ICE query

M

mickl86

Member
my car came with a non-standard head unit. one of those single din units with a flip out screen and navigation. However it's doesn't have bluetooth which I do need as I've been using built in or Parrot bluetooth for years in cars and can't stand wearing a headset shaped like the starship Enterprise. I'd also want some form of Ipod/iphone connectivity :P

Considering my options at the moment with consideration being given to neatness and convenience of removing cables, hiding of kit for security, original looks and I just had having to unplug and plug things in everytime I get into and out of the car: :oops:

1 Fit a Parrot kit into and keep the exisiting head unit. Easiest option as the headunit has a aux input but charging of the ipod and control will be an issue as ideally I'd like to leave it in the glovebox and I'd have to find somewhere to plonk the Parrot controls on the dash which I'm not too keen on.

2 Source and fit an original BMW head unit back in. The original CD changer is still in the cubby hole and wired up. Is it worth trying to retrofit the OEM bluetooth kit or fitting a Parrot? I've read that the OEM gear is not that good if you don't have the OEM nav screen and I don't have MFSW? I'd also want ipod/iphone playback as well. Can I just fit an aux socket? This would potentially be the neatest option other than definitely losing the sat nav and having to use a tom tom.

3 Fit a new non oem headunit that has all the functions but due to cost consderations will probably have to lose the sat nav function. Something like this http://www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk/products/car/cd_receivers/bluetooth/KDC-BT61U/ This will be neat but non OEM look.

I'm kind of leaning towards option 2 or 3 but not having one, how good the sound quality on an OEM unit is?

Your opinions peeps?
 
I have an Alpine iDA X305 headunit which gives full control of an iPod via the rotary dial on the HU plus Volume control and skip functions via the MFSW, I have recently just fitted the Alpine KCE 400BT unit which needs no additional wiring (apart from the mic cable) as it just plugged into the HU loom, the small lcd display on the HU can display all the contact information which is again accessed by the rotary wheel on the HU. You would of course lose your Sat Nat but it all works pretty well and looks fairly neat and tidy.
 
I can't really advise on the head unit element of your query, but the OEM Bluetooth retro-fit is very expensive, so not worth your time or hassle. Especially without the MFSW and the nav screen.

I'd recommend sticking with what you've got and adding a parrot kit, or changing the head unit to something that does everything you want it to - In the long run, the latter may be the better option, even though it will cost you more initially.
 
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