Please help me with upgrade options.

[manobeer]

Ok I am new here, but been lurking an learning for weeks. Thanks to all of those that have helped me already.

Just purchased a White 2006 X3 with Navigation, xenon and the premium package(grey leather). 3500 miles, drove it home for $36,000. But it is mostly for the wife.

Ok I am a little dissapointed that the Audio options are kind of weak, no changer/ipod integration on it. But I do notice that the original window sticker shows that it included "sat radio preporation($75)" and the prewiring for other items such as cd changer.

Now I have two questions in terms of possible upgrades.

What would you do(add)?

And what do you advise a newb(me) to do?

[RastaGurl]

I think an iPod is far superior to a CD changer, and can be added/integrated by using the Dice system offered by Tom G. of European Auto Systems. You can do a search in the Audio section, and there are a bunch of articles on the subject. Besides, Tom G.'s pretty cool! As for satellite radio, I've had both XM and Sirius, and prefer the former, but, that's a personal preference. Sirius can be added by just getting the receiver if your car is prewired, but XM, since you have Nav., can only be added by traditional means. By that, I mean that XM direct is incompatible with Nav. You can probably listen to both Sirius and XM online for a "test" period, and make your choice that way, that's IF you decide on satellite radio.
GL!

[Tom G.]

Sirius is an easy installation in your X3, you are already prewired for it. The DICE iPod system can be added to the system so you can have Satellite radio and Sirius for the ultimate in music in your X3.

Let me know what you are looking to add and I'll recommend the pieces you need to get you going.

[manobeer]

Originally Posted by Tom G.

Sirius is an easy installation in your X3, you are already prewired for it. The DICE iPod system can be added to the system so you can have Satellite radio and Sirius for the ultimate in music in your X3.

Let me know what you are looking to add and I'll recommend the pieces you need to get you going.

Thanks Tom.

I already have Sirius on in "my" 2004 Dodge Durango, and find that I very seldom listen to it.

I would like to add an Ipod, IF I can actually navigate through stock controls(steering wheel) and see the playlist/track on the LCD.

I have been looking at the DICE units but am a little confused on which unit to purchase.

After some reading it looks like the CD changer hookup is under the center console, and maybe the sirius hookup is in the back next to the NAV computer. Can the Dice hookup back there? I would really rather just plug and play back there if possible.

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by manobeer

Thanks Tom.

I already have Sirius on in "my" 2004 Dodge Durango, and find that I very seldom listen to it.

I would like to add an Ipod, IF I can actually navigate through stock controls(steering wheel) and see the playlist/track on the LCD.

I have been looking at the DICE units but am a little confused on which unit to purchase.

After some reading it looks like the CD changer hookup is under the center console, and maybe the sirius hookup is in the back next to the NAV computer. Can the Dice hookup back there? I would really rather just plug and play back there if possible.

If you have no intention of using Sirius, you can disconnect the connectors at the prewiring underneath the center console and save the burden of routing the cables from the rear to the front of the X3.

The 3-pin and 6-pin cables will be connected to another set of cables, simple disconnect them and use that connection, that way the iPod is in the front area with you.

This is the kit you need:

DICE iPod Integration Kit for BMW
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=268

You will see Artist, Song and Album info on the NAV display. You also control the iPod through the steering wheel and/or NAV controls (or iPod clickwheel) and will provide a charging source for the iPod.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

[manobeer]

Originally Posted by Tom G.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Last questions, I PROMISE...

Do you know if all versions of IPODS actually charge with this setup?

The kids have upgraded and currently do not use two 3gens and a mini, I prefer to use a 3gen in the X3 since it has a larger capacity than the mini. BUT I know it will not charge through USB, firewire only, the mini charges both ways. So I am hoping it will not be an issue with the DICE unit.

Also...

So are you saying the Center Console install is the only way? or just the most reccomended method. I would really rather not open up the console unless it is the ONLY way to get it done, or if the rear install requires lots more work. I really do not see a need to have easy access to the ipod while driving.

If you have no intention of using Sirius, you can disconnect the connectors at the prewiring underneath the center console and save the burden of routing the cables from the rear to the front of the X3.

So if I wanted to install the ipod in the rear, I would have to route cables from the rear even if it was pre wired for sirius.

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by manobeer

Last questions, I PROMISE...

Do you know if all versions of IPODS actually charge with this setup?

The kids have upgraded and currently do not use two 3gens and a mini, I prefer to use a 3gen in the X3 since it has a larger capacity than the mini. BUT I know it will not charge through USB, firewire only, the mini charges both ways. So I am hoping it will not be an issue with the DICE unit.

Questions are welcomed! All iPods with the dock connector will charge using the DICE kit.

Originally Posted by manobeer

Also...

So are you saying the Center Console install is the only way? or just the most reccomended method. I would really rather not open up the console unless it is the ONLY way to get it done, of if the rear install requires lots more work.

So if I wanted to install the ipod in the rear, I would have to route cables from the rear even if it was pre wired for sirius.

It's not the only way, it's the most popular if you don't want to use Sirius or have Sirius prewiring.

There's no opening you have to do, just pull up on the console bucket and you're inside in seconds. This keeps the iPod up front and handy for easy removal/connection into the car.

[PersonaNonGrata]

Originally Posted by manobeer

Ok I am new here, but been lurking an learning for weeks. Thanks to all of those that have helped me already.

Just purchased a White 2006 X3 with Navigation, xenon and the premium package(grey leather). 3500 miles, drove it home for $36,000. But it is mostly for the wife.

Ok I am a little dissapointed that the Audio options are kind of weak, no changer/ipod integration on it. But I do notice that the original window sticker shows that it included "sat radio preporation($75)" and the prewiring for other items such as cd changer.

Now I have two questions in terms of possible upgrades.

What would you do(add)?

And what do you advise a newb(me) to do?

Congrats on your new X3. My advice? Come out to WestFest IV and meet Tom in person and see his products in action. Perhaps you could even get it all installed that day. (???)

Check the link in my signature for more info.

[simoncpw]

Originally Posted by manobeer

What would you do(add)?

FYI, my X3 came with the CD changer... but I removed it and replaced it with the Icelink+ (older version of DICE)... couldn't be happier!

And BTW, you are speaking to the right man - Tom from EAS

[manobeer]

Thanks Tom, I will be ordering withing the coming week.

Originally Posted by PersonaNonGrata

Congrats on your new X3. My advice? Come out to WestFest IV and meet Tom in person and see his products in action. Perhaps you could even get it all installed that day. (???)

Check the link in my signature for more info.

Oh I wish I could attend, but my daughter has a high school volleyball tourny that weekend.