iPod and BMW (connectivity question)

[Gary-360]

Does anyone have any tips on using an ipod in a 5 series (2007). I don't have the USB or the multi-disc player, so what are the connection options?
There is an Aux (3.5mm) jack in the centre armrest but I'm assuming this will not allow the use via the i-drive unit, volume only perhaps?

I don't have an ipod to try, but was considering one for the storage capacity.

Any help appreciated.

Gary

PS: I've searched through Google for an answer, but there only seems to be one unit (which may or may not work with i-drive) and it costs a small fortune.

[Nickos]

I've got to this on my 3 series, considering a DICE ipod kit. google will reveal all. You can fit it yourself or be lazy like me and get an audio shop to do it. :)

[Gary-360]

Cheers for the info, but only up to 03 is covered on the 5 series :(

[silver bmw z3]

You are right, unless you have the USB interface you are limited to AUX-IN and the only thing I suspect you can control is the volume. There are probably 3rd party interfaces out there though, I'd ask on one of the beemer forums as likely to be more concentrated knowledge.

[alanjo99]

Dension Gateway is your baby

Your car is on Quad (MOST) connectors so a simple plug n play and control volume & ipod track / libary control through your s/wheel (not your-I drive as far as I know)

HTH

[mr kuryakin]

for the denison to work you have to code the car to tell it its fitted most of the time the will reject the denison unit.i would stick to the aux in unless you fit a BMW interface and that will not be the cheapest way.

[Gary-360]

Thanks guys :)

[hibberd]

You can fit the ipod via a dension 500 gateway unit. Its a couple of hours of work and it works ok. The problem I have with mine is that I have to have the mp3 update from bmw which is planned for after the hols and then via idrive you can see all the info on the ipod. The kit comes complete with a USB connection as well as an aux in connection, the later is in a seperate switched unit so that you can switch between the cd changer and the ipod, the only problem with this is that when you have it on ipod it switches my bluetooth installation out so this is being looked into at the moment. I have a 2004 530 with the professional set up. As far as the kit goes its well made and actually easy to install.

[Coullio]

BMW have a kit you can buy, unsure of the price and they need to reprogramme i-drive into thinking its a cd player. You will get all the playlist on i-drive.

Look at the following forums for advice.

http://www.bmwland.co.uk/talker/portal.php

http://forum.bmw5.co.uk/

and many more.