[InsanePineapple]

Found several threads but they are all older and may not be representative of the state of things now (due to product and/or firmware updates). For people who have the Dension Gateway 500, how do you guys like it now? Any issues?

[GenePoole]

I have the original Dension 500 MOST box (not the newer BT version). I wired the USB to a socket in the console so it is pretty much like a factory setup. I just plug my 32G stick into the socket and I'm good to go. I have the CCC iDrive and it lets me navigate about as easily as any MP3 player I've used.

[InsanePineapple]

Originally Posted by GenePoole

I have the original Dension 500 MOST box (not the newer BT version). I wired the USB to a socket in the console so it is pretty much like a factory setup. I just plug my 32G stick into the socket and I'm good to go. I have the CCC iDrive and it lets me navigate about as easily as any MP3 player I've used.

Thanks for the reply USB is exactly what I'm interested in.

I should give a little background. I had recently installed the GROM MST3, because it's cheaper than the competition (mainly due to the fact that it only comes with USB by default. Aux, BT, and Ipod cables are additional, which is fine since I only want USB), and the fact that MoBridge doesn't have USB and I have no ipod, and that Dension doesn't list the E89 Z4 as supported. Long story short, the MST3 works fine but has a serious firmware flaw that requires a very annoying workaround. I must insert the key into the ignition within 10 seconds of unlocking the door, or the MST3 won't play. So it always feels like a mad dash every time I get into my car. Even if I do that, it plays but always resets from the beginning of the playlist. I have a ticket open with GROM and am awaiting a firmware fix.

I wanted to have a backup plan so I contacted Dension. During my research for the GROM install, I realized the non-iDrive audio system on the E89 is identical to the on E90/E92, and GROM lists both as supported. GROM's installation instruction even looks identical to Dension's. So I asked Dension why E89 isn't listed as supported for the Gateway 500 while E90/E92 is, and show them that the systems are the same. They review my supporting info and said it probably will work just fine but they just haven't tested it. Then they offered me a discount to be the guinea pig. So if GROM can't come up with a firmware fix in a reasonable amount of time for my problem, I'll likely try the Dension route. Just wanted to make sure there are no major issues in the latest incarnation

[InsanePineapple]

Bump. Any other reviews?

[terminator2k2]

hi there, i recently got the 500 gateway with avr(original 500 gateway with dual fot)......

i got it mainly because i wanted to play my iphone through the idrive.

installation was easy enough.

my car is a 2006 e90 with ccc proffesional nav.

I have found on mine that i have to reset the unit a lot when using the ipod and iphone video. for some reason i keep losing the functionality of the Tv option and it doesnt read the iphone or ipod. only after a reset does it come back......

as for the usb option....i really like.....i havent had any issues when using the usb option. i like how you can put folders on the usb stick like playlists. then use the file option on the usb option to skip through folders....

audio is great no matter what you use, ipod , iphone and usb....

so overall i would give it 6/10 , due to the problems i have with it.....but then again it could be a problem of the avr and not the 500 gateway itself...

its also not that cheap......especialy as i got the avr aswell.....

chris

[InsanePineapple]

Thanks for your review Chris. I don't need the AVR since I don't have iDrive. All I really want to do is be able to play music off of a USB stick, which you said you don't have any issues with. So that's good to know.

I'm just getting really frustrated with the GROM unit. Just got a new firmware from them and it still doesn't work properly. I'm going to give them another month, and if they still cannot fix it then I'm going to try the Dension Gateway 500.

[terminator2k2]

i wouldnt want to rely on dension support to much either......they are either very slow at responding....or not at all lol......

i would say though that i didnt but the 500 intending to use the usb, but installed it anyway.........and now im glad i did as its mainly all i use.....

theres a programme some where called gateway indexer......it is very useful when using larger usb sticks.....as without it , it can take time for the dension to index all the files on the stick....where as if you use this program, it does it in seconds.....just a heads up if you do decide to buy one......

[InsanePineapple]

Thanks I did come across the indexer while researching the Dension unit. Glad to hear that the USB interface works well for you!

[InsanePineapple]

I thought of another question. When playing MP3s off of a USB stick, does it resume playing where you left off when you turned off the car?

[GenePoole]

Yes, it does. Also when you hit the mute button, it pauses and picks up again where you left off after unmuting.

[InsanePineapple]

Originally Posted by GenePoole

Yes, it does. Also when you hit the mute button, it pauses and picks up again where you left off after unmuting.

Thanks!

[sakib0mb]

I know that this thread is a little dated, but if I install the dension gateway 500 without a cd changer, can I go to to dealer for a software update? Or am I ok as it is?

I have a 2010 335i with no USB in the center console.

[AWBimmer]

I believe you have to get your car coded by any indy specialist (if not the BMW dealer themselves) with autologic to make sure your recognises that it has CDC

[ctuna]

A coder would be able to do it.

See this thread .

http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=368

I am sure there are plenty in the LA area.

[Fooljam]

Originally Posted by sakib0mb

I know that this thread is a little dated, but if I install the dension gateway 500 without a cd changer, can I go to to dealer for a software update? Or am I ok as it is?

I have a 2010 335i with no USB in the center console.

That is no problem at all as long as you put the dension in service mode. It is well explained in the 2 pages documentation.

Dont get a newer car updated by Autologic, give their time to catch up on bmw software, which is about 4 years...

[InsanePineapple]

Yes you just have to get your car coded. I believe the code for CDC is 672.

[Fooljam]

Originally Posted by morfinx

Yes you just have to get your car coded. I believe the code for CDC is 672.

You actually have disable the CDC to enable the IPOD option in the vehicle VO.
From BMW point of view it is not possible to have both because they use the same connection. From a Dension point of view, the CDC can be retained and connected to the Dension.

[InsanePineapple]

Originally Posted by Fooljam

You actually have disable the CDC to enable the IPOD option in the vehicle VO.
From BMW point of view it is not possible to have both because they use the same connection. From a Dension point of view, the CDC can be retained and connected to the Dension.

That's part of the confusion. The GROM install instruction said the said thing (to enable IPOD). I'll have to confirm with my coder but I'm pretty sure we never had to do that. All we had to do is to enable CDC in the vehicle VO.