iPod adapters for BMW business head unit

[azrael]

Never got around to fitting one but after a trip to the ring with a drought of cd's I need one. What's the best option these days?

[CraigMillwardCroft]

Mine came with a Dension Ice-Link Plus if this is any help work okay too, when you don't want to listen to the engine.

[deanobeano]

Mine came with a BMW fitted one - It doesn't work.

It's meant to act like a CD autochanger, with each of the 1-6 presets playing the first 6 playlists in the Ipod.

When I plug the ipod in, the BMW icon comes on the ipod and it starts playing, but no music is heard...

If the sound of the car wasn't so great, I would probably investigate more, but it's used for low miles only and the induction note is better than any tune!

[need4speed]

I am using one of Mark's Parrot kits.

[Yanto]

I am using one of Mark's Parrot kits.

I've got one.....just not installed yet !

[outnumbered]

My car has a DICE unit, which works OK. I used to have a Dension unit in a previous E46 that was also OK.

However, with both of those, controlling the iPod from the head-unit is quite painful, so these days I think I would just go with an AUX-IN cable and a dashboard iPod holder.

[azrael]

I was expecting to have to change using the iPod so that's not too much of a problem

However I was wondering what the best option is currently, seem to be mixed reviews so far

[rstoughy]

I was using a Parrot kit but it packed in so got ripped out binned and replaced with one of these,

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300940640598

Seems to work fine through the AUX channel. Only downside is that only the volume on the head unit works. All other control needs to be done via the ipod.

[sailorbaz]

I think I use a 'Connect2' unit, although it's been that long since it was installed, 7 years, I can't remember. Has worked perfectly until this summer when it stopped controlling the ipod from the H/U.

Needs investigating over the winter.

[Rick H]

Anyone got/tried a Pure Highway H260DBi Dab radio + iphone connection?

[spoonz]

I was using a Parrot kit but it packed in so got ripped out binned and replaced with one of these,

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300940640598

Seems to work fine through the AUX channel. Only downside is that only the volume on the head unit works. All other control needs to be done via the ipod.

Thats what I use, simplest and cleanest. However, I added a A2DP 3.5mm bluetooth device on the end. Now I dont have to use iPOD, but also can use spotify and stream off phone over bluetooth.

Simple, clean and looks OEM. Bluetooth hidden in sunglasses unit.

[sydown]

I just fitted a genuine BMW Aux connector, fitted the female 3.5 jack into the back of the tray (which needs to be countersunk from the back as the tray material is thicker than the thread on the jack is long!!) and run a 2 foot 3.5 jack cable to the ipod.

It is only an aux in so can't control the ipod but as the ipod is closer than the stereo anyway so it's not an issue!

Think I paid £52 from the local BMW dealer, or £62 delivered from the bay:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/190704698001?lpid=83&device=c&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=83&ff19=0

[sydown]

The plate included from BMW with 'Auxiliary Input' printed on it is removable so the only thing that shows on the inside of the tray is the 5mm diameter female jack socket!!

[mattCSLnut]

I was using a Parrot kit but it packed in so got ripped out binned and replaced with one of these,

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300940640598



I've got the same :thumbs: It works a treat.

[azrael]

I was using a Parrot kit but it packed in so got ripped out binned and replaced with one of these,

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300940640598

Seems to work fine through the AUX channel. Only downside is that only the volume on the head unit works. All other control needs to be done via the ipod.

Thats what I use, simplest and cleanest. However, I added a A2DP 3.5mm bluetooth device on the end. Now I dont have to use iPOD, but also can use spotify and stream off phone over bluetooth.

Simple, clean and looks OEM. Bluetooth hidden in sunglasses unit.

I've bought this cable, how have people routed it? How does the Bluetooth adapter connect on if I go down that route.

I'm assuming none of this is powered?

[Rick H]

Went for a Pioneer DEH-X8500DAB and its awesome - so much so I got 3 of them for our cars.

£170 each at Halfords, £20 for a DAB aerial again Halfords and about £10 for a fascia/fitting kit - this time Amazon.

Streams iPhone (and Android) via Bluetooth or cable (not sure if Android is cable), has built in Parrot hands-free (mic included) and Planet Rock all day on DAB. Also 2 USB ports on the back (extension lead included), an SD card slot and outputs for more serious speaker/amp systems.

Whats not to love????

[outnumbered]

Whats not to love????

How it looks :) I'm sure it works very well though.

[Rick H]

Haha, yep - that's a fair point, it's like having a bleedin' 70s Disco in the car. More suited to a pimped Saxo I guess. I think it can be toned down, still working out how everything works.

Ah, ah, ah, ah stayin alive, stayin alive . . .