DICE iPod Integration Kit - X5 Specific Installation Instructions
 

We put together a specific set of instructions for X5 and made them publicly available so those considering this upgrade can see if they are capable of the install or those that have already purchased one can have a easier time of it.

Rather than limit image sizes in a web format, we decided to make a PDF. It's a large file (42MB) but has extremely high resolution photos that should make your job very easy and the process very clear.

For those of you attempting the install over the weekend, we have applicable instructions for non-DSP BMW's and DSP BMW's built 09/02 or later. Here is a link to the instructions:

www.bavsound.com/instructions/X5DiceInstall.pdf

We will be adding the DSP specific and Sirius-equipped specific instructions Monday or Tuesday of next week.

Enjoy, and of course, if you have questions, let us know!

Mods - maybe this would be a good sticky?

Updated and improved file now available and online, and it's only 1MB w/ almost no reduction in image quality!

Nice work Micah. Very well organized.

I'm about to install the DICE kit in my mother in law's 2001 X5 (courtesy of Tom @ EAS). Anyway, I think I've read every post, thread and document pertaining to this install...so I feel very confident that I can get this done in under 2 hours. Obviously, 110 minutes of this will be dedicated to removing trim, panels, carpet etc.

The DICE was a Christmas gift for my M-l-L. She knows that she needs to decide where she wants it mounted before I can even do any of the work. Here are the options that I've found (all very viable):

Next to climate control (from an aesthetics perspective, this would be my
recommendation):
http://www.kudausa.com/kuda_mount_and_holder_for_bmw_x5_since_2000-3-34.html

Cupholder mount:
http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/stereo/9514-icelink-install.html

Angled mount (near climate controls):
http://www.europeanautosource.com/index.php?cPath=42_93_94_104

Ashtray mount (pretty neat):
http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com/product.php/II=517/_cid=282

So here's my question to all those X5/DICE-ers:
1) For those with the Kuda mount, are you happy with the quality, fit and finish? I have worked with the Kuda products in several Audi's that I own and I find them to be very complimentary to any German interior.

2) Assuming a dash mount, has anyone ran the DICE cabling across the bottom of the rear bench seats and along the passenger side door sills...and still have enough cable length? Seems pretty straight forward.

3) Has anyone mounted their Ipod/Dice on the dash and have 2nd thoughts about that location and wish that they had put it in a concealed location? You can't beat the CD Text support/functionality with the OEM BMW headunits (I only wish my Audi headunits - pre MMI - had this capability).

I think that's it for now. Thanks for reading and I appreciate any feedback that you might have.

-Ted
[email protected]

PS: My side hobby/2nd job is integrating/building custom wiring harnesses for the Audi community (upgrading to OEM Sirius/XM, DVD-based have etc). I'd be glad to answer any questions for you...if you happen to have an Audi in your stable. :)

I believe we spoke a few times during my Dension days on the AUDI cables. If so, long time no speak.

We run the cables underneath the backseat to the glovebox as well, or to the center console as in the above instructions. Since the text displays on the MID/OBC/NAV screen, the iPod can be hidden.

You can thank Jason, our lead tech, for the instructions. :)

I like the spec.dock most since you get the best of both worlds -- excellent location and ergonomics with 100% stealth operation.

Thanks guys. Looks like she's going to go with the ashtray mount 2point5 spec dock. Questions:

1) I assume the tray can be closed when the ipod is removed
2) I assume this works in conjunction with the DICE. So, $150 for the DICE and $150 for the spec dock. Ok....but ouch!!
3) BSW's install pdf has some brief info about mounting the spec dock...but I just haven't seen any other details regarding running the wire into the bottom of the ashtray. Do I need to dremel out some of the ashtray? Any details will be helpful.

Again, I'm a very experience car stereo DIY-er...I just don't have any experience in Bimmers...just Audi's.

Thanks guys!
-Ted

1) Yes, the ashtray cover does close when the iPod is removed.

2) Yes, this works with the DICE - just choose DICE as your interface cable and you are set. If you send the iPod cable that comes with the DICE back to us, we can credit you $20 off the DICE to make it sting a bit less. :) E-mail me and I'll send you instructions on that.

3) No dremeling or modification of the ashtray is required. There's already a hole through which the cable passes, so it's very simple in terms of wiring. Send me an e-mail and I'll reply with the spec.dock instructions.

Let me know if you have any more questions!

Is there an experience technician I can go to for this type of work, I looked at your PDF file and while it's good procedurally, I don't know if I have the technical skills to get it done. I just don't wanna screw anything up! LoL

I live in Houston, anyone you recommend to install?

We don't have a database of installers in various regions, unfortunately. The good news is that any car audio shop that isn't COMPLETELY worthless should be able to manage this installation without issue. It's very straightforward. I wouldn't worry too much about the install.

Still good instructions or should I just go to BSW.com?
 

Micah:
Any important changes to the procedure since 2004. I have an 06 X5 and things look "similiar" but just thought I'd ask if there have been any mods to the PDF since originally published.

PS. Paul W ROCKS !!!!!!! he made my buying process as easy as possible. GIVE HIM A RAISE !!

Ed Colandra

Instructions are CONSTANTLY being updated, so you are probably better off downloading the latest version right from our website.

However, there is no significant difference between an 04 and an 06 X5, so the instructions from our site will be perfect.

And yes, I agree, Paul's the man! And he did just get a new pay structure. ;)

Instructions for Installation with Satellite...
 

Hey Micah,
Have you posted installation instrucitons for the DICE unit for vehicles equipped with SIRIUS? The only instructions I can find on your site are for vehicles without it. THANKS!!

If you have Sirius then you just need to order the pass thru cable. Then then pass thru cable plugs into the Sirius and you plug the iPod directly into the pass thru. The rest of the install is 100% the same. It actually ends up being easier because you don't have to search out the 3pin and 6pin!

Thanks, one quick follow-up...
 

Alright, but I'm assuming that I still have to lose the CD changer and am now a bit confused as to how the wiring works vis-a-vis the cables that are connected in my current configuration (CD Changer/Sirius/NAV). For example, I though all I had to do was essnetially swap out the CD changer for the DICE unit, but that seems not to be the case. Can you just very briefly tell me "what cables go where" and I bet I can figure it out from there? (At least I hope so...). Thanks very much for your help with this.

How to operate/play the icelink ipod
 

I just bought a 2005 Bmw with icelink denson ipod installed as suggested in the installation detail but I don't know how to operate the system, please i need some help, thanks

Halston, could I trouble you for a reply? Thanks!!
 

*

Wrong thread.

My Non DSP Nav unit is currently fitted with the ipod retrofit (ipod cable in glove box). Will the Installation procedure change because of this? i'm interested in the silverline pro and i will be leaving the ipod in the rear cargo area.

Yes. BMW moves a couple of wires behind the head unit when they install their kit, so those wires will need to be replaced before the DICE can be installed.

I have a 2000 X5 with DSP and round pin connector for the CD player (but wires not connected to the ground signals, pins 8,11,12,14), no CD changer in the back. I could find one 3 pin connector in the trunk. I don't see the 6 pin one, is it hidden?
It looks like there are two types of DICE, radio and trunk option. Which one would work for my X5?

The radio kit is not compatible with your DSP equipped BMW. We do not sell it -- just the trunk version, which is what is currently on sale. You'll need the optional DSP adapter to make the kit work in your BMW, which converts the round DSP connector to a 6 pin connector.

Here's a link to the product you'll need:

BMW X5 iPod Integration Kit for BMW X5 by DICE | BSW

hi, Micah

can the Dice DSP module adaptor work with my car and compatible with Gateway 300 in my case in order to have a better sound quality?

my car is BMW X5 E53 4.6is of year 2002
with 16:9 Navigation monitor at front console, CD changer at side back trunk, Radio Module/ DSP Amplifier/ TV or Video Module are under back trunk;
I have ordered Dension Gateway 300 to have iPod musics and CD Retention to have CD musics as well

You should have no issue using the DSP as it will simply create a 3pin and 6pin plug so you can plug and play the Dension Gateway 300.

If for any reason you have an issue we are happy to help and protect you with our 30 day guarantee :)

Let me know if you have ANY other questions!

Are you meaning that I don't need the Dice DSP Adaptor at all when my Dension GW300 already allows iPod to use and it don't have any help on the sound quality improvement ..... but just replace the CD changer instead and could not use both music sources

or it will work great to match with Dension Gateway 300 and give more wonderful music quality both on iPod and CD Changer

I have changed my mind to have DICE Mediabridge instead of Dension GW300, and I knew I need a DSP Adaptor but don't know how many generations of DICE DSP Adaptor in the market. Would you mind show me in photo?

Can it be meaning to be a DAC converter if the DSP Adaptor is power enough, not just change analog signal to digital signal.

Hello, just ordered your bavsound iphone hookup kit last week for my x5. I forgot to add on a dsp adapter kit. Do you guys sale those separately?

Mike

cannot get into bavsound.com anymore, pls adv if this company has already been closed?