Fitting iPod into E85 2003 model?

[Nigel-Z4]

I have an E85 2003 model Z4 3 litre with the built in sat/nav/tv etc.

Can anyone advice me the easiest way for me to be able to play my iPod music through the existing system?

Perhaps a cable that comes out in the glove box so I can keep iPod in there?

Any way it can be worked so the next/previous track buttons and volume knob on the dash work with the ipod?

On my system, when you chose the source I only have cd changer, cd or radio, there is no Aux option.

 

[Adamski]

AUX cable? When plugged in it should cycle through AUX mode too

Cant help with connecting the radio controls to the iPod. Maybe someone else will know...

 

[Adamski]

General AUX and installation guide HERE

 

[srhutch]

Dension, Intravee & Dice are three options that will do all the above.

 

[mac27040]

I have temp. Fitted one to mine, have same setup. The problem is its not straight forward to connect to back of radio when you have sat nav. If you plug in where cd connects on the back of the radio you can get music to play through system but cannot control tracks by radio. Have to change via iPod or iPhone. Steering wheel controls still operate cd!!! The correct method I understand is to connect unit to cd cable behind the cd player then the radio thinks its controlling the cd when really its the iPod. If you dont have sat nav then you can connect to back of radio.

 

[reeksi]

Dension, Intravee & Dice are three options that will do all the above.

For the price of these you might want to consider the Parrot mki9100 or 9200 then for the same money you also get bluetooth phone through the radio. i think the 9100 looks quite neat:

picture installed here:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=349569

 

[Nigel-Z4]

I already have Intravee 2 and an Alpine iPod controller that I just took out of my old 530i Sport before I sold it.

However, I don't want to lose the CD changer, I simply want an aux to put iPod into and then have an aux to cycle to.

Thanks for the link Adamski, looks a bit complex

 

[RichardP]

You could connect an AI_Net switch to the Intravee and use an Alpine AI-Net changer. However, especially with a CD slot in the dash, it's unlikely you'll ever use the CD Changer.

 

[Adamski]

I already have Intravee 2 and an Alpine iPod controller that I just took out of my old 530i Sport before I sold it.

However, I don't want to lose the CD changer, I simply want an aux to put iPod into and then have an aux to cycle to.

Thanks for the link Adamski, looks a bit complex

It's easier if you have a plug and play AUX. But they're around £60 from a dealer IIRC. You still have to install the cable though

 

[Hunter]

Parrot system that allows you to connect to iphone through blutooth and is also a blutooth hands free for you phone through your cars hifi...

 

[jonno]

I already have Intravee 2 and an Alpine iPod controller that I just took out of my old 530i Sport before I sold it.

However, I don't want to lose the CD changer, I simply want an aux to put iPod into and then have an aux to cycle to.

Thanks for the link Adamski, looks a bit complex

I found a really well made Z4-specific Aux cable for £25 on ebay:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/280778033711

The seller was really helpful with advice about installation, including how to combine wires so I could keep my satnav, multi-cd etc. He doesn't seem to have any more on sale at the moment, but if you contact him directly he might make one up for you.

 

[Hotride]

The parrot mki9200 let's you keep the cd changer, I have it and cd changer and aux, USB input all work. It streams music from iPhone too via bluetooth and mutes stereo during calls 8)

 

[Nigel-Z4]

Thanks for eBay link jonno. That guy apears to have dropped off the planet. But he does state that a BMW retro-fit cable is £45 plus fitting, off to BMW in Bedford for me tomorrow.

 

[Dean-Z4]

I have temp. Fitted one to mine, have same setup. The problem is its not straight forward to connect to back of radio when you have sat nav. If you plug in where cd connects on the back of the radio you can get music to play through system but cannot control tracks by radio. Have to change via iPod or iPhone. Steering wheel controls still operate cd!!! The correct method I understand is to connect unit to cd cable behind the cd player then the radio thinks its controlling the cd when really its the iPod. If you dont have sat nav then you can connect to back of radio.

I also have the fold out dash satnav. If I bought an ice link etc...Can I just plug the unit in to the cd changer in the boot, without having to take the headunit out of the dash.

I would like to get music in my car from my ipod, changing tracks through the headunit etc...all seems so complex, many different opinions, very confusing. Can somebody please sumarise.

 

[mac27040]

I plugged mine into back of head unit but doesn't allow you to change tracks via steering wheel controls, you will need to connected into loom at back of cd changer to do that

 

[Dean-Z4]

Hi mac, I do not have buttons on steering wheel. I would be happy to use the headunit to change tracks.
So having flip-out satnav; I need to plug whatever unit for the ipod in the back of the headunit?

I keep seing these (Connect2) units on ebay, which are very reasonably priced, and pratically doe the same as Dension etc...
Has anybody used this system for a satnav prepared car?

 

[mac27040]

With head units with sat nav you need to connect to rear of cd changer to get the head unit to change tracks, if you did what I did by connecting to rear of head unit, you cannot get head unit to chance tracks. Below us my mates company of which I have installed the GROM kit.


http://www.carputer-shop.co.uk/

 

[Dean-Z4]

I have just had a look through my manuals, and I found a card with a USB pass code number. Does this mean I have USB built in?
Could this not make 10x times easier?

I am still learning about this car, owned her for 6 months now.

 

[srhutch]

With head units with sat nav you need to connect to rear of cd changer to get the head unit to change tracks, if you did what I did by connecting to rear of head unit, you cannot get head unit to chance tracks. Below us my mates company of which I have installed the GROM kit.


http://www.carputer-shop.co.uk/

This is not correct, dension connects to head unit and you can control through head unit or mfsw

 

[Nigel-Z4]

mac17040, when you say you plugged yours into the back of the head unit. Do you have an E85 Z4 with sat/nav?

If so, do you still keep CD changer and CD on dash as well as iPod, or do you lose CD changer or something?

How does it work, what lead did you use?