Sent you another one this morning, but I just sent again just in case.

email replied.

I noticed that the DICE is compatible with the IPOD Video, can you be able to view the movies that are playing on the iPod on the Nav screen?

The DICE is more suited for audio files, but we do have a compatible kit for Video display on the NAV screen. Here’s what I would recommend:

Dietz Video Multimedia Interface – 1260
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=341

iLink-L2 Multimedia Interface for iPod
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=264

This will allow the system to display videos from your iPod, as well as music and slideshows. What’s really great about the device is that it will allow you to play the following formats:

• AVI
• MPEG
• DivX
• DVD *.vob files

A video iPod isn’t even necessary! The kit will include a wireless remote so the entire system can be hidden from view, allowing a stock appearance for a stealth look.

Let me know if you have any further questions on the system, I’d be glad to help.

IPOD Interface Options - Dension/DICE vs. GROM
 

I have recently installed the GROM Ipod interface, and here are some comparisons to the DICE/Dension.

1) Sound quality. I have found the GROM to be crystal clear. I had issues with engine noise with the Dension ICE>Link that I could never get rid of. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that the signal was running through about 16ft of cable from the IPOD to the CD changer port, and then to the car stereo. The GROM connects directly to the back of the radio, which results in a direct connection through less wire.

2) Functionality. Dension/DICE plays the first 5 sequenced play lists (as they are ordered on your IPOD) through the CD changer preset buttons on your car stereo. GROM has the same function. Neither allows you to select other playlists or to play by genre/artist/etc. through the radio controls. You have to give control to the IPOD to do this. With the GROM, you give control simply by pressing the Disk 1 button. For the Dension/DICE, you have to scroll through a menu displayed on the Ipod using the car stereo buttons. Both allow you to do things like skip, fast forward, play random through the existing car radio/steering wheel buttons.

The GROM does not display song titles on the car head unit display. It will only display song info on the IPOD itself if you have the adapter in manual mode. The Dension/DICE can display the artist name if you download the necessary file and install it.

3) Ease of use. The Dension display font on the IPOD is extremely small and is difficult to read. (I assume that the DICE also uses the same/similar small font display.) Navigation through the menus gets to be a little bit tedious – particularly if you try to do it while driving. The GROM is a basic interface that is simple to use. It uses the standard IPOD display font, which is much easier to read and navigate.

4) Hardware/Software support. Both GROM and DICE provide similar levels of support. I have been very satisfied with both in this regard.

5) Cost. The GROM costs $70 on EBay. The DICE costs $160. (It does come with IPOD holder brackets though.)

6) Ease of installation. Dension/DICE just plugs into the existing CD changer port. All you need to do is route your cable, plug in, and mount your IPOD holder (optional). To install the GROM, you have to remove the radio, plug in, and tap into three wires. You then mount the plug outlet under your dash.

Both options take about the same amount of time. The Dension/DICE is versatile as to where you can mount the IPOD plug because of the length of the cable. The Dension/DICE also comes with IPOD holder brackets that can be mounted on your console/dash. The GROM comes with a short cable that is designed to mount under the dash, or in your glove box. A longer cable is available if you want to mount the IPOD plug elsewhere (like under your console and into the compartment under the armrest as described on the X5World IPOD installation DIY link). Make sure you ask for the longer cable if you want to do the console install. The GROM does not come with any IPOD holder brackets that can be mounted on your dash. It just has the basic IPOD plug. However, if you want to have the IPOD in view, the armrest closes just fine with the IPOD cable sticking out. I can rest the IPOD in/on top of the cup holders or on the passenger seat.

I initially had a playback problem when in Ipod control mode because of my hands free Bluetooth option, but GROM sent me a replacement chip to swap out in the adapter and everything works fine now. Make sure you let them know if you have the Bluetooth option in your vehicle when ordering.

In summary, I prefer the GROM for it’s sound quality, ease of use, and cost. Since I have well over a thousand CD's loaded on my IPOD, and have way more than 5 play lists, I need to use the IPOD itself to control the song selections. This option is much easier with the GROM. As for not having a IPOD dash mounting bracket - I don't want to mount my IPOD onto the dash/console, so the GROM fits my need just fine in that regard. I could always purchase a mounting bracket elsewhere later if I ever decide I need one.

DICE Sound was terrible for me too...
 

I had a DICE in my 05 4.8is for roughly 5 months. I finally removed it this weekend due to numerous issues and terrible sound quality...I am sooo happy I did. I have my CD changer back and although I dont have near the number of tracks, or IDtags, the fact that I dont have to deal with odd noises, constant resets, etc is awesome. And the sound quality is MUCH better.

I will give EAS props for their customer service...they even offered for me to come in and have the car datalogged. They get an A+ for effort. They sent me two replacement units. They offered to help in every way. Thanks Tom for your help...

The tough part is, who wants to drive 2 hours each way to have something fixed that should work out of the box. The gas alone would almost double the cost of the DICE.

I wonder if the 4.8is has something different about it...

I am ready for a better solution...I am going to go pick up an aux adapter from BMW for now.

Tom

I purchased a DICE kit as well. Good unit for any music/ipod nut. Nice to be able to change between the different displays on the x5. Installation was a breeze. (i left my wiring in the trunk). I purchased from BSW and received detailed instructions.

Stupid me, i didn't know that my radio was able to play mp3 discs! I found this out after having the x5 for about 6-8 months!!! HAHA. If i would have known, i probably wouldn't have purchased the kit, as i rarely take long trips.

Overall excellent product. I'm looking into the HD kit now!!!

I don't know what everyone is talking about, my DICE is the bomb!!!! I don't here any noises and everything is working perfect. I bought the Dice from BSW, they rock and the product works like a champ, I also installed my BassLink at the same time. Must say, the X5 Rocks like it should.... My 2 cents.....

Now that you got the DICE installed, you might want to get this a try:

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

Makes the browsing that much cooler. :)

Nice!!!!!!! Will do it tonight....Thanks.