iPod Help, please

[akbmw]

I got an iPod and the Monster thingy to use it with my radio. I live in the DC metro area and it does not work well ---- lots of interference. I've tried all the suggested FM stations. Any suggestions?

If I "iPod my BMW" do I have the interference problem?


How much total is it to "iPod my BMW --- parts and labor?


Thanks!

 

[commander_crash]

If you iPodyourBMW - you won't have interference since it'll be a cable connecting your iPod to the digital inputs on the stereo. It cost me about $299 for parts and labor.

 

[Average Jae]

pricing on ipodding your bimmer will differ by dealer, due to install costs. so call around. bmw part is $150, but if you are a CCA, you can get 10% off, or you can also try Circle BMW in jersey for 20% off. that's what i did. local dealer installed for $153, so that wasn't too bad. having only 5 playlists is kinday sucky, but most say you'll get used to it. (hopefully i will soon)

you can also try the ice link lil more expensive, but its been getting pretty good reviews, and doesn't have bmw's limitations and restrictions on install.

 

[TheBry]

Or you can try my solution if you have the BMW AUX port in the glove box ;-)

 

[uncfsuno1]

or better yet, buy an alpine head unit and get the ipod adapter...better sound and more control over your ipod than "ipodding your bimmer"

 

[akbmw]

What alpine would work? How does it look? Any idea on cost? Parts? Installation?

Thanks!

 

[uncfsuno1]

Any of the 04 or newer model alpine head units. It looks great. I would recommend getting one that has adjustable button colors so you can match your dash lighting. I bought one of the more expensive models Alpine offers, but I got a really good price on it. The HU cost about 350. Installed it cost a little over 400. The ipod kit is 100 and to install that was another 25. So you're looking between 500-600 total. I store the ipod in the compartment between the cigarrete lighter and the AC/heat, so the ipod is hidden away from sight. You can scroll through your playlists and songs with the HU scroller and the sound is better than a CD imo. Hope this helps.

 

[Average Jae]

alpine does have a better solution imo esp w/ the playlists, but you do have to spring for a new head unit. (which i'm usually not a big fan of, since the "cool effects" and such, most units put up becomes a distraction. and doesn't usually "fit" the flow of the interior.

i like the way my business cd player looks, so i think i'm a keep it where it is.

 

[uncfsuno1]

IMO, the right after market HU enhances the look. I just graduated college so maybe it's b/c I'm younger. Still looks classy, but more modern than the business CD, and def. more options and better sound.

 

[tripulldee]

Those FM Transmitters are terrible, better to hard wire your iPod. You can't really go wrong with going Alpine or "iPodding your BMW"....I went the Alpine way cuz I had already taken out my factory cd player and there was no way that could run my amps and my subs. I paid a little under $300 for new head unit and the Alpine iPod adapter...installation's not hard at all, one side into the iPod, other side into the receiver...Alpine adapter gives you more playlists and also charges ur iPod while you drive...also I read a product review somewhere that Ai-Net and Alpine head units can enhance sound quality and restores some of the lost detail from compressed media like MP3s...there's a lot of info about it on Crutchfield....

 

[akbmw]

alpine model #?

Is there a specific model number? Any recommendations on where to buy/get installed? Thanks!

 

[Average Jae]

IMO, the right after market HU enhances the look. I just graduated college so maybe it's b/c I'm younger. Still looks classy, but more modern than the business CD, and def. more options and better sound.

you might be right actually. mine was a really really broad statement. if you find a head unit that looks good and performs well, and fits your price range, there is no reason why you shouldn't get it.

 

[uncfsuno1]

Is there a specific model number? Any recommendations on where to buy/get installed? Thanks!

I would go with either the CDA-9833 or CDA-9835. They are basically identical except for the fact that the 35 has a brighter, more graphic intensive display. I went with the 9835 (about 100 bucks more). If you want to get it cheap, they are always on ebay selling for well below retail, and they are new.

 

[uncfsuno1]

As for where to get it installed, I got mine done at Tweeter. I'm not sure if they have one in your area, but they are pretty good. Their prices on their actual audio equipment are pretty high but they'll install your stuff even if you didn't buy it from them.

 

[esaheatac]

I agree, Tweeter's a good choice. I had my Alpine HU and iPod adapter installed there and they did a good job, quick and fairly inexpensive. You can't beat the sound quality and convenience of this setup compared to other iPod solutions. FM transmitters are virtually unusable in the D.C. area due to the density of stations. I usually set my HU for random play, and wonder which of 1500 songs is coming next!