iPod install in a New BMW 525

[ADriTwr]

Hi. I recently bought an iPod and I would like to know how to install it into a new BMW 525 with a stock hi-fi system. Any help would be very much appreciated.

Adri

[bhb399mm]

Sounds like a fun project

try researching the PIE x3 (http://store.myradiostore.com/piex3auxinad.html), which tricks your head unit into thinking audio is coming from a CD changer, when infact its coming from an aux source (your ipod)

you could also look into the Dension Ice Link (http://www.densionusa.com/x/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=375&Itemid=79) which actually alows you to change the track/song on your ipod via your head unit. this option is considerbly more expensive, but its cool. i'm installing an ice link in my 04 audi s4 over the next few weeks so i've been playin around with it alittle. it looks like its going to work well.

feel free to check out my instal on my 2002 Jetta VR6 daily driver for ideas, or email me at brad.barker2@verizon.net for any more questions

[bodandmind]

BMW and Apple supposedly have an adapter on the way. I have been working with my local dealer since I bought my new '04 525 and there really isn't a way to do it at all yet. The explanation I get is that it has to do with the fiber optic set up of the new stock radio. You might check out ipodyourbmw.com but I don't think the site is up yet.
BAM

[volki]

Yeap! BMW/MINI owners will have an adapter coming out "soon" to integrate their iPods to the stock haed unit, which in turn allow control of the iPod from the steering wheel buttons. Cant wait!!!
Here is the info from MacMinute: click (http://www.macminute.com/2004/06/15/bmw/%22)

[ted_b]

The 5 series head units are pre-wired for a BMW accessory called an auxiliary audio input. I had one installed in my 540i (2003) last week. The audio plug went into the glove compartment. You now have an "aux" option as you toggle through the modes on the head unit. I use a Sik Imp to connect to it, as well as to charge via the cig lighter. The only problem is that the line output on the Imp is too high and causes distortion at medium to high volumes (unlike using the line out on the dock, for example....weird). Solution: buy an attenuating patch cable, or as I did, a simple inline volume control cable from RatShack. It's fairly noise-free and you set it once (I set it at about 75% of full volume) and leave it alone, controlling volume from the radio knob or steering wheel. Or you could come out of the headphone out and set the Ipod volume at 75% but: a) it's too easy to reset the iPod volume as you navigate the iPod; and b) it's a noisier alternative going through the iPod's own headphone amp, etc. (although we're splitting hairs here, cuz the ambient noise in the car more than makes up for it).

Ted_B