CD Changer Dying. Repair, Replace, or iPod Kit?

[mtX5]

For a while now my cd changer has been dying on me. I would have to hit it lightly while pressing the eject button so the sleeve would pop out and I could swap cds. This morning I went back there to put in a new cd and it appears that the motor that pops out the sleeve has died . So now I must find a way to repair it, buy a new cd changer, or maybe go on to some ipod kit.

So I have a few questions if anyone can answer.

1. Where can I repair it?

2. If I can't repair it, where can I get a good deal on a new one?

3. Maybe I should look for an iPod kit. I hear alot about the dice kit or whatever, supposedly replaces the cd changer. How much would that cost, how is the quality on it, and how difficult is it to install?

4. BMW has their own option for an iPod kit that goes in the glovebox. I was quoted $800 (kit+labor) ...ouch. Supposedly would cost that much since I have a navi and they need some kind of extra piece. Definately want to consider this as a FINAL option..possibly not even an option at all.. Anyone have the BMW kit? Feedback?

Thanks in Advance

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by mtX5

For a while now my cd changer has been dying on me. I would have to hit it lightly while pressing the eject button so the sleeve would pop out and I could swap cds. This morning I went back there to put in a new cd and it appears that the motor that pops out the sleeve has died . So now I must find a way to repair it, buy a new cd changer, or maybe go on to some ipod kit.

So I have a few questions if anyone can answer.

1. Where can I repair it?

2. If I can't repair it, where can I get a good deal on a new one?

3. Maybe I should look for an iPod kit. I hear alot about the dice kit or whatever, supposedly replaces the cd changer. How much would that cost, how is the quality on it, and how difficult is it to install?

4. BMW has their own option for an iPod kit that goes in the glovebox. I was quoted $800 (kit+labor) ...ouch. Supposedly would cost that much since I have a navi and they need some kind of extra piece. Definately want to consider this as a FINAL option..possibly not even an option at all.. Anyone have the BMW kit? Feedback?

Thanks in Advance

The BMW kit is seriously lacking in features when it comes to iPod integration - most on the forum are using the DICE kit. This is the kit you need:

DICE - SILVERLINE iPod Integration Kit for X5 00-06 (Trunk Interface)
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...oducts_id=1631

The DICE iPod Kit will integrate perfectly with your X5 and offer steering wheel control as well as ID3 text and charging of your iPod. Full CD Quality can be expected after installation. There's even an integrated AUX port for other devices.

New features of DICE SILVERLINE iPod Integration kit include:

- Direct integrated connection, without the need for FM transmitters or cassette adapters
- Full Text Display on your factory radio or Navigation screen
- Full control of your iPod via the radio buttons while in play
- Browse by Individual Song
- Browse by Individual Playlist
- Browse by Individual Albums
- Source Selector w/ Integrated AUX input
- Album Selection
- Full charging mode for iPods through included dock connector

The kit will come with everything needed w/ the docking cable. The iPod can be safely stored away in the glove compartment for 100% stealth installation and accessed completely from the steering wheel controls. The DICE comes with a 15-foot cable length to reach anywhere in the vehicle you like.

You can attempt to repair your CD Changer, but you may find that repairs can cost more than the iPod kit when all is said and done. If you already have an iPod - you're halfway there.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

[mtX5]

Hmm..sounds good. I am definately interested. Can you give me more info on installation? Will I need an extra part like the bmw kit if I have a navigation system? Can I use wiring from the cd changer or will i need to rewire?

Thanks

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by mtX5

Hmm..sounds good. I am definately interested. Can you give me more info on installation? Will I need an extra part like the bmw kit if I have a navigation system? Can I use wiring from the cd changer or will i need to rewire?

Thanks

This will plug into the 3/6 pin connectors in the trunk area - the system can be up and running in minutes. All that's left is running the docking cable to where you would like the iPod to reside.

Usually we like the iPod in the center console bucket, some people leave them in the cargo area.

[Quicksilver]

I haven't a clue what BMW could be charging $800.00 for but we installed an iPod
interface in our e60 that does a great job. Of course i installed it myself.
Not talking about the old iPod jack that has the 1/8 jack setup. Ours plays playlists and the whole nine yards. Cost about $260.00

The X5 still has an old 6 disc changer that doesn't play MP3's and frankly i love it.
But i would have gotten the MP3 CD player if it was avaliable at the time.
And i also have the old iPod adaptor which works fine except you have no control except for volumn.

[mtX5]

I honestly don't know what bmw is charging 800 for.. it didnt make sense to me. Oh well. I think I might go with the Dice set.

So Tom, your saying basically I pull out the CD changer, put in the Dice, plug it into the 3/6 pin, and plug the ipod in (lets say i leave it in the cargo area), and I'm done? Nothing more, nothing less?

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by mtX5

I honestly don't know what bmw is charging 800 for.. it didnt make sense to me. Oh well. I think I might go with the Dice set.

So Tom, your saying basically I pull out the CD changer, put in the Dice, plug it into the 3/6 pin, and plug the ipod in (lets say i leave it in the cargo area), and I'm done? Nothing more, nothing less?

That's it. Since people are on their 2nd and 3rd iPods - we're finding iPods are pretty much living in the BMW now whereas placement isn't a priority.

[Michelle]

iPod it. Period.

[simoncpw]

Originally Posted by Michelle

iPod it. Period.

I don't have any experience with DICE, yet! But I bought the previous version "ICE LINK" from Tom G., which worked greats and features were miles better and usual than BMW's kit.

If Tom G says DICE is as good or better than Ice Link, I will get the DICE from him too

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by simoncpw

I don't have any experience with DICE, yet! But I bought the previous version "ICE LINK" from Tom G., which worked greats and features were miles better and usual than BMW's kit.

If Tom G says DICE is as good or better than Ice Link, I will get the DICE from him too

DICE is what replaced the ILP when we severed ways with Dension back in 2005. It's much more stable and supported here in the US as well as on the forums.