I haven't had much time to post lately because of multiple business trips - it seems like I've spent last few weekends swapping out suits and shirts out of my travel bag and heading back to the airport. But fortunately, I'm done with the traveling for at least a couple of weeks.
A couple of weeks back, I installed my iceLink in the rear CD changer compartment with the sole intention of getting it iPod up and running with CD-TEXT. I did a very simple brain-dead install. Since I had my iPod housed in a Speck Toughskin
which includes a swivel clip, I simply took some 3M double-sided tape and stuck a swivel clip to the CD/NAV frame supports in the rear compartment. iPod stays in its protective case and is secure thanks to the 3M tape which sticks with a death grip to anything. Total time: 10 minutes.
Today, I set out to see if I could move the iPod to the console. Thanks to COrth's instructions, I was able to do a complete concealed routing of the iceLink cable in about 45 minutes time, but I was not happy with the ashtray mount that I had in mind. I didn't like the fact that I had to remove the iPod from its case for it to fit in the ashtray. I then began toying with the idea of installing the iPod in the phone bin underneath the armrest.
btrvalik posted an article a couple of months back with an iceLink cradle mounted in the phone holder, cut to size. However, by removing the phone holder completely, my iPod complete with its case will fit in the vacant slot.
However, the issue is how to rout the cables up through the console into the armrest. After disassembling the armrest, I discovered that there are existing phone wires that run through the armrest hinges. It looks like I'll have to pull the iceLink cable through this same path.
I took a look at the BMW bluetooth E53 Retrofit instructions which includes some very detailed diagrams on how to R&R the BMW console including running lines through the armrest hinges. Looks like a full day project which includes pulling the console completely out of the truck.
Once I get the iceLink cable run into the armrest, I'll need to find a way to clean up the appearance of the open slot that the iPod fits into. It's bare metal, but fortunately it's rectanglar, so it should be a simple task to cover it with vinyl or alcantara (if I can find it in small quantities).
Has anyone taken a shot at an iPod phone holder install? Any issues I should be aware of when I start tearing down the console?
Side question: What is contained in the big cake holder that is mounted over the spare tire? It's the thing leaning on its side next to the battery in the following photo.
Regards, Mike
02-27-2006, 05:14 AM
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