The IPOD. Worth it as an alternative?

[ike301]

So you guessed it. I dont want to go the CD changer way b/c it costs more and that the future will be downloaded music files.

So as an alternative, and IPOD looks very attactive. I don't currently have an IPOD, so bear with me.

I know they make that an aftermarket attachment so that you can tune into an AM station and send your IPOD signals that way. The other way, is some sort of contraption where you actually install some sort of interface for you IPOD and the stock radio deck.

So my questions are:

1. How is that aftermarket attachment when you play it on an AM station?
2. How good is the interface option?
3. Sound quality on both options versus an actual CD changer?

Thanks! This will probably be a progressive thread, as more questions may arise from your responses.

I guess the bottom line, is which has better music quality? IPOD or cd changer?

[UCrewX5]

First off - do not, and I repeat - DO NOT - try to interface your iPod to the stereo system using a frequency modulation (FM) transmittor. The sound quality is vastly inferior to a wired solution.

Here's the options, as I see them:

1. Install the BMW Aux input kit. Since you have a 2001, this is probably not a viable opton, as you would have to replace your radio module. (note: it can be done, as I know from personal experience having replaced mine in order to have this capability). However, if you have Aux then you can pipe the audio from any source, including an iPod, into the radio system with excellent sound quality. You get steering wheel controls to adjust the volume, but that's it. All other control functions must be performed from the device (ie. iPod) itself.

2. Install an aftermarket Aux input, such as Blitzsafe or Soundgate. Same basic functionality as (1).

3. Install BMW's iPodYourBMW kit. Lots of info on this on the main page. Again, this option will not work with a 2001, however.

4. Install Dension's Ice->Link Plus unit. A good write-up at http://www.xoutpost.com/icelinkplus.htm

5. Check into this new iPod adaptor - http://www.crutchfield.com/ISEO-rgbt...0&I=581PA10BMW

There may be other alternatives, but those are the immediate ones that come to mind. My vote would be for option 4 at this point.

Jeff

[rangerfan]

Originally Posted by UCrewX5

My vote would be for option 4 at this point.

Jeff

Agreed.

[PersonaNonGrata]

I love the iPod. I resisted for quite a while and I'm glad I did. For less than the price of a 6 disc CD changer, you get an awesome portable music player. As far as how to get it in your BMW, I did the iPodYourBMW thing. The installation was not too difficult and is a DIY project. I'm happy with it and the smooth intergration with the factory controls. The sound quality is CD grade. I would say though that I wish there was more control over it in that having to create 5 playlists is a bit of a pain. If I want to listen to a particular album or artist, I can't do it directly. I wind up usually just leaving it on Playlist 6 (CD 6) which plays the entire iPod's library. I would also like ID3 tags. Oh well. It was the best solution at the time and it works well even given the limitations.

[UCrewX5]

Originally Posted by PersonaNonGrata

I love the iPod. I resisted for quite a while and I'm glad I did. For less than the price of a 6 disc CD changer, you get an awesome portable music player. As far as how to get it in your BMW, I did the iPodYourBMW thing. The installation was not too difficult and is a DIY project. I'm happy with it and the smooth intergration with the factory controls. The sound quality is CD grade. I would say though that I wish there was more control over it in that having to create 5 playlists is a bit of a pain. If I want to listen to a particular album or artist, I can't do it directly. I wind up usually just leaving it on Playlist 6 (CD 6) which plays the entire iPod's library. I would also like ID3 tags. Oh well. It was the best solution at the time and it works well even given the limitations.

Great review, Kev. Unfortunately it's not compatible with his '01 at this time

My option 5 above looks to be basically a knock-off of the iPodYourBMW solution but looks to be compatible with earlier models (but not confirmed yet )

[Juanted]

I have the BMW iPod your BMW connection, and I love it! I use it every day! As stated before, it's not compatible with your '01, but any of the other options would also be good. I love having control of thousands of songs in my fingertips. I wish it showed song titles, but, that's OK. Apple announced that it's working on (an improved) version 2 with BMW, and hopefully, this time, it will do just that. We'll wait and see.

I agree, though, that this is so much better than a CD changer.

Juan

[PersonaNonGrata]

Originally Posted by Kaefer

Apple announced that it's working on (an improved) version 2 with BMW.

I'd be happy to see that. The iPodYourBMW adaptor is actually made by Alpine so they've got the technical juice to get it done.

[Curious Joel]

Originally Posted by PersonaNonGrata

I love the iPod. I resisted for quite a while and I'm glad I did. For less than the price of a 6 disc CD changer, you get an awesome portable music player. As far as how to get it in your BMW, I did the iPodYourBMW thing. The installation was not too difficult and is a DIY project. I'm happy with it and the smooth intergration with the factory controls. The sound quality is CD grade. I would say though that I wish there was more control over it in that having to create 5 playlists is a bit of a pain. If I want to listen to a particular album or artist, I can't do it directly. I wind up usually just leaving it on Playlist 6 (CD 6) which plays the entire iPod's library. I would also like ID3 tags. Oh well. It was the best solution at the time and it works well even given the limitations.

PNG- I've got an iPod your BMW kit waiting at the dealer for me, being installed the 15th... I've got a question. Does the playlist 6 option shuffle the songs? I don't like the idea of making 5 playlists... but, c'est la vie

[JCL]

I've got the IceLink Plus, with text tag software installed for song titles and artists.

I looked at UCrew's options 1 through 4, and decided that I wanted steering wheel controls (not just volume), plus text tags. I wasn't sure how fast the IPod your BMW kit would be developed, and when I looked at the IceLink (V1) it was not upgradeable to the Plus (same cables, different computer interface). So, I wasn't sure that the BMW upgrade would be cheap and easy, when it happened. Just my guess, could be wrong.

I installed it myself, which took a few hours, not difficult. Upgraded the Dension software, added the text tag software, and then had to rip approx 200 CDs. I went at 192 kBPS, which is as good as my ears are, or as good as the X5 speakers are, not sure which.

The IceLink Plus also has only 5 playlists, which I sorted by genre. 2000 songs now loaded, and my 20 gB G4 IPod is half full, more or less. You can have unlimited playlists, but only by turning off the IceLink interface, and then you are back to squinting at the IPod screen, using the click-wheel. Not road safe, IMO.

I don't think the IPod in a car is really the ticket for finding a single song (unless you are parked....). Having said that, on random mode it is wonderful. Just like a perfect radio station where you design the playlist. There is also an album play button; hear a song you like, press album play, and it plays the rest of that specific album.

Other benefit is that you can always take the music with you, out of the vehicle. Not that I do very often, but I can.

BTW, recommend you stay away from the FM modulator. I used two of them very successfully with Pioneer CD changers in two former cars, but that was in an area with only 1 FM radio station. Too much interference for me in the city, always searching for a clear frequency.

Overall, very happy with my install, and thinking about putting one the Z4 (premium sound, DSP, would sound great).

Jeff

[PersonaNonGrata]

Originally Posted by Curious Joel

PNG- I've got an iPod your BMW kit waiting at the dealer for me, being installed the 15th... I've got a question. Does the playlist 6 option shuffle the songs? I don't like the idea of making 5 playlists... but, c'est la vie

Yes, the 6th playlist, or actually CD 6 on your MID, does play the entire library and you can select random mode on your CD player to shuffle through the entire iPod HD.

I am still pissed that the random mode on the CD player gets cancelled whenever you turn off the car. It defaults back to sequential play. I hate it. Anyone know of a fix?