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

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by fstfwd

Hey Tom, been scouring this thread for the exact answer, but at this point, I'd rather just ask. Appologies for a duplicate question...

I just picked up a Certified 2005 X5 4.4. and want to install the DICE setup. I have Navigation and the trunk mounted 6CD changer. The Stereo has DSP (which I guess makes a difference). I'll be connecting an iPod Nano and iPhone (1st gen) to this.

I really like the ashtray replacement interface that you see here:

What kit do I need to set this up? and how much will is run me? I started configuring a setup, but I want to make sure I'm not adding cables and such that I don't need.

Feel free to shoot me a PM, if you'd like.

Thanks!!!
Stephen

We've never recommended the ashtray mounts - these add no useable functions since:

- The iPod's Clickwheel is locked out when connected to the DICE.
- All control is performed by the radio and/or steering wheel

The dock might be ok for a desk or surface - but we are talking about a moving vehicle. This places a lot of unnecessary wear on the dock connector of the iPod and can damage it within time. Vehicles with stiff suspension make the problem worse. Navigation of the iPod would be virtually impossible in this position.

A more serious point to bring up is if the vehicle was involved in an head-on collision and the iPod was projected in front of a deploying airbag, since the iPod isn't secured properly.

I think the concept is very neat, just not practical without something securing the iPod safely. To be perfectly fair, I have not heard a case of this happening yet.

I certainly wouldn't want to be the first.

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by [email protected]

I am swimming in a sea of success.

That was a bit melodramatic, but it's fixed and I'm happy about that.

I woke myself up in the middle of the night with the idea it might be a poor power connection to the DSP unit. When I looked at the wiring I realized the self-piercing t-taps I'd used to power the DSP unit hadn't pierced the sheath on the power cables. Hence, no power.

Two quick incisions, some wire wrangling, and audio is flawless.

I'm not thrilled with how it handles text on the nav screen (more often than not it says something fun like TR ( track TRA for about ten seconds after making a selection, but I suspect I'd prefer to have the text under the gauges anyway.

Tom - thank you for your help, and the offer of additional help. You've won a long term customer.

Now if only you carried Volvo stuff too.

Awesome - glad it was something simple and everything worked out.

Nothing on the Volvo, but we got you covered in BMW.

[Dob1968]

Hello,
Didn't know there was such differences between the ECE & the USA models, I was under the impression that the USA specs are higher as i see a lot of bimmers in Jordan imported from the US (yes there is a very big market for such cars as they are cheaper) that usually are pre-fitted with such things as telephony, CD changers, etc.... Contrary to the ECE models that are not...
Thanks for the information..
Yanal

[fstfwd]

@Tom

Thanks for your insight. You definitely bring up some good points. I guess that makes sense about the Dock not really holding the phone in place. I'm not so much concerned about being able to access the features of the phone, more than being able to see who's calling, etc... so I don't want to bury the phone somewhere like the glovebox. However, the X5 is considerably lacking in "compartments", unlike some of my other vehicles where there are spots for tons of things.

What would be a nice alternative is to fit a tray place of the angled ashtray, that could allow the iPhone/iPod to lay down on it's back... fairly secure... and connect into the cable. This way it won't flop around. Could even put that "grippy" thin rubber sheet on there that is typically used to keep your cell phone from sliding off your dash board. Has anyone implemented something like that? If not, I might just need to mold an insert of my own!

So, assuming I end up just going the cable route (which at least saves me a few bucks)... what do I need to complete the setup with the best integration possible?? I read that you can tap in to the AUX plugs near the cd changer, though I have some concerns about interference running the connector the length of the car.

Thanks!

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by fstfwd

@Tom

Thanks for your insight. You definitely bring up some good points. I guess that makes sense about the Dock not really holding the phone in place. I'm not so much concerned about being able to access the features of the phone, more than being able to see who's calling, etc... so I don't want to bury the phone somewhere like the glovebox. However, the X5 is considerably lacking in "compartments", unlike some of my other vehicles where there are spots for tons of things.

What would be a nice alternative is to fit a tray place of the angled ashtray, that could allow the iPhone/iPod to lay down on it's back... fairly secure... and connect into the cable. This way it won't flop around. Could even put that "grippy" thin rubber sheet on there that is typically used to keep your cell phone from sliding off your dash board. Has anyone implemented something like that? If not, I might just need to mold an insert of my own!

So, assuming I end up just going the cable route (which at least saves me a few bucks)... what do I need to complete the setup with the best integration possible?? I read that you can tap in to the AUX plugs near the cd changer, though I have some concerns about interference running the connector the length of the car.

Thanks!

The DICE already includes everything needed:

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

Just get the kit, add an iPod and you're set.

[fstfwd]

I was wondering if it would be worth grabbing the HD radio kit for a few $$ more, which also has the iPod interface as well (minus the cable). Do you get all the features of the iPod DICE kit, or is just audio only?

Thanks!

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by fstfwd

I was wondering if it would be worth grabbing the HD radio kit for a few $$ more, which also has the iPod interface as well (minus the cable). Do you get all the features of the iPod DICE kit, or is just audio only?

Thanks!

This depends on if your favorite radio stations are broadcasting in HD. Check www.hdradio.com to see what's offered in your area.

[fstfwd]

Good call... perhaps I'll stick with my original plan.

[Khalil]

I chose to keep my ipod in the trunk. Seems to work fine. The problem I have is that every few days the DICE/IPOD says DETACHED. Unfortunately I have to go to the trunk and cycle the power on teh IPOD. Sometimes after I cycle the power on the IPOD I get ATTACHED, however, I cannot get the DICE/IPOD to work. Any ideas? X5 3.0 w/nav, no DSP.

[NY-4.8IS]

I have the same dreaded problem here. It was an easy install and Im using a 1st gen NANO with updated software. Even so, When I hit mode to get to the IPOD I have to hit 6 then 2 for playlist. the text rarely is correct. Seems like a defective product.

My X5 is a 2006 4.8is with bluetooth. Production is 10/2005