Dice Ipod kit vs Dealer BMW Ipod kit

[TheGodfather]

Has anyone purchased the ipod integration kit that BMW sells for pre 2007 X5's?

I called the dealer and they have one in stock for a little less money than the DICE kit from BSW.

There are so many guides to installing the DICE kit, so I was wondering if the BMW issued kit would be the same process as the DICE install.

Amazingly the dealer quoted labor at 4.5 hours! I would prefer not to pay 400 dollars to install a 200 dollar item.

Any information on the BMW kit would be appreciated,

Thanks

[TheGodfather]

I found installation instructions for the M3, but I do not even know if this is the same kit, or if the install would even be helpful for the X5

M 3 . M A D R U S S I A N . N E T

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by TheGodfather

Has anyone purchased the ipod integration kit that BMW sells for pre 2007 X5's?

I called the dealer and they have one in stock for a little less money than the DICE kit from BSW.

There are so many guides to installing the DICE kit, so I was wondering if the BMW issued kit would be the same process as the DICE install.

Amazingly the dealer quoted labor at 4.5 hours! I would prefer not to pay 400 dollars to install a 200 dollar item.

Any information on the BMW kit would be appreciated,

Thanks

The BMW kit and DICE have the same core functions (steering wheel/radio control), iPod charging and direct iPod connection), the DICE goes a bit further in features:

- Text display on your radio or navigation display
- unlimited Playlists (BMW kit is limited to only 5)
- ability to browse by song, album or Playlist
- Full control of iPod's Clickwheel (BMW kit locks out the wheel)
- Retains display on iPod (BMW kit places a logo in place)
- Integrated AUX input
- All iPod features are still functional (highest rated songs, play count, on-the-go playlists, etc)

Installation is about 15 minutes for those choosing the radio interface kit - with only a small allen wrench needed.

[TheGodfather]

Thank you for the info Tom,

I am glad to hear the features are very similar, does this suggest the installation is similar?

Ie. can I adapt the DICE installation videos and guides to installing the OE Kit?

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by TheGodfather

Thank you for the info Tom,

I am glad to hear the features are very similar, does this suggest the installation is similar?

Ie. can I adapt the DICE installation videos and guides to installing the OE Kit?

No, the DICE has 2 options for connections (Trunk vs Radio interface) and does not require rewiring of the radio harness for installation.

The Trunk interface version of the DICE kit allows you to make the necessary connections at the CD Changer cables in the trunk area, and allows 15 feet of cable length to allow placement of your iPod anywhere in the vehicle you like.

The Radio interface version of the DICE kit is a favorite among professional installers. This kit allows a direct connection directly at the radio, eliminating a long cable from the CD changer connectors in the trunk. This also provide a shorter cable route, reducing the possibility of engine noise. The Radio interface kit is also choice for euro models that do not have CD Changer prewiring.

[TheGodfather]

Thanks again for the info,

I guess I may have to go with the ever so popular DICE route.

Wiring from the CD changer is probably easiest, seeing as how I do not have to remove the front unit, which I tried and failed at already in the past.

[PersonaNonGrata]

Check the home page for isntructions I wrote up on installing the BMW kit. It will show you how to get the head unit out and get at all the wiring. As far as which to go with, I like. My BMW iPodYourBMW kit but i also got that before DICE and all that came out so I didn't have a choice. If I had to do it again, I'd go with one of Tom's kits.

[TheGodfather]

Originally Posted by PersonaNonGrata

Check the home page for isntructions I wrote up on installing the BMW kit. It will show you how to get the head unit out and get at all the wiring. As far as which to go with, I like. My BMW iPodYourBMW kit but i also got that before DICE and all that came out so I didn't have a choice. If I had to do it again, I'd go with one of Tom's kits.

Great, thank you!

I guess I should have looked for this write-up, but I did not think any guide existed based on my Google search.

My choice really depends on the difficulty of install.

But I hate waiting for things, hence my want of the BMW kit that I can pick up at anytime.

----

I just read your write up and it is so very helpful. In fact I think I will be able to tackle this job. Two questions though:

1. How different is the wire set up for DSP/6 CD changer equipped vehicles?

2. How difficult would it be to rout the wire through the ashtray in the front or the storage under the center armrest? These locations would be more convenient as I will be connecting my iphone

[TheGodfather]

The BMW iPod interface does not charge newer iPhones.

I installed, tested, uninstalled (no cutting was required) then returned the unit back to the dealer.

So, onto Dice or that "other" one.

Btw , the install was Soooo easy.

[Helmuth]

Have installed the DICE kit in my 2002 X5 3.0d with business CD and the radio interface. Really easy task. The iPhone sits now where the ashtray normally is - had to drill one hole for routing the cable there - really easy installation and enough functionality for me.

Regards, H