[eas] Official DICE iPod integration kit Q/A thread

[I Love BMW's]

Originally Posted by gburrell

Tom,

I'm using the HD-DICE kit. No IPOD right now just the (HD)radio. I tried both 6 pin plugs in the console and even went as far as to pull the radio and check that I had music at the connector plugged into the back of the radio. The radio controls the HD-DICE. The DICE puts out music which is wired into the radio but no sound. Is there anything that needs to be done to enable the CD changer inputs at the radio or do I need to look at getting BMW to repair/replace my radio. I'll have a new 30 Gig Photo arriving tommorrow. I can try that, but don't expect it would make any difference.

Thanks

Gary

I am having the same problem with my 2006 X3 with DSP. I tried both connections in the console, both connectors on the back of the radio and the rear connectors. The HD tuner and iPod display is working, but I am not getting any sound out of the radio. Did you ever get this working in your X3?

[michaeldauben]

Originally Posted by Tom G.

We have a DIY for Voicetags you can use - this will make the browsing experience much easier:

Adding Speech Voicetags to your DICE/iPod Playlists
http://www.xoutpost.com/bsws-mobile-e...playlists.html

Give it a try and let us know what you think.

That is a nice trick. I have done it, although it is an annoying job if you have to do it for more than 100 playlists...

Still the 2 issues remain: After leaving the car, the # of the Playlist itself is lost after restart (it continues to play where it left off, but after finishing this playlist you are back to first available playlist), and the most important thing for me: There is no fast forward for playlists or entering a playlist # buy using the radio buttons, so it takes you forever to get from Playlist 001 to Playlist 250, by hitting the same radio or steering wheel button 250 times while driving.

[gburrell]

Originally Posted by I Love BMW's

I am having the same problem with my 2006 X3 with DSP. I tried both connections in the console, both connectors on the back of the radio and the rear connectors. The HD tuner and iPod display is working, but I am not getting any sound out of the radio. Did you ever get this working in your X3?

I have an appointment at the dealer Monday to check out the radio. Some things I did find out which may help you (assuming it's not a radio problem).
1) There are 2 6 pin connectors in the console along side the 3 pin connector. If you do not have satellite radio you want the unmarked connector. The CDSARS connector goes to the back and is used with the satelite radio to couple over the CD changer (does not work if satellite is not installed)

2) In back of the radio you can either have the unmarked connector plugged in or the CDSARS conector. It should be the unmarked connector. If you are technically inclined you can disconnect the connector from the radio and use an RCA plug with a couple test pins soldered to one end to connect it to a portable stereo. If you hear sound (like i did) this means DICE is working, radio is not. (There are 4 wires at the conector. 2 grounds and L&R audio. Ground goes to outer connector, audio goes to center connector on RCA plugs)

3) There is a service bulliton 65 01 06 SI which has title "No Audio Sound from retrofitted CD changer" This may be related, but I have no way to get a copy of it. (OK got it)

http://www.bmwtis.com/tsb/bulletins/...p/B650106g.htm

Hopefuly I'll have more info Monday.

Gary

[I Love BMW's]

Originally Posted by gburrell

I have an appointment at the dealer Monday to check out the radio. Some things I did find out which may help you (assuming it's not a radio problem).
1) There are 2 6 pin connectors in the console along side the 3 pin connector. If you do not have satellite radio you want the unmarked connector. The CDSARS connector goes to the back and is used with the satelite radio to couple over the CD changer (does not work if satellite is not installed)

2) In back of the radio you can either have the unmarked connector plugged in or the CDSARS conector. It should be the unmarked connector. If you are technically inclined you can disconnect the connector from the radio and use an RCA plug with a couple test pins soldered to one end to connect it to a portable stereo. If you hear sound (like i did) this means DICE is working, radio is not. (There are 4 wires at the conector. 2 grounds and L&R audio. Ground goes to outer connector, audio goes to center connector on RCA plugs)

3) There is a service bulliton 65 01 06 SI which has title "No Audio Sound from retrofitted CD changer" This may be related, but I have no way to get a copy of it. (OK got it)

http://www.bmwtis.com/tsb/bulletins/...p/B650106g.htm

Hopefuly I'll have more info Monday.

Gary

Thanks for the additional information. I did try both connectors in the console, used an continuity meter to trace the correct connector on the radio and still couldn't get it to work. I was also able to get sound out of the Dice unit by using test pins as you suggested - so I guess it must be the radio.

Looking forward to hearing what your dealer has to say.

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by michaeldauben

That is a nice trick. I have done it, although it is an annoying job if you have to do it for more than 100 playlists...

Still the 2 issues remain: After leaving the car, the # of the Playlist itself is lost after restart (it continues to play where it left off, but after finishing this playlist you are back to first available playlist), and the most important thing for me: There is no fast forward for playlists or entering a playlist # buy using the radio buttons, so it takes you forever to get from Playlist 001 to Playlist 250, by hitting the same radio or steering wheel button 250 times while driving.

As long as the iPod is not disconnected from the DICE or goes into DEEP SLEEP mode, it will retain your Playlist position. I don't know of one person with 250 Playlists - most people have fewer than 50.

[gburrell]

Originally Posted by gburrell

I have an appointment at the dealer Monday to check out the radio. Some things I did find out which may help you (assuming it's not a radio problem).
......
3) There is a service bulliton 65 01 06 SI which has title "No Audio Sound from retrofitted CD changer" This may be related, but I have no way to get a copy of it. (OK got it)

http://www.bmwtis.com/tsb/bulletins/...p/B650106g.htm

Hopefuly I'll have more info Monday.

Gary

As I suspected it was the issue in the service bulletin. However much as I pushed they would not cover it under warrenty ($130 charge). If you have a BMW CD changer or IPOD addapter this is covered under warrenty, but they won't cover it for aftemarket (I.E. you must use BMW accessories or pay for the priviledge of using after market)

Gary

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by gburrell

As I suspected it was the issue in the service bulletin. However much as I pushed they would not cover it under warrenty ($130 charge). If you have a BMW CD changer or IPOD addapter this is covered under warrenty, but they won't cover it for aftemarket (I.E. you must use BMW accessories or pay for the priviledge of using after market)

Gary

That's not right, what if you were planning on getting the changer at a later date? How much labor was involved for the TSB?

[gburrell]

Originally Posted by Tom G.

That's not right, what if you were planning on getting the changer at a later date? How much labor was involved for the TSB?

They claim it was 1 hours labour to turn on the option (must be slow computers). I plan to talk with BMW (I know a guy who works in their product planning division. I'll see him Sunday and ask who best to complain to). They said they had the BMW guy on site when I was disscussing this over the phone with them and he wouldn't authorize it. (They didn't let me speak with him). I'll try nicely with BMW but if they don't reimburse me, I think I'll let the State Attorney General's office know thay they charge money to turn on support for non BMW accessories. What's next "BMW" gas only?


Gary

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by gburrell

They claim it was 1 hours labour to turn on the option (must be slow computers). I plan to talk with BMW (I know a guy who works in their product planning division. I'll see him Sunday and ask who best to complain to). They said they had the BMW guy on site when I was disscussing this over the phone with them and he wouldn't authorize it. (They didn't let me speak with him). I'll try nicely with BMW but if they don't reimburse me, I think I'll let the State Attorney General's office know thay they charge money to turn on support for non BMW accessories. What's next "BMW" gas only?


Gary

You shouldn't be liable for this - especially the fact since a TSB was issued. Please let us know how it turns out.

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by ssx5

Thanks for the response.

Behind the access panel there are a bunch of wires but none are loose.
Do I need to open the bottom black part which is to the left of the spare tire and to the right of the access panel?
Do you have a picture? It will help me finding the 3/6 connectors
Thanks

Sometimes the wires will be underneath the black part, wrapped in a cloth sheath. When unwrapped, you will see the 3/6 pin connectors bundled together.

Originally Posted by babysvt

I currently own an '01 X5 with DSP and NAV. I tried the FM transmitter and it sounded horrible so I decided to try the tape deck adapter and it sounds just as good as the CD even at louder volumes.

Is this unit even available for the '01? I have heard that there is no available iPod hookup for the '01. I think it was only available for '03 and newer.

I can live with the tape adapter because it really does sound great but hate the long cord hanging out of the middle of my dash.

Absolutely, this would be the kit you need for your DSP-equipped X5:

DICE iPod Integration Kit for BMW - DSP
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=284

This will give you steering wheel control, charging of your iPod, text display and CD quality sound all at the same time.