Z4 and an I-pod

[Andy G Bmth]

I'm due to pick up a 53 plate Z4 3.0 with sat nav.

What's the best way to connect an ipod?

I'm looking for a reasonably cheap solution and ideally one you control through the stereo.

so what are my options?

[mgordon]

I was thinking of buying a new Z4 and spoke to the dealer ref the same thing. He told me that they can retro fit a USB port similar to that avaiable as a factory fit option on new 3 series for £400. Not cheap I know but he told me that this allows full control of the iPod via either steering wheel buttons or the radio controls.

[Gimlet]

http://www.bmw.com/com/en/index_highend.html?prm_c...


See details here.
My understanding is that dealers are able to offer two solutions depending upon the car's age, though one only gives limited functionality.

I did not take the Factory Fit option on my new 335d Coupe (as I've only just woken up to the Ipod) but I'm having the fully functional option fitted for use through the i-drive. This will charge the Ipod and give full access/functionality through the i-drive/sat-nav screen. Waiting on confirmation of price as there were no staff in Parts/Service this afternoon, but I was told that it's a two-hour job and the cost would be in the region of £325 fitted.

Edited by Gimlet on Saturday 16th June 15:47

[taffyracer]

They're £230 + Vat if i remember rightly so wiht fitting £400 sounds about right

[andysj]

When I looked at this for my Z4 (without Sat-Nav) I found the BMW link had less functionality than the Denison iPod link and the BMW part was more expensive.

The Denison link cost £99ish and took me about 20 minutes to fit (after very carefully removing the centre vents and the radio) I didn't bother with the cradle as I have hidden the iPod out of sight and I can control pretty much what I want from the stereo, either choosing from either the first five playlists or with a little more button pushing from any artist/album/genre on the iPod.

Last month we had a mobile fitter come and install an iPod link in my wife's new Clio he charged less than £50 for fitting

[Feldspar]

You can get and ITrip from Dixons for 25 quid or the expensive one is 39.99 (this has built in charger. (Me Tight never)
The one i got is okish the cheepy one, ( depends where you live FM saturation