iPod Options - DSP & SatNav

[bezza]

Hi everyone!

Just like to say hello to the forum as this is my first post and I only became a Z4 owner 3 days ago!

Ive got a 2003 Z4 which has got DSP and SatNav and I'd like to connect an iPod.

Looking through the threads already posted from what I can understand I have two options.

1. Intravee II & Alpine KCA-420i - Believe this offers the best in terms of functionality as it links into the SatNav screen. Can you still use the iPod controls as well?

2. DICE - I'd also need the DICE DSP and SatNav cable and I've read conflicting reports about whether this combination actually works?

Are there any other options worth investigating and what are peoples thoughts and experiences on the best route to go considering I have DSP and SatNav?

Bezza

 

[pvr]

I have 1. which I find the best. In my previous car I had the Dension kit, which was OK, but nowhere near as nice as the Intravee.

As my ipod is in the centre console, I have never even tried to use the iPod itself so I don't actually know the answer to that question. You are unlikely to want to use the iPod itself though.

 

[bras0782]

Argh - the dreaded DSP!! Do not go for Dension. Contrary toi their website their kit doesn't work with the DSP. I told cutomer services after failed attempts to get my Gateway 300 to work - they were useless at helping me. I'm now left with a brand new and unused £150 kit which I can do nothing with!! :thumbsdown:

As pvr said, Intravee is the best option if you have sat nav.

 

[jarrow]

+1 on the Intravee solution for Nav & DSP. I can not answer your question about using the Ipod controls because I have a multi-function steering wheel thatI use that most of the time. I occasionally use the radio buttons.

 

[bezza]

Is the Dension IceLink still available and if so is that a valid solution with the SatNav/DSP?

 

[pvr]

I think you can still get it, and yes - it does work with SatNav / DSP, but why??? Intravee is just like the next generation equipment and is much nicer for not a lot more money.

 

[Spandex]

You can't use the iPod buttons when it's connected to the Intravee... It brings up the Alpine logo on the iPod screen and locks out the controls.

Spandex.

 

[bras0782]

Is the Dension IceLink still available and if so is that a valid solution with the SatNav/DSP?

The IceLink series has been replaced by the Gateway series - so my comments above apply.

But as pvr says, the Intravee is far superior if you have sat nav.

 

[bezza]

OK... looks like the Intravee II wins hands down.... think I'm going to go with that option.

I'd like to install the iPod in the center console underneath the SatNav DVD drive. I've currently got a 6 CD Changer there. If I want to remove the CD Changer and install the iPod/Intravee in it's place is this an easy task? Can the items be easily removed or does it involve removing half the interior trim?

I've looked through numerous threads and posts but couldn't really find a concolusive answer.

 

[Mattt]

Option 3. Aux-in - I use it, and find it ok - SQ is fine and it means I keep the changer (as I often forget to bring the iPod in the car with me). Much cheaper and easier to install than options 1 & 2.

 

[pvr]

Let me show you what I did on that:

Remove the cover behind the passenger seat of the speaker (if you have the 10 speaker system, otherwise remove the storage cover)

Fit the Alpine unit against the wall there, so it is out of the way of the storage unit or the speaker.

Now the interior side - I have used the pictures I took during the first Satnav retrofit project I did:

Remove the flap:

Connection points shown:

Remove the piece of plastic which houses the light switch as well as hides the screws you need to remove

Remove screws:

Remove screws next to the light:

Position shown here (ok, was summer so I was wearing shorts ) :

Remove top flap:

Attached with two plastic pins at the top, gently pull it out.

Remove the big screws at the top:

That is enough now. You can lift the console up far enough to get to the cable for the CD changer, remove CD changer / install plastic storage box.

Remember to drill two holes in the box first to be able to feed the cables through (to the Alpine Unit, for the iPod cable and the CD changer cable).





I fitted the unit where you want to have it:

 

[bezza]

pvr, that's brilliant!!! Many thanks for the pics and explanation!!

Just need to find the part number for the new tray... looking on realoem.com I think it's 51467043818.

 

[bras0782]

My storage compartment lid looks like the first pic above - where did you get the one in the 2nd pic? It look handy

 

[bezza]

Well I finally plumped for the Intravee and installed it last weekend. I used the other threads on here to help me remove the parts of the interior I needed.

The only other comments I'd add is that if you have DSP/10 Speaker setup the Alpine KCA unit won't fit behind the sub speakers where the storage bins normally go. I had to slide mine in against the chassis to the left of the ipod as you look at the pictures below. It fits in there perfectly! I used the sticky velcro that came with the Alpine unit to stick it vertically to the chassis.

Only annoying thing I would say is that the Intravee came with an version of firmware older than the current which is a year out of date. So I'm still trying to update the firmware when I can find a USB-Serial adapter that the software will work with.

Oh if anybody is trying to locate or identify the storage bin I used which has the intravee and iPod in it, the part no. is 51467043818. It can be ordered at any stealer and should cost about £15. They had to order mine from Germany as there was no stock in the UK.

 

[Bootlegdj]

I'm wondering if the video on the ipod work via the Nav screen on the dash? I'd only be interested in fitting an ipod attachment if it was an addition way to watch films as well as listen to music. Otherwise I may as well fit an aftermarket in dash DVD player with an extra aux input for the ipod/iphone. Killing all the birds with one stone I could have Sat Nav, DVD, Bluetooth phone connection and ipod compatibility to play my 80gb's worth of music.

 

[bras0782]

pvr, you didn't reply to my last post

 

[Mattt]

You could rig something up using the TV module.

 

[pvr]

pvr, you didn't reply to my last post

Sorry - missed that one. What do you mean? The one with the phone in it? That was factory order of bluetooth kit ...

 

[bras0782]

pvr, you didn't reply to my last post

Sorry - missed that one. What do you mean? The one with the phone in it? That was factory order of bluetooth kit ...

Nice. Didn't realise the bluetooth kit came with a different central compartment door. Looks more practical.