E46 CD Head unit

[saleen836]

Anyone know if the CD head unit in the E46 has the facility for an I-pod lead to be connected to it?

[Sticks.]

Have read about people doing this on the Z4 and if it's the same they've used the cd changer connextion when just putting a plain lead in iirc. The iPod is used to change trackes etc. The Denison kit is a popular kit and offers fully integrated on screen functions I believe.

[saleen836]

Thanks

[Jobbo]

If it's the normal CD stereo and not sat nav, there's little to no point trying to display stuff on the screen; it's far too small to make it worthwhile. My recommendation (having tried Dension, DICE and Intravee too) is the Connects2; it's about £50, uses the iPod screen for display but you can still track forward/backward on the steering wheel or stereo and the sound quality is great. Best value iPod connection I've used.

[anonymous-user]

I have a Connects2 aux connection in mine. It plugs straight into the cd changer connection in the boot then I ran a cable from there to the front to plug into my phone.

They do a proper ipod connection version too which I believe charges the ipod at the same time.

[Jobbo]

The Connects2 I have in my car fits on the back of the head unit and would charge an iPod up to about 2007; I'm not sure whether they've introduced a version with 5v charging yet, but you can always get an adaptor for <£10 to charge newer models.

The DICE I had connected to the CD changer wires in the boot and the sound quality wasn't as good; I think that was partly down to the length of the cables.

[saleen836]

Problem solved for the meanwhile, Mrs Saleen picked up one of these from ebay for £12!
http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Pro...

Works a treat!

[Gad-Westy]

If your head unit is post 2003 ish, you can buy an aux in cable from BMW that fits straight into the back of your head unit. Mine is routed to the glovebox. £20, job done.