iPod and 2001 BMW
Aug 2, 2004 | 12:45 pm
#1
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iPod and 2001 BMW
Hi there. Does anyboby know of a way to make an iPod work with a 2001 BMW? I have the iTrip FM transmitter but the sound quality isn't that great. I know that only models 2002 and newer are compatible, but I'm looking for a way to "iPod my BMW"! I have a 20GB 4th Gen iPod and a 2001 X5.
Also, upgrading the BMW is out of the question at this point.
Thanks!
Also, upgrading the BMW is out of the question at this point.
Thanks!
Aug 2, 2004 | 12:56 pm
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Originally Posted by timchen
Hi there. Does anyboby know of a way to make an iPod work with a 2001 BMW? I have the iTrip FM transmitter but the sound quality isn't that great. I know that only models 2002 and newer are compatible, but I'm looking for a way to "iPod my BMW"! I have a 20GB 4th Gen iPod and a 2001 X5.
Also, upgrading the BMW is out of the question at this point.
Thanks!
Also, upgrading the BMW is out of the question at this point.
Thanks!
The problem with the BMW solution is that it's just a remote control and audio hookup, the Alpine will actually show track and song info and will let you browse the collection on the headunit.
(Alpine KCA420i link: http://www.alpine-usa.com/products/l...h_kca-420i.htm)
Aug 2, 2004 | 12:57 pm
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Oh, and if you do want a better option then consider trying to get a line in option added to the radio, most in-dash radios will have that option though they might require an adapter kit/cable kit.
Also, Monster cable makes a charger with FM transmitter built in that works MUCH better.
Also, Monster cable makes a charger with FM transmitter built in that works MUCH better.
Aug 3, 2004 | 11:04 am
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Thanks for the replies. The ICElink seems like a good solution, but the mounting bracket is a bit obstructive. Upgrading the radio could be a good idea too, but it may end up costing more with the installation, etc. I'm going to learn more about these and report back. Thanks again. Tim
Aug 3, 2004 | 11:17 am
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Originally Posted by timchen
Thanks for the replies. The ICElink seems like a good solution, but the mounting bracket is a bit obstructive. Upgrading the radio could be a good idea too, but it may end up costing more with the installation, etc. I'm going to learn more about these and report back. Thanks again. Tim
Aug 4, 2004 | 7:12 am
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Originally Posted by ScottC
The ICElink looks nice, but does it display track names in the radio display?
Aug 4, 2004 | 7:14 am
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Originally Posted by JAaronT
Nope, it emulates a CD changer and I don't think the BMW headunits (outside of the new 5 and 7 series) are capable of showing text from the CD changer.
With 20, or 40Gb of music NOT being able to see the track names would kind of defeat the purpose IMHO...
Aug 4, 2004 | 7:31 am
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Originally Posted by ScottC
That sucks
With 20, or 40Gb of music NOT being able to see the track names would kind of defeat the purpose IMHO...
With 20, or 40Gb of music NOT being able to see the track names would kind of defeat the purpose IMHO...
Aug 5, 2004 | 10:57 am
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It's $229! I didn't think it was going to be that expensive! It's almost the cost of the iPod itself. Hmm. Tough call. I'd like to see a live demo before I take the plunge. And the longer I wait, the more likely I'll change the car... Decisions... decisions... ^
Aug 5, 2004 | 11:00 am
#13
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Originally Posted by timchen
It's $229! I didn't think it was going to be that expensive! It's almost the cost of the iPod itself. Hmm. Tough call. I'd like to see a live demo before I take the plunge. And the longer I wait, the more likely I'll change the car... Decisions... decisions... ^
Aug 6, 2004 | 5:42 am
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I installed a simple aux input using the BMW kit. True it cannot display the tracks and you cannot change it using the BMW controls, but it serves my purpose. I normally don't need to change anything once I have it running. I did install the aux in underneath my armrest instead of the glove compartment. (I have a 2004 M3). Too bad I didn't know about the new ipod / bmw interface when i got my car.