Dension BT 500 procedure

[mondeoman]

Just wanted to check if I've got this right...

E60 (03 plate) with NAV/DVD/CD single slot and CD changer in the glovebox.
want to add Dension BT 500, so, if I've got the details right I need to do the following:

Get INPA cable
Get Coding software
Re-code car to play MP3s
Buy Dension
Fit Dension
Be happy...

[_rubinho_]

That sounds about right. I got mine (500S BT) fitted by John Kleis in Reading and they did the coding too. They did another E60 before mine but that needed a software update too which they arranged with BMW but mine didn't. They did a smart job of tucking it in the glovebox and the CD changer remains usable if you flip the switch on the Gateway unit.

[Collectingbrass]

I've just fitted one to an 04 plate 645. It's an easy DIY, but the instructions leave a little to be desired. Even so, it took no more than an hour all together.

One thing though, my car would already play MP3s from a CD but I still had to code (I say code, it's plug and play) it with this Dension Gateway GEN2BME Enabler for BMW Code Interface CD Changer Hands-Free Function https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00HW2PVKI/ref=cm_sw_r... which was a fingers crossed moment. Still, I didn't bugger it up. I think that's a BMW specific requirement, but it worked a treat and didn't cost the £500 a dealer wants to supply & fit the iPod retrofit connectivity kit BMW will sell you.

[mondeoman]

Does that do the MP3 coding for you, or just the hands free (sorry if its a dumb question, I've had a ste day with technology...)

[Collectingbrass]

According to the user guide for the coding device ( here ) show that it does both ipod functionality on the main idrive screen and phone functions, depending on which version of the Dension you have. There are screenshots (and a good installation DIY) here of the idrive with the Dension functionality