BMW iPod integration hissing?

[rbensmithX3]

Hello All,

Purchased 2005 Black/Terra X3 3.0i used last month. Was planning to get iPod integration, and it was already installed by the dealer (not advertised that way--bonus). However, with my G3 iPod, I can actually hear the hard drive spinning and there is static or a "hiss" in the background, especially noticeable during quiet songs.

Took it into the dealer last Saturday and the answer I received was kind of a round-a-bout:

1. Technically only compatible with G4-G6 ipods (Mini through Video)
2. Update the software on your ipod (Apple user--constantly updated)
3. No hissing noise with tested Nano--supposedly due to no hard drive
4. Any hiss is due to quality loss of CD to MP3 format

I guess I am supposed to believe that low quality is something to be expected from the first ipod to car integration, BMW. However, I bought a cheap ($119) integration for an Audi S4, installed it, and it sounds great with any ipod--better than CD quality.

Is it my iPod's fault, or BMW's fault? Anyone experiencing true clarity with the iPod integration for BMW?

Thanks--thanks for the great site, too!

Ben

[BMW X5]

i would go with icelink or the new DICE integration its flawless

[rbensmithX3]

Not looking to replace unit, just trying to find out if this is a problem elsewhere, so that the dealer can replace under warranty. I think the Apple/BMW system is a little archaic (BMW1, BMW2, BMW3--who thought of this?), but I have to work within my boundaries. . .

[r6girl]

i have the bmw ipod kit and it works perfectly for me - i have a 5G video ipod and a nano and have had no hissing or other problems using either. i haven't tested any other generation ipod with it, so i'm afraid i can't confirm what the dealer told you about older ipods...

[moymch]

I have no problems with my 5G Ipod through AUX cable as well.

[05Boxster]

I have an iPod mini and I can also hear the hissing on quiet songs. Try turning the sound down on the iPod and turning up the radio volume, this has helped a little. Also, are you running the sound from the headphone jack? From what I understand, there is an attachment that goes into the bottom of the iPod allowing you to access the sound that way (as a dock would) and the sound is supposed to be better. I have not confirmed this though.

[rbensmithX3]

I'm using the unit installed only by BMW dealerships and the one advertised by Apple that plugs directly into the bottom of the iPod. I ordered an iPod Video yesterday to see if that makes things better. I have tried turning the volume down, but the car seems to "take over" the ipod once you connect it. This is good information, though. Depending on what happens with the new iPod video, I have enough of a case to tell the dealership to put a new unit into my X3. Thanks!

[Tom G.]

Is the backlight on the iPod turned on? If so, turn it off to see if there is any change in the noise.

[statman]

hi had dealer put mine in no hissing using
dock type connector