Alternative iPod connection
 

For those not ready for a Dice, but wanting more than some loose cables, here is a decent solution that has worked for me.
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This is a Tuneflex Aux 2.0 from Griffin Technology. I got it at Amazon for just over $30.

The bottom of the stalk slides into a cigarette lighter, the stalk itself is flexible and holds its shape, and there is a supplied variety of adapters for various iPod models that snap to the top. The bottom plug on the iPod slides onto a plug on the Tuneflex. This both charges the iPod and outputs the music.

There is an included mini jack that attaches to the bottom of the Tuneflex and plugs into the Aux plug (that you have to install in the X, not hard).

Note that the 2.0 version is the latest and improved. It has a sliding output control that matches the output of the iPod to the volume of the other sources like the nav voice, fm and cd modes. It works like gain on an amp, too, so you get the best balance of things.

Note my photo shows the original iPhone. It will attach via one of the adapters, but just barely. Apple, always controlling, has not yet certified the Tuneflex, so they can't, or didn't, include an actual iPhone adapter!

When you connect, a dialogue appears asking if you want to to to the inactive airplane mode. Just dismiss that little irritation and all works well. I doubt that the 3G phone would work, but I am not sure about that.

Some reviewers complain that the Tuneflex is not sturdy and moves around. Actually, it is the lighter socket itself that is pretty loose, as most of them are. Still, it holds its position ok and you could go in and tighten things up.

It is pretty sanitary, as we used to say, with only the one wire. Note where the Aux is located. There are good articles on doing this here on the forum.

For those that are just getting started in iPod integration please note that you do not want an fm transmitter! One of the things I would ban if "elected" Grand Beloved Leader for Life.

The sound through the bottom plug is better than merely running a jack from the headphone outlet. The Aux shows up in Modes and integrates perfectly with the steering wheel volume control, bluetooth and all the other modes and Nav. You still keep your cd changer option.

The Dice and similar units are more integrated, of course, and give more control over your iPod. This is a cheaper and more transferable alternative that might work for you.

Hope this is informative and I'll answer any questions you may have.

this is pretty cool.
it comes with the aux port too? did you install it by yourself?

No, you have to buy the port kit from the dealer or from at least one of the advertisers here. I get discounts, so I went dealer.

I did install it per the instructions under the "stereo" section on the home page of this forum. Not hard, or expensive through a stereo shop.

ipod
 

I had an aftermarket ipod connector installed at best buy. It works great and is concealed in the center console.

Pictures of this?

BTW, the TuneFlex 2.0 is only $10 on ebay, shipped! WOW. Great deal! I'm going to get one to just use as a iphone/ipod charger! Whoohoo!

Damn, that's cheap. Just so you know, I use mine for both playing music and to charge the 1st Gen iPhone. It was getting pretty wobbly as the lighter got looser and looser and the swiveling head on the TF got loose as well.

For just charging purposes, the unmodified version will be fine, but if you want to use it as a player, then here is my experience.

I wanted to take out the light and replace it with a nice solid power socket, maybe a marine one, but damned if I'm going to remove the entire console to get the lighter out (!?).

So, for now, I epoxied the lighter in and JB Welded the swiveling head. Real nice and secure now and a pleasure to use. Also, per my beginning post on this device, the iPhone is not officially supported and although one of the supplied iPod holders does work, it is a tight squeeze. I fixed that by heating it up with a hair dryer and inserting the phone. Now it is just right.

The whole subject of hooking up iPods, etc to cars is amazingly complex if you want an integrated solution that is safe and reliable.

i just bought three of these off ebay for about $30.00 (one for me, one for my sister, and another one for my little cousins) and i installed the AUX plug today and it was so simple, took about 20 mins. hey carlgo thanks for the suggestion.