hi i got this bmw 530i a year ago and have loved it but i always thought it could be better if i could hook-up my ipod or play mp3 discs in it .. i was wondering if it is possible to upgrade that dash unit in my car as i have an idrive system and have no clue how to do it.... plz help ..
Replies (2)
SQLThump on 01/28/2008 18:10:15
To the best of my understanding, there is very little you can do to implement much with the I drive systems as far as expandability. By brother drives a 98 7 series, and has managed to incorparate a portable DVD player that plugs in through Aux inputs he made in the radio module. I am not too sure of the specifics, but he did have to upgrade many things in the journey, and results are still lacking in my opinion. Also, an Mp-3 CD changer is available for many models.
Unfortunately since I-drive works many functions of the vehicle, scrapping it entirely is not an option I belive. Personally, I would remove everything but the head unit and the I-drive speaker, and find a slick place to mount an aftermarket H/U for just sound. An expensive path, yes, and more something I would fantasize about
I really am not too sure of specifics for this kind of stuff, but if you send my brother an Email, he will be happy to guide you through this. His adress is lyonsden1980@aol.com
Also Bimmerboard.com, there is a large amount of enthusiasts and electronics experts who can help you with their projects as well. Some wild stuff has been done by these guys.
cplkittle on 01/29/2008 02:18:19
Most of the iPod integration pieces I found will not work because of the iDrive.
I did find this though.. it says not compatible with DSP, but nothing about iDrive.
http://www.peripheralelectronics.com/prodDetails.aspx?strProductID=79
Other than that, you are left with the old FM modulator. They do make them now that connect inline with the antenna, disabling the antenna feed when the auxillary is connected.
http://www.soundgate.com/index.php?request=product.details&categoryid=13&productid=375&usereferrer=1&snd_SID=3199d901840caf550edc19103
Replies (2)
SQLThump on 01/28/2008 18:10:15
To the best of my understanding, there is very little you can do to implement much with the I drive systems as far as expandability. By brother drives a 98 7 series, and has managed to incorparate a portable DVD player that plugs in through Aux inputs he made in the radio module. I am not too sure of the specifics, but he did have to upgrade many things in the journey, and results are still lacking in my opinion. Also, an Mp-3 CD changer is available for many models.
Unfortunately since I-drive works many functions of the vehicle, scrapping it entirely is not an option I belive. Personally, I would remove everything but the head unit and the I-drive speaker, and find a slick place to mount an aftermarket H/U for just sound. An expensive path, yes, and more something I would fantasize about
I really am not too sure of specifics for this kind of stuff, but if you send my brother an Email, he will be happy to guide you through this. His adress is lyonsden1980@aol.com
Also Bimmerboard.com, there is a large amount of enthusiasts and electronics experts who can help you with their projects as well. Some wild stuff has been done by these guys.
cplkittle on 01/29/2008 02:18:19
Most of the iPod integration pieces I found will not work because of the iDrive.
I did find this though.. it says not compatible with DSP, but nothing about iDrive.
http://www.peripheralelectronics.com/prodDetails.aspx?strProductID=79
Other than that, you are left with the old FM modulator. They do make them now that connect inline with the antenna, disabling the antenna feed when the auxillary is connected.
http://www.soundgate.com/index.php?request=product.details&categoryid=13&productid=375&usereferrer=1&snd_SID=3199d901840caf550edc19103
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