Ipod my e60 - please help

I've searched this and several other forums for a definitive answer to this and can't find it. Apologies if I am re-opening an age old discussion, but I need some help.

I just bought a used 530d and as part of the negotiation my dealer (uk based) agreed to ipod the car.

I had previously been advised that it was possible to have partial integration as per the Dension Ice Link Plus system - ie playlist replacing cd changer etc..

Unfortunately my dealer has now admitted he has no clue as to how to do this.

I have given him dension details, but their site appears to show fm modulator is the only option for the e60. But.. I have seen plenty of posts which suggest that there is a working option.

To further complicate things, I have a cd stacker (which I didn't know was fitted) and I can't decide if I should retain it and try to get the ipod linked up to an aux connection as others seem to have done - or sacrifice the changer for some increased functionality (ie playlist control - eg ice link plus).

Can anyone confirm that they have an ipod hooked up either way and tell me EXACTLY what the kit is?

Any advice on ditching or keeping the cd changer would also be cool.

Reply » Ipod my e60 - please help

There is no iPod integration product available for the E60--not from BMW or any third party vendor. The best you can do (which I've done and am very happy with) is get the aux input installed and connect your iPod to it. The only part you can control with the car is the volume, since the aux input is nothing more than an audio jack--here's BMW's install instructions:
aux input instructions

I hardwired my iPod with a Monster iCarCharger, connected to the aux input with a shielded Monster cable, and use a Griffin AirClick remote. The iPod is stored in the center armrest storage area. Here's a thread with pix & DIY instructions:
iPod hardwire install

The BMW iPod connector, which is available on some other BMW models, is not yet available for the E60. That connector conflicts with the CD changer (so you need to remove it) and with nav (so you can't use it if you have nav)--hopefully the connector for the E60 (when/if it's released) won't conflict with nav.

Dension has been promising to release an icelink plus for the E60 "in a few months" for a year or so. Nav-TV says they will have a product for the E60 in mid-March. Hopefully that won't follow the pattern of the Dension product.

There's no need to get rid of your CD changer--the aux input doesn't conflict with it. If BMW releases an iPod connector that conflicts with it, you can worry about it at that time. Nav-TV said their product will not conflict with the CD changer or nav.

Reply » Ipod my e60 - please help

Stream -
How difficult is it to install the aux input on your own? Or would you recommend having the service dept do it as I understand that you need to have them update the software?

Reply » Ipod my e60 - please help

Quote:

Stream -
How difficult is it to install the aux input on your own? Or would you recommend having the service dept do it as I understand that you need to have them update the software?

I looked into doing it myself, but since the dealer would charge 1 hour to install, if I did the install myself I'd still have to pay for them to program iDrive to recognize the aux input, and probably wouldn't save very much.

Reply » Ipod my e60 - please help

Thanks Stream - nice clear answer.

My dealer is still bullsh*tting around telling me that they are talking to dension and trying to work out how to order etc.. complete pants as they would be able to find out in fiuve minutes flat if they actually knew what they were doing.

Anyway - i think my only option is the aux input - I am not letting then install a cheapo fm job.

Like you I would propose to go for an in the armrest location; but unfortunately I don't have the back of armrest powerpoints and my front lighter socket is in use for my tomtom satnav. Again I'm not happy to let them off the hook and have to charge my ipod at home.

I am going to have to lead them by the nose to get this sorted - is there an official option for the installation of an additional power supply to the armrest?

hope you can help as I am getting hacked off with the BMW chaps right now

Reply » Ipod my e60 - please help

go with the audio input. copy your cds to the ipod. the extra audio from the cds can not be heard in a car enviroment especially when the car moving.

a good fm unit is not that bad, some people on this board think their in they're living room. the denision unit is prety good but you got to find a clear channel. however in their defence i have had a couple unit that belonged at the bottom of a deep lake.

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