520d idrive with ipod

[carlejo]

I'm picking up my new car this saturday, 58 plate 520d m sport

I've spoken to my local ICE firm and they say an aftermarket H/U will not work with the idrive system.
What I basically want is to put my ipod into glovebox and still operate it from the idrive.....Will the Dension units work or can anyone suggest something else?

If I've read it correctly, you replace the BMW CD changer with the dension link box...... but does the ipod stay hidden out of the way so it can be operated by the idrive, or does the ipod have to be mounted by vents, etc and operate from the ipod directly itself ?

[mike325112]

The old OEM BMW kit (in an E46) could be hidden in the glove bow, from what I understand the newer version can be opperated by idrive.

[GR4]

I had the OEM ipod interface kit in my old E61 520d, which was a 2005 car. It replaced the CD autochanger in the glovebox and worked really well - Full control of the ipod through i drive. The only times I ever saw my ipod was to put new material on it.

[Beardy10]

You can get an Aux In wired into the glove box that can be selected on as a source on iDrive...this doesn't give you full control of your iPod but it will. That's what I had done on my 54 reg 535d.....that was in the days before cars were iPod compatible though.

[jonno_]

Congrats on the new car.

Unless you really need the aux-in option for something else, I'd not bother, sound quality is pretty pants and there is no control of the source.

Alternatively, provided you don't mind losing the glove-box changer, its relatively cheap and easy to DIY. Your car should already be coded to play MP3s.
Your dealer should be able to supply the Ipod retrofit kit, then with a spare 15 mins (seriously, its that easy) you can whip out the changer and install the plug and play connector box.
Dealer supplied retrofit kit was something like £170, plus a blanking plate at about £4.
Instructions here http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e60-m5-e61-m5-tou...
GL

Edited by jonno_ on Thursday 19th May 13:03

[carlejo]

Thanks a lot guys, will have a look at all your suggestions and see what's best.

[Alfa GTV]

jonno_ said:

Your dealer should be able to supply the Ipod retrofit kit

Dealer supplied retrofit kit was something like £170, plus a blanking plate at about £4.

Edited by jonno_ on Thursday 19th May 13:03

Have you got the part numbers for these items?

[carlejo]

I don't have part numbers. Picking up new car this Saturday. Hopefully speak to local ice firm Monday when they can see the car. Hopefully they can do it cheaper than bmw

[Mr DG]

I had a Dension 500 fitted to my 530i yesterday. cool piece of kit that works with (not instead of) the cd auto changer. the ipod can be controlled through the i drive system and steering wheel. the only problem i have now is my ipod is playing up and wont connect to itunes on my laptop. not sure if its due to the dension or not

[jonno_]

carlejo said:

I don't have part numbers. Picking up new car this Saturday. Hopefully speak to local ice firm Monday when they can see the car. Hopefully they can do it cheaper than bmw

part numbers here:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=NC92...

I'd say it should be a max of 1/2 hour labour if I can do it with a couple of std tools and in 15mins.
GL

[carlejo]

Thanks again guys, picked up car today and she's a beaut......only slight problem for time being, there's no cd changer in it ??? ....... should there be one ?
cheers
Carl

[Junior Mint]

CD changer was an option, not standard kit.

[carlejo]

This is getting silly now. Just come from my local ICE installer and he says that the only way he can get my ipod to work with idrive is to install gateway 500 and then BMW hve to reprogramme software so that ECU will recognise the ipod interface.....total of £430(incl BMW reprogramme).......I'm not paying that and ringing BMW this morning, will let you know how I get on

[carlejo]

My Local BMW parts dept have said the interface is approx £220 then add VAT, he couldn't tell me labour or programming charge but thought it would be around another £200........ that's way too much, trying other suppliers in area

[Fox-]

Welcome to the world of the E60, where I'm suprised that you don't need to get the damn thing recoded every time you change fuel brands..

If it hasnt got a CD changer you cannot make one work without the dealer recoding it. And as most of the aftermarket ipod installs replace or work with the CD changer, you'll need to have a changer coded to the car first.

Has the car not got USB interface, this is the best and most effective way of getting ipod control. It's not as if the 520d is a rare car (Wish it was, that nasty 4 cylinder thing doesnt belong in a 5 Series), so really it would have been best to hold out for one with USB interface.

Check if you've got it - its in the cubbyhole in the centre console. If you have, buy the cable from BMW for 30 quid, plug it in and... it just works.

[carlejo]

I take it your not a fan of the engine ?.... why

[Fox-]

A proper executive saloon requires a proper 6 cylinder engine, not a Tesco Value Diesel Engine

Sure, a the 4 banger 'saves money' but then would you wear some BHS shoes with your Saville Row suit to 'save money'?

[carlejo]

Nope, no USB in centre console..... got some stupid phone setup in there, what phone does it require or can you get a lead to plug into it so that any phone can fit ?

[Fox-]

You can buy a new snap in adaptor to fit most phones - including the iPhone - from BMW. They are about £50.

[carlejo]

does it charge phone as well ?........what is the purpose of it ?