ipod my bmw

A

akbmw

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#1
I am told it will be $430 at the dealer (parts & labor) to "ipod my bmw". I am rethinking my plan. Has anyone changed their headunit to the Alpine (or any other) that has an iPod interface?

How much was it? (parts & installation)
How does it look? (I don't want to mess with the nice look!)
How does it sound?

Thanks!
 
tripulldee

tripulldee

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I went the alpine route with mine....I paid $200 for the head unit (I was planning on replacing my pioneer that was 3 yrs old anyways) and $100 for the iPod interface adapter....installed everything myself so final cost was only $300....in most cases an aftermarket head unit is better than what you get originally with the car......playing off my iPod sounds just as good as my cds and it doesn't hurt that i have an all alpine system (subs and amps)...IMO it doesn't mess with the classy look, the color scheme on my head unit is silver and blue and not flashy....$430 seems really expensive for them to plug in a couple things for ya
 
S

squarehat

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I paid $236 (parts and labor combined) to iPod my 2005 325i (I had them install it before I took delivery of the car).

If you're willing to install yourself (or can find a shop that will), Bavarian Autosport sells the factory iPod Your BMW adapter for $144.95.
 
Average Jae

Average Jae

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iirc, circle bmw has it for $120, + shipping, no tax. (they have 20% off parts, and i think it msrps for $150. install for me at one of the dealers was $150ish. another dealer quoted $250. its all a matter of how good the service tech is, and how long he takes to do it.

i love the fact that i can hook up my pod to it, but i also hate the fact that i only get 5 playlists. sometimes i wish i would've gone w/ the ice link solution, or the alpine route altogether. especiall now, because my main comp is literally gone, (mobo and vid card are both RMAed.) so i can't even update the stinkin playlist.. ugh
 
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Layton

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I had my Business Radio (2002 BMW 325I) replaced with a Clarion head unit because it has a aux input built in - they ran the cable through the dash underneath the climate control. The sound is very good, but I lost the steering wheel controls that worked with the BMW stereo. The Clarion doesn't look to bad although the display is blue and everything else is red.

I initially tried to get an aux input added that connects to the CD 6-pack connection, but it was had a low level hum and crackle when they installed it. IF you can get one of those, you can keep the BMW radio and just switch to multi cd to listen to your ipod. The CD changer connection is in the left of the trunk and they run the audio cable back up to the dash.


Mike
 
W

William330

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Kenwood makes a "Music Keg" that goes in the trunk and uses 40GB hard drive 'cartridges.'

I think it's more expensive ($800?) but you're not limited to that lame iTunes software, and can copy any MP3 file to or from the unit.
 
aNoodle

aNoodle

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William330 said:
Kenwood makes a "Music Keg" that goes in the trunk and uses 40GB hard drive 'cartridges.'

I think it's more expensive ($800?) but you're not limited to that lame iTunes software, and can copy any MP3 file to or from the unit.
Click to expand...
My CD player hit the dust a while back. I REALLY REALLY want to get one of these to replace it....I've just been waiting for the cost to come down. $800 is crazy!
 
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Layton

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iTunes does not limit the mp3s you can play. It won't play those stupid .wmv files.


William330 said:
Kenwood makes a "Music Keg" that goes in the trunk and uses 40GB hard drive 'cartridges.'

I think it's more expensive ($800?) but you're not limited to that lame iTunes software, and can copy any MP3 file to or from the unit.
Click to expand...
 
J

johnnygraphic

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I installed the Aux Input cable myself ($39) and use my mini iPod. 1100 songs at my fingertips. The Belkin charger/cradle I have has a gooseneck and my iPod sits right next to my ignition. The display is easily seen behind my steering wheel and I can skip to the next song without taking my eyes off the road. I have volume control with my steering wheel buttons. I also retain all of my own playlists, artists, genres, songs etc which I can access at a stoplight.

This is the poor mans way and it works for me!

Johnny
 
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