IO Play2?

D

Dog Biscuit

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Bournemouth
I'm going through the audio upgrade options (still... after three months... it's like pulling teeth) for the OEM single CD Business/DSP/CD changer/bluetooth/MFSW set up.

There isn't much info on the site about the IO Play2, but I'm hoping someone can enlighten me on the quality, interface leads needed, MFSW leads, bluetooth volume... anything that might help me decide and that will actually work.

I've had S2000s, Evo VIs, Fiat Coupe Turbos, Intergra Type Rs, WRXs and none of them have been as irritatingly difficult to identify and set up with ipod/iphone integration and stalk control than the Z4. :thumbsdown: :headbang:
 
Not seen one of these before. Most iPod integration replaces the CD changer giving you control via the head unit and steering wheel controls.

Personally I'm not a fan of kits that leave add on boxes attached to the dash etc but other than that it looks like it has a good feature set.
 
Hi Stuart - have read a number of your previous posts which have been very informative. If you have a current "bottom line go for this one" I'd be interested to know your thoughts.
 
Do you have Bluetooth in your car?

I've only fitted Intravee/Alpine setup to my cars, but they've both had built in nav.

I've no direct experience of them, but would probably look at the Dice Mediabridge as it has Bluetooth, USB, iPod and is hidden away. There are a few people who've fitted Dension units too and are happy with them. I had one in my mini a long time ago and it was ok. Dension support was superb though, I emailed them about a weird issue and got a f/ware update within a week to fix it!
 
srhutch said:
Dension stuff is good from my experience :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Thanks guys. I've read the threads so many times and initially was going for the Dension Gateway series, but there were a number of threads contradicting the DSP 'yes/no'. The other issue is that my BMW bluetooth with my Galaxy S3, on full volume through the phone and car, is not that easy to hear even with the roof up.

I dispensed with the HU replacement that's for sure and am now looking at the Parrot/IO Play2 option. The IO Play2 looks more subtle and gets good reviews off-site, it's the cabling costs/MFSW viability.
 
If you can control through the HU, you can use the MFSW controls. What probably won't work are the phone control buttons on the MFSW, as you have BMW BT, the MFSW controls will be coded to talk to that module.

I'd call the dealer and ask your questions direct, maybe even email them. If the unit then fails to do what they say you have recourse to get it replaced/refunded.
 
Stuart Truman said:
If you can control through the HU, you can use the MFSW controls. What probably won't work are the phone control buttons on the MFSW, as you have BMW BT, the MFSW controls will be coded to talk to that module.
Click to expand...

Thanks Stuart.

It seems that Dice is now Audiovox, although Dice is still advertised in the UK. I read, " With BMW/MINI and VW/Audi MediaBridge kits, the steering wheel "voice" buttons are enabled for you." My interpretation is that the MFSW is ready to go, but are you suggesting that I might need to disable the OEM?

Any opinions on whether buying in from the USA is a bad idea? This item includes the DSP adapter, postage, import charges and looks encouraging at £189 all in:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-BMW-M...401483?pt=Car_Audio_Video&hash=item4172c536cb
 
I'd be a little careful about buying from the US as the US modules can have Sirius support which is redundant here and may mean there are other differences.

This is the time to drop Dice or Audiovox a note with any questions and also see if anyone on the forum has experience.

I know markeg ran a Dice for a while (then swapped to Intravee) but I don't know if he had BT on his unit. I think his car will have factory BT though so he might have the answer.
 
I've just bought my audiovox mediabridge from the states. Found a guy selling them with best offer on eBay and it cost me about £120 including postage. It did get hit by £20 import duty but still a bargain I thought. Can find you the link if you like.

I don't have factory bluetooth but everything works as expected.

I'm using it with an iphone 5s at the moment for TomTom, music and BT. Everything is streamed over bluetooth so it fades each source in and out as required which is great. Radio controls changes tracks and the SC button on the radio or the voice control button on steering wheel activates Siri.

There also seems to be firmware updates all the time so it's good to know they're still trying to fix minor bugs.
 
This was the place -

New AMBR-1500-BMW AUDIOVOX / Dice MediaBridge iPhone 5 Bluetooth for BMW

http://bit.ly/1cJT9Sg

And they accepted an offer of $160 which was about £96.
 
Thanks guys. Yet to hear from UK sellers, but will get on to Dice Audiovox and ask if there would be a unit issue after I've looked at UK and US specs online first.

Good to know that Schweppy is happy, current front runner is still that other all in one pack, as your guy doesn't have it listed

Will update for reference when I learn more.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
 
My DICE was apple and aux connections only, plugged into the multichanger connection and had no Bluetooth. Was fine for just playing tunes through the factory system, but nowhere near as flexible as the Intravee. The volume and track changing switches on the MFSW wired fine, but there was no voice connectivity with mine.
 
Thanks again to all.

Checked the Audiovox and Dice manuals, which are identical except for the names. US seller states XM capability etc is irrelevant and guarantees all will work fine.

Have just ordered the combo pack through Ebay with their guarantees. Price includes international tracking and customs fees. Works outs to receiving a free DSP adapter compared to best UK price.

When it arrives I'll let you know how the install goes and review its operation.
 
Just reading some older posts and found this. I have a Play2 in my E39 (older 5-series) and I have found it to be far easier to use than the Dension I have in my Z4. It is much more simple with just 2 rows of text but it works well and call quality is excellent. Bluetooth music streaming is great but lower in volume although I think you may be able to adjust the separate source volumes. Only thing that is weird is that it bypasses the head unit completely and just uses car speakers. There are instructions for use where you have separate amps installed but this wouldn't be the case for most Z4 users. Personally, I prefer this over the Dension as the Dension over promises and under-delivers with its cheap untrustworthy electronics. The Play2 is quite solid in construction and feels nice to use. Hope this helps.
 
Hi Marc (nice to see another marcj like myself :D )

I did a lot of reading around and my Mediabridge 1500 is on its way - will review when it's in :thumbsup:
 
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