[LarrySinNJ]

Since the early reports of BMW's new iDrive integrated iPod interface are less than stellar (time to load iPod contents, switching speed, lack of full ipod functionality, etc), and the fact that I am leasing my vehicle, I've been researching low cost alternatives for mounting and cabling my iPod to the Aux input in the center console. I wanted to be able to mount the iPod firmly in a place where the iPods controls would be accessible.

I am resigned to the fact that controlling the iPod via iDrive just isn't in the cards for this vehicle, as is powering/charging the iPod from the car. My proposed solutions will cost < $100.

At some point I may even add a remote.

Here is what I have come up with:

2 part mount from Proclip - it's E90 specific, and has a pretty decent look for a non mod, no drill piece - it hooks in under the passenger side console.



The associated holder for the iPod allows for the standard iPod cable to be used (more on that later)



The cable will use the line level output, and I will somehow route the cable (hopefully under the console - any hints/advice appreciated ) to the AUX IN port in the armrest.



Chime in with your thoughts. I plan to pull the trigger on this in a matter of days.

[bmviz]

Take a look at this solution:
http://www.connects2.com/c2search.as...=204&modID=529

[Driv3r]

Bringing an old thread up cuz I cant find the answer...

But does that connect 2 thing on the link above give better sound quality?
Anyone try it out?

[X5FX]

Originally Posted by Driv3r

Bringing an old thread up cuz I cant find the answer...

But does that connect 2 thing on the link above give better sound quality?
Anyone try it out?

What ever you do, be sure to get an audio cable that uses the bottom connector and not the headphone out. The quality difference is night and day.

This cable is only $20 and sound awesome:

[Driv3r]

Originally Posted by X5FX

What ever you do, be sure to get an audio cable that uses the bottom connector and not the headphone out. The quality difference is night and day.

This cable is only $20 and sound awesome:

I WANT!! where can i find that!

[X5FX]

http://www.cablestogo.com/product.as...=218&sku=35508

I found mine at CompUSA...its slightly different, but this should be fine too.

I also discovered if I burn my MP3's at 256kbps or greater and use this cable, you cant tell the difference between the CD and Ipod quailty (I have the Premium Sound Package). Also the levels are matched, so if I switch from CD to SAT to AUX (Ipod) the audio levels are all the same. When I used the headphone out the quality was crap and the volume was alot lower.

[X5FX]

This is the cable I am using...it has two rca connectors, so I had to get an adapter at Radio Shack to go to the mini plug:

http://www.compusa.com/products/prod..._Link_for_iPod

[Driv3r]

Originally Posted by X5FX

This is the cable I am using...it has two rca connectors, so I had to get an adapter at Radio Shack to go to the mini plug:

http://www.compusa.com/products/prod..._Link_for_iPod

think that last one has better sound quality?

[X5FX]

they should be the same. The second one requires an adapter, so the first one is better, I didnt want to wait until april to get it so I bought the one at compusa

[hyi1976]

Originally Posted by bmviz

Take a look at this solution:
http://www.connects2.com/c2search.as...=204&modID=529

I like this solution.
So where is the interface module?

[vase330]

Anyone expirience the new factory 6FL option? I heard it was supposedly much better

[bmviz]

Originally Posted by hyi1976

I like this solution.
So where is the interface module?

The is one ICONNECT-FM on ebay : Item number: 280097557721

[X5FX]

Originally Posted by bmviz

The is one ICONNECT-FM on ebay : Item number: 280097557721

FM Modulation sucks...these are worthless.

[bmviz]

You are correct in general, but this one is high quality electronics connected directly to the arial radio connection. You will be surprise from the results.

[msimon18]

Folks,

Check this out I think it probably the best solution short of the factory cable.

http://www.sendstation.com/us/produc...neout-usb.html

[X5FX]

Originally Posted by bmviz

You are correct in general, but this one is high quality electronics connected directly to the arial radio connection. You will be surprise from the results.

It does not matter how good the connection is, there is absolutley no comparison to using the line out on the bottom.

If you care about quality audio output, and want your ipod to sound like a CD, then the ONLY choice is using the line out of the dock connector on the bottom of the ipod...PERIOD!

BTW, if you encode your music at rates below 192kbps then it really doesnt matter anyway...if your library is 128kbps music you will never appreciate the difference. While you may not be able to hear the difference w/ your ipod earphones, once you connect to a quality sound system, the quality difference is obvious.

[Driv3r]

Originally Posted by X5FX

It does not matter how good the connection is, there is absolutley no comparison to using the line out on the bottom.

If you care about quality audio output, and want your ipod to sound like a CD, then the ONLY choice is using the line out of the dock connector on the bottom of the ipod...PERIOD!

BTW, if you encode your music at rates below 192kbps then it really doesnt matter anyway...if your library is 128kbps music you will never appreciate the difference. While you may not be able to hear the difference w/ your ipod earphones, once you connect to a quality sound system, the quality difference is obvious.

thanks, i appreciate all the help...You cant imagine how bad jack to jack sounds with 128kbps recorded sound...makes radio sound good...

[bmviz]

Originally Posted by X5FX

It does not matter how good the connection is, there is absolutley no comparison to using the line out on the bottom.

If you care about quality audio output, and want your ipod to sound like a CD, then the ONLY choice is using the line out of the dock connector on the bottom of the ipod...PERIOD!

BTW, if you encode your music at rates below 192kbps then it really doesnt matter anyway...if your library is 128kbps music you will never appreciate the difference. While you may not be able to hear the difference w/ your ipod earphones, once you connect to a quality sound system, the quality difference is obvious.

X5FX
X5FX

Just for a record - you statements are not completely correct. In simple terms ( not to be over technical :-) music is Analog signals (it still air vibrations) that encoded in Digital data stream and decoded back to Analog amplified signal to the speakers (they are still not digital – right?).
The car Radio receiver capable of receiving high quality signal and in fact that when you have a good FM signal – the sound quality is exactly better that from other sources, including CD and iPod, It cleaner, richer and more realistic.
If your observation are based on $39.99 , made in China sold in StealerCity and includes $10 cost of packaging, $10 in marketing fees and the rest profit; you are correct – they are all sock!!
But in case you didn’t try other options that performing quality D/A (digi-to-analog) conversion to full audio spectrum FM band, please do not put “PERIOD”s.

Enjoy your music in any way you like it. :rocks:

[Driv3r]

Originally Posted by bmviz

X5FX
X5FX

Just for a record - you statements are not completely correct. In simple terms ( not to be over technical :-) music is Analog signals (it still air vibrations) that encoded in Digital data stream and decoded back to Analog amplified signal to the speakers (they are still not digital – right?).
The car Radio receiver capable of receiving high quality signal and in fact that when you have a good FM signal – the sound quality is exactly better that from other sources, including CD and iPod, It cleaner, richer and more realistic.
If your observation are based on $39.99 , made in China sold in StealerCity and includes $10 cost of packaging, $10 in marketing fees and the rest profit; you are correct – they are all sock!!
But in case you didn’t try other options that performing quality D/A (digi-to-analog) conversion to full audio spectrum FM band, please do not put “PERIOD”s.

Enjoy your music in any way you like it. :rocks:

whats your music setup, you seem to know your stuff too.

[X5FX]

Originally Posted by bmviz

X5FX
X5FX

Just for a record - you statements are not completely correct. In simple terms ( not to be over technical :-) music is Analog signals (it still air vibrations) that encoded in Digital data stream and decoded back to Analog amplified signal to the speakers (they are still not digital – right?).
The car Radio receiver capable of receiving high quality signal and in fact that when you have a good FM signal – the sound quality is exactly better that from other sources, including CD and iPod, It cleaner, richer and more realistic.
If your observation are based on $39.99 , made in China sold in StealerCity and includes $10 cost of packaging, $10 in marketing fees and the rest profit; you are correct – they are all sock!!
But in case you didn’t try other options that performing quality D/A (digi-to-analog) conversion to full audio spectrum FM band, please do not put “PERIOD”s.

Enjoy your music in any way you like it. :rocks:

Are you implying that this product sounds better than a direct connection from the dock connector???

Are you the dealer or manufacture for this product?

If it sounds better to you, more power to you! The truth is for $20 you can buy a dock connector w/ direct line in to your AUX input on the BMW. This sounds exactly the same as a CD (assuming your MP3's are encoded high enough)...how can you claim your solution sounds better? Not to mention this cable is plug and play...yours requires digging into the dash.

[bmviz]

Originally Posted by Driv3r

whats your music setup, you seem to know your stuff too.

Background - I have a US basic hifi system with Fiber CAN MOST system without iDrive.
I currently have a temporary setup that is a "quick fix": Belkin Auto Kit connected to 4GB Black Nano and Audio cable connected to Aux – when if works, it fine. Recently this setup start giving an error message on the iPod "Firewall connection not supported..." and I start looking on other options :-). Like carputer …

My ultimate goal is as follows:
1. USB mass storage adaptor to connect to external USB drive
2. 2.5” low Voltage laptop hard drive 60 GB in USB mobile shock proof case
3. Wireless sync between Car and home Music library.
4. Music control thru steering wheel MF keys.

Optional:
NAVI / DVD screen with capability to stream video off the same hard drive.

I know that I’m still missing all the components, but I’m watching this company in UK that I have contact (Connects2) to finish developing USB adaptor for BMW. Wireless sync was done already by some company and this piece should be easy.