Hooking up an ipod to my Z4??

W

wasupdu

Member
 Minneapolis, MN
I'm looking for a solution to listen to my ipod in my car. I've read dozens of threads on this board and others about installing an aux imput or the DICE ipod integration into their car. I've read several contradicting threads about having NAV and a CD changer and being unable to use the DICE ipod kit and even install the aux imput.

Can someone please clarify for me once and for all what the best option would be given the factory options on my car?

thanks in advance

'05 Z4
Premium sound w/ DSP
6-disc changer
Factory NAV
 
Okay, after researching across the Z4 forums. I found that
1) it works fine with DSP and Nav
2)82 11 0 142 174 is the part number for Aux w/ashtray
3) here is a pic of item http://bimmer.roadfly.com/bmw/forums/e85/5041467-1.html
4) and a thread that I found the info in http://bimmer.roadfly.com/bmw/forums/e85/5342459-1.html

Good luck!
 
Go with the aux input. The other options are more expensive and don't work any better.

With the Aux in you have to do all of your adjustments from the ipod but the BMW part you have to put all the music you want to hear in 5 special playlist and listen to only those playlists.

The Dice unit is just a pain in the A$$. You are supposed to be able to scroll through your music and listen to everything but in my experience it's not worth the extra bucks.
I bought the one with the HD radio. There aren't any HD radio stations so that's not worth it. And having to go through the commotion to find things on the ipod are just to much trouble.

IMHO the $45 Aux In is by far the best solution.
 
Thanks, you guys have been very helpful.

Will I still be able to keep my 6-disc changer AND have the AUX imput?
 
I have the AUX in my Z4 and 530xi and I'm fine with both. At first I really wanted the DICE but after using the AUX for a few months, I decided not to "upgrade". I can't control the iPod from my steering wheel but it's still right at my fingertips. Using a quality cable provides a good sound also. Good luck with whatever you decide.
 
I installed the Dice interface. When it works right, it's great. I like having the steering wheel controls to skip over tracks. Every now and then, it gets hung up initializing, and you have to disconnect the ipod and reconnect it again to "reboot" the interface.
 
ay8306 said:
I installed the Dice interface. When it works right, it's great. I like having the steering wheel controls to skip over tracks. Every now and then, it gets hung up initializing, and you have to disconnect the ipod and reconnect it again to "reboot" the interface.
Click to expand...


Ditto, here. DICE is highly recommended.
 
20ducks said:
ay8306 said:
I installed the Dice interface. When it works right, it's great. I like having the steering wheel controls to skip over tracks. Every now and then, it gets hung up initializing, and you have to disconnect the ipod and reconnect it again to "reboot" the interface.
Click to expand...


Ditto, here. DICE is highly recommended.
Click to expand...

And I personally HATE the DICE unit in my car
 
6 disc changer and BMW iPod kit is a no-go. They both attach at the same place. With the BMW kit you have 5 playlists BMW1, BMW2.... BMW5.

If you hit 6 on the radio/CD then it plays all of the songs on you iPod. I usually hit the number 6 and then hit random under the 'set' button.
 
I had the DICE unit professionally installed by a high end audio shop and I'm very happy with it. I hear complaints about them but mine has been flawless.
 
I use the dension icelink pro.... I love it. Ipod remains out of sight and everything is available from the steeringwheel and stereo. It's not for everyone but personally I like mine
 
This is the Rolls Royce solution though ...


http://www.intravention.co.uk

I think they are only just starting to ship to non-beta users. That is the only unit I would consider fitting now
 
Another alternative - Phatbox. I've an 80gig unit in the boot, installed it myself in 30 mins. It interfaces with the dashboard controls and gives alphabetic voice prompts and speaks the artist or albums currently playing. Or select random play, all steering wheel controls work. Messing around with ipods is history.

http://phatnoise.stores.yahoo.net/bmw.html
 
ovrkll: what great search results, thank you. I'm going to get mine installed this Fri. or next Monday. I get so tired of the radio station commercials, it's gotten so ridiculous - 5 min. of music, 10 min. of commercials :headbang: . Can't wait to hook-up my MP3 and rock out :dance:
 
My aux is underneath the dash (standard fit on the 07 M). Just in the "flappy" panel above the switches, perfect hidden away. Also, no need to have the ashtray open ...

You can buy that part as well from the dealer, so a straight swap which is more likely to be cheaper then a new ashtray
 
I've had the DICE unit for over a year now and still use it everyday, have not had any problems, installed my self. Songs names and artist scroll across the radio screen and you can change playlist and songs or book chapters or just select shuffle on the ipod and hear hours of your favorit music. IMO trying to manuver an ipod while driving a 6spd in DC area traffic is an accident waiting to happen. :tumbleweed:
 
pvr: so do you just store the wires and player in the glove box? That is my only issue with the AUX in the ashtray. I'm a bit obsessive about neatness and will have to get used to the wire and player being in view :|
 
I have a 10 Cm wire for the ipod. The ipod lays in front of the gearlever in the recess and does not move (has a rubber skin).

In my previous Z, I put the cable in the glovebox. However, that was the icelink plus so could control it via the satnav monitor. The aux port must be controlled by the ipod, so have to be accessable if you want to change tines.
 
icelink people -- where have you got the iPod mounted. I entrsuted my wife with taking the car to an incar audio place to have it fitted, and they've put it in the glovebox, claiming there's not enough cable to get the dock connector in the cubby hole between the seats. So I think they've fitted it at the radio end, when they could have fitted it at the CD changer end...
 
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