integration beyond the BMW factory solution.
As I understand it, the BMW factory add-in option would disable the CD changer.
My car does not have the auxiliary input, which my dealers tells me will cost over $400 to install ($90 part plus 3 hours labor at $110 per hour).
Plus the auxiliary unit does not really integrate the ipod.
The FM modulator approach is a possiblity, but in my experience often does not sound very good.
Of course I can burn Mp3 files to CDs, but it would be nice just to have the ipod be integrated.
Here in Minneapolis, nobody carriers the Denison 500 (in fact right now in North America it looks like it must be ordered from Toronto). I would prefer to have a dealer install the unit.
Does anybody have any suggestions beyond this? I know that Dice has no option right now.
I have a 525xi (2006) with the factory radio, idrive, and the CD changer. The CD in the head unit is mp3 capable.
Because I already have the CD changer, I would like to explore options for ipod integration beyond the BMW factory solution.
As I understand it, the BMW factory add-in option would disable the CD changer.
My car does not have the auxiliary input, which my dealers tells me will cost over $400 to install ($90 part plus 3 hours labor at $110 per hour).
Plus the auxiliary unit does not really integrate the ipod.
The FM modulator approach is a possiblity, but in my experience often does not sound very good.
Of course I can burn Mp3 files to CDs, but it would be nice just to have the ipod be integrated.
Here in Minneapolis, nobody carriers the Denison 500 (in fact right now in North America it looks like it must be ordered from Toronto). I would prefer to have a dealer install the unit.
Does anybody have any suggestions beyond this? I know that Dice has no option right now.
09-21-2007, 05:59 AM
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Originally Posted by originalsnuffy' post='472240' date='Sep 20 2007, 03:22 PM
Hi all,
I have a 525xi (2006) with the factory radio, idrive, and the CD changer. The CD in the head unit is mp3 capable.
Because I already have the CD changer, I would like to explore options for ipod integration beyond the BMW factory solution.
As I understand it, the BMW factory add-in option would disable the CD changer.
My car does not have the auxiliary input, which my dealers tells me will cost over $400 to install ($90 part plus 3 hours labor at $110 per hour).
Plus the auxiliary unit does not really integrate the ipod.
The FM modulator approach is a possiblity, but in my experience often does not sound very good.
Of course I can burn Mp3 files to CDs, but it would be nice just to have the ipod be integrated.
Here in Minneapolis, nobody carriers the Denison 500 (in fact right now in North America it looks like it must be ordered from Toronto). I would prefer to have a dealer install the unit.
Does anybody have any suggestions beyond this? I know that Dice has no option right now.
I have a 525xi (2006) with the factory radio, idrive, and the CD changer. The CD in the head unit is mp3 capable.
Because I already have the CD changer, I would like to explore options for ipod integration beyond the BMW factory solution.
As I understand it, the BMW factory add-in option would disable the CD changer.
My car does not have the auxiliary input, which my dealers tells me will cost over $400 to install ($90 part plus 3 hours labor at $110 per hour).
Plus the auxiliary unit does not really integrate the ipod.
The FM modulator approach is a possiblity, but in my experience often does not sound very good.
Of course I can burn Mp3 files to CDs, but it would be nice just to have the ipod be integrated.
Here in Minneapolis, nobody carriers the Denison 500 (in fact right now in North America it looks like it must be ordered from Toronto). I would prefer to have a dealer install the unit.
Does anybody have any suggestions beyond this? I know that Dice has no option right now.
BP
09-21-2007, 07:45 AM
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Originally Posted by Bad Bimr' post='472655' date='Sep 21 2007, 06:59 AM
You CD player plays MP3's? I have a 2004 545i with the Logic 7 and I cannot get MP3's to work. Dealer was helpful in trying to upgrade the software to no avail. I wonder if the actual CD unit changed from 2004 to 2006?
BP
BP
Yep, my CD plays MP3's as well.
09-21-2007, 09:17 AM
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Originally Posted by originalsnuffy' post='472240' date='Sep 20 2007, 02:22 PM
Hi all,
I have a 525xi (2006) with the factory radio, idrive, and the CD changer. The CD in the head unit is mp3 capable.
Because I already have the CD changer, I would like to explore options for ipod integration beyond the BMW factory solution.
As I understand it, the BMW factory add-in option would disable the CD changer.
My car does not have the auxiliary input, which my dealers tells me will cost over $400 to install ($90 part plus 3 hours labor at $110 per hour).
Plus the auxiliary unit does not really integrate the ipod.
The FM modulator approach is a possiblity, but in my experience often does not sound very good.
Of course I can burn Mp3 files to CDs, but it would be nice just to have the ipod be integrated.
Here in Minneapolis, nobody carriers the Denison 500 (in fact right now in North America it looks like it must be ordered from Toronto). I would prefer to have a dealer install the unit.
Does anybody have any suggestions beyond this? I know that Dice has no option right now.
I have a 525xi (2006) with the factory radio, idrive, and the CD changer. The CD in the head unit is mp3 capable.
Because I already have the CD changer, I would like to explore options for ipod integration beyond the BMW factory solution.
As I understand it, the BMW factory add-in option would disable the CD changer.
My car does not have the auxiliary input, which my dealers tells me will cost over $400 to install ($90 part plus 3 hours labor at $110 per hour).
Plus the auxiliary unit does not really integrate the ipod.
The FM modulator approach is a possiblity, but in my experience often does not sound very good.
Of course I can burn Mp3 files to CDs, but it would be nice just to have the ipod be integrated.
Here in Minneapolis, nobody carriers the Denison 500 (in fact right now in North America it looks like it must be ordered from Toronto). I would prefer to have a dealer install the unit.
Does anybody have any suggestions beyond this? I know that Dice has no option right now.
With that I kept my CD changer, I have a USB , iPod interface, and, AUX connector. Further I installed all myself and
saved all installation cost. It took me about half a day to complete my installation. When Completed My USB and iPod was in my center console and AUX in the glove compartment. My final cost $550.00
BMW solution would have cost me a bundle and loose the CD-Changer.
09-21-2007, 10:04 PM
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Originally Posted by judahzlion' post='472741' date='Sep 21 2007, 06:17 PM
I have exactly the same hardware as your and decided to purchase DENSION GW500.
With that I kept my CD changer, I have a USB , iPod interface, and, AUX connector. Further I installed all myself and
saved all installation cost. It took me about half a day to complete my installation. When Completed My USB and iPod was in my center console and AUX in the glove compartment. My final cost $550.00
BMW solution would have cost me a bundle and loose the CD-Changer.
With that I kept my CD changer, I have a USB , iPod interface, and, AUX connector. Further I installed all myself and
saved all installation cost. It took me about half a day to complete my installation. When Completed My USB and iPod was in my center console and AUX in the glove compartment. My final cost $550.00
BMW solution would have cost me a bundle and loose the CD-Changer.
09-22-2007, 10:35 AM
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Originally Posted by BrianC' post='472975' date='Sep 22 2007, 01:04 AM
Same here, the Gateway 500 is much more advanced than the BMW solution, I even have video out from my iPod.
Right now the Gateway 500 has to be ordered from Toronto, though I understand that Denison may establish a U.S. distributor.
There are no local installers for this device. I do know of one independent who I hope will be willing to do the work. I am not particularly handy with this kind of installation work myself.
09-23-2007, 05:39 AM
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Model Year: 2004
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Originally Posted by judahzlion' post='472741' date='Sep 21 2007, 11:17 AM
I have exactly the same hardware as your and decided to purchase DENSION GW500.
With that I kept my CD changer, I have a USB , iPod interface, and, AUX connector. Further I installed all myself and
saved all installation cost. It took me about half a day to complete my installation. When Completed My USB and iPod was in my center console and AUX in the glove compartment. My final cost $550.00
BMW solution would have cost me a bundle and loose the CD-Changer.
With that I kept my CD changer, I have a USB , iPod interface, and, AUX connector. Further I installed all myself and
saved all installation cost. It took me about half a day to complete my installation. When Completed My USB and iPod was in my center console and AUX in the glove compartment. My final cost $550.00
BMW solution would have cost me a bundle and loose the CD-Changer.
09-23-2007, 08:14 AM
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Originally Posted by originalsnuffy' post='473119' date='Sep 22 2007, 07:35 PM
What additional items were needed to access the video out from the ipod? I assume that you are sending the video to the display screen using the NAV2GO. By the way; how much was this unit?
Right now the Gateway 500 has to be ordered from Toronto, though I understand that Denison may establish a U.S. distributor.
There are no local installers for this device. I do know of one independent who I hope will be willing to do the work. I am not particularly handy with this kind of installation work myself.
Right now the Gateway 500 has to be ordered from Toronto, though I understand that Denison may establish a U.S. distributor.
There are no local installers for this device. I do know of one independent who I hope will be willing to do the work. I am not particularly handy with this kind of installation work myself.
Have a look here and scroll down to the AV Extender, thats all you need and it only cost me ?30. I don't yet have the video outputting on the Nav screen (waiting till next month to get my Nav2Go) but I have it outputting to two portable screens in the back.
09-24-2007, 08:47 AM
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Originally Posted by BrianC' post='473327' date='Sep 23 2007, 10:14 AM
I got an independent to do the install, piece of cake to wire in but I don't wire in anything that has have a power feed as I don't feel confident to do this myself.
Have a look here and scroll down to the AV Extender, thats all you need and it only cost me ?30. I don't yet have the video outputting on the Nav screen (waiting till next month to get my Nav2Go) but I have it outputting to two portable screens in the back.
Have a look here and scroll down to the AV Extender, thats all you need and it only cost me ?30. I don't yet have the video outputting on the Nav screen (waiting till next month to get my Nav2Go) but I have it outputting to two portable screens in the back.