Best Retrofit Ipod Solution?

P

petertodd24

Member
Hi Guys

What is the best retrofit ipod system to get for my Z4? I currently have one of those Belkin radio connectors which has served me well but I want to get a fully built in system where I just plug in the ipod and it links into all the speakers (ideally off steering wheel control but perhaps that is a stretch too far). Is there a package anyone would recommend, and am I best getting this done through a BMW dealer?

Cheers

Pete
 
You need to do a little reading to make up your mind. I prefer the Intravee II w/the Alpine IPOD adapter solution. It seems to be the one that will do all that you ask plus a little more. The link below lists the current choices with some overview of each. Go to the Bimmerfest forum and do a search for Intravee for more info.

Regards

http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=472420
 
I did this plus (the equivalent of) this. Plugs in via the aux-in (which I installed myself too). I decided to go this route because:
- Charges the ipod (even the latest that only support 5V charging)
- Play/pause, skip fwd and skip back buttons in an easy to reach location (easier to reach than buttons on the stereo face even!)
- Able to hide the iPod out of sight as I rarely use it outside of the car (still yet to implement this bit)
- Automatically pauses the iPod when you turn the engine off
- Cheap
- There's so many stories of units like the DICE causing major headaches, which I wanted to avoid
- Easy to remove when I sell the car, and not leave a trace

To do a tidy install you do need to remove some trim pieces around the ashtray/cig lighter, but you would be removing trim anyway to install any other solution. If you like I can snap some pics of the setup in the car?
 
Pete, your Zed is post face lift so you will have a Aux-in socket (feel along the dash above the Aux power socket). Just plug in your ipod with a 3.5mm lead, select Aux on the radio, and away you go!

You wont be able to control the ipod via the steering wheel controls though but it will be a big improvement over the belkin radio connectors
 
DrNick said:
Pete, your Zed is post face lift so you will have a Aux-in socket (feel along the dash above the Aux power socket). Just plug in your ipod with a 3.5mm lead, select Aux on the radio, and away you go!

You wont be able to control the ipod via the steering wheel controls though but it will be a big improvement over the belkin radio connectors
Click to expand...
Not strictly true as it depends on the manufacturing date, but fingers crossed you have one :thumbsup:
 
playalistic said:
DrNick said:
Pete, your Zed is post face lift so you will have a Aux-in socket (feel along the dash above the Aux power socket). Just plug in your ipod with a 3.5mm lead, select Aux on the radio, and away you go!

You wont be able to control the ipod via the steering wheel controls though but it will be a big improvement over the belkin radio connectors
Click to expand...
Not strictly true as it depends on the manufacturing date, but fingers crossed you have one :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

I stand corrected, think Pete's is an 07 so good chance of it being ok
 
Petes is registered March 07 but depends how long it's been standing, mine was registered Dec 27 2006 but was made August 2006 so no AUX.
 
I asked the Dealership and they said that it was without AUX, so it looks like a retrofit is the way I'll have to go.

Thanks for the link srhutch - I was looking at the DICE solution as well, is the Denison generally considered to be a better model? I am not particularly technically minded when it comes to fitting these sorts of things, am I best to get BMW to fit it or can I take it to any car audio specialist?

Thanks

Pete
 
Pete it's an easy job, just plug and play. Never seen the dice option but I believe there are more issues with the dice setup.
 
Ok I think I'm going to go down the Denison Ice Link Plus route - thanks for all the other feedback though, much appreciated.

I went onto the Denison website and it appears that the Plus model does not exist anymore, or am I missing something? http://www.dension.com/car-multimedia-adapter-ipod-iphone-usb-auxin

I also picked up a BMW brochure at the weekend which has something called a Ipod Interface which they offer, should I be exploring this route too? Ideally if I can get something which is BMW approved and can be fitted by the dealer, I might be able to get them to install it at the same time as I pick up the car next week.

Thanks

Pete
 
Pete, yes the dension icelink plus now not available although they do sell an equivalent model, but you maybe able to source from ebay.

BMW offering you mention is very similar to the Dension one just a few less bells and whistles.
 
Reggie-g75 said:
I went down the Parrot MKi9200 route and very impressed. Also sorted the issue of the crappy bluetooth :wink:
Click to expand...

Hi im looking to have this installed when i pick mine up :) is it a straight forward install in to an 03 Z4 with the business stereo?
 
I have a post facelift model without an AUX in but it was pre-wired for the the CD multichanger. I decided to fit the DICE Silverline Pro unit as it plugs straight into the connections for CD multichanger. Check out this link to see how easy the fit is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHIfb0CW7cE&feature=related. The Pro allows for control through the head unit, the MF steering wheel and the Ipod itself.
I would fit this again as the result is a good fit with no signs of anything being done and you can route the wire through the ashtray.
Good luck!
 
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