tarek307

Since i don't want to buy the ipod retrofit and mess with the I-Drive, is the only other option i have to use my ipod is the FM transmitter? and if so does anyone have it..i know the sound isn't as good as direct connection (in my lexus i used the tapdeck and connected my ipod with a tape through it)

I wish there was some kind of Direct input plug to plug my ipod into that i can buy!! (not the whole i-pod integration with idrive thing)

anyways thoughts on the FM transmitter thing and best one to buy!

pukka

Any FM transmitter will work nicely as long as you can find a clear frequency to use it on. In Germany they tend to use more of the FM spectrum compared to the states.

I recommend not getting a goose-neck type of setup (at least not for an Ipod Video) since it clutters the space in front of your center console. Its also a pain to push the buttons while you are driving. If you get a setup with soft wires you can lay the Ipod down on a flat surface out of the way of everything else. Then you can just pick up the Ipod whenever you want to change any settings.

I personally prefer to burn MP3 CDs or DVDs. I only use my Ipod when i'm working out or on an airplane.

Russ1974

You can get an Auxillary Input added to the E60, this will be cheaper than the full iPod retrofit. it just adds a 3.5mm jack, and allows you to plug in an iPod or any other device. In your iDrive, you get an extra menu option; "FM CD AUX". Select AUX, and whatever you have plugged in to the input will come out through the speakers.

Avoid FM transmitters ... the sound quality is usually really bad ...

E60Sim

I use this iTrip FM transmitter:


2? year since I took that picture!

It works, but the sound quality isn't that good.. I would vote for a iPod interface or just the AUX in..

I'm now a fan of my MP3 CD's, because it works very good, easy to control, looks good, and the sound is outstanding

waiting

Take a look at this entry in the forum

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=...&hl=walmart

Post number 14

I've used the FM transmitter from Walmart very successfully. I stopped using using it when I got MP3 working, but 'til then, thru the IPOD transmitter, this worked great.

waiting....

tarek307

Russ, that is exactly what i would want! Where can i get this done?

GoRovers

Tarek,
Almost any BMW dealer can do this work. I just had my AUX installed yesterday at a local (SoCal) BMW dealer. $75 for the part (female input installed in glove box). Labor was quoted to me over the phone by service writer #1 as 2 hours. When I arrived I was helped by service writer #2 who said only 1 hour of service. Sold! Of course that includes a software upgrade so iDrive displays "AUX" as an option.

Works great! I went directly to Best Buy and bought the "Griffin TuneFlex AUX for iPod," ($55) so I can deliver sound through bottom (line) connection of my 4G 40Gig iPod, instead of the wimpier-sounding top (headphone) port. Listening to my classic rock I'm now having more fun than watching an angry mom in a Walmart!

(Forget those FM transmitters...)
Lee