rfiwcl5686
05-01-2009, 11:33 AM
Hello all,
I'm looking for some advice on the best choice for integrating my iPod into the stereo of my 2005 325Ci (with no navigation). I have multiple playlists set up on my iPod, some in folders; most of the time, I choose one of them and then shuffle through it. Also, sometimes I choose a particular artist and album, and listen to the entire album straight through. Less frequently, I choose a particular genre, and shuffle through the songs in that genre. Ideally, I would like an iPod integration that would support all of these options.
At first, I was just going to go with BMW's own iPod integration kit, but when I spoke to the parts department at my dealership, they weren't sure if it was going to have all the features I was looking for. They said I would need to set up custom playlists (not a huge deal), and that I would be limited to 5 playlists (a bigger deal); they also weren't sure if I could shuffle through the playlists, or if I'd have to play the songs in the order they appear on the playlist. It also didn't sound like I'd have the ability to look through my music by album, artist or genre. He directed me to www.ipodyourbmw.com, but it doesn't have a lot of specifics, and I don't want to spend $500 - $600 just to find out that it doesn't do what I want.
Will the DICE Silverline kit offered by BSW satisfy all of my requirements? If not, is there a product out there that will? I've also read a little about the Neo Pro Link and the ice>Link Plus; are those comparable products?
Lastly, whatever option I choose, I'd like to have the iPod in the passenger area with me (e.g. in the glove box), rather in the trunk. I'm not an experienced car person, however -- how difficult is the installation, to run the cable from the CD changer in the trunk, to the glove box? If I'm uncomfortable doing the installation myself, is this something a BMW dealer will be willing to do for me?
Thanks,
Andy Burdick
I'm looking for some advice on the best choice for integrating my iPod into the stereo of my 2005 325Ci (with no navigation). I have multiple playlists set up on my iPod, some in folders; most of the time, I choose one of them and then shuffle through it. Also, sometimes I choose a particular artist and album, and listen to the entire album straight through. Less frequently, I choose a particular genre, and shuffle through the songs in that genre. Ideally, I would like an iPod integration that would support all of these options.
At first, I was just going to go with BMW's own iPod integration kit, but when I spoke to the parts department at my dealership, they weren't sure if it was going to have all the features I was looking for. They said I would need to set up custom playlists (not a huge deal), and that I would be limited to 5 playlists (a bigger deal); they also weren't sure if I could shuffle through the playlists, or if I'd have to play the songs in the order they appear on the playlist. It also didn't sound like I'd have the ability to look through my music by album, artist or genre. He directed me to www.ipodyourbmw.com, but it doesn't have a lot of specifics, and I don't want to spend $500 - $600 just to find out that it doesn't do what I want.
Will the DICE Silverline kit offered by BSW satisfy all of my requirements? If not, is there a product out there that will? I've also read a little about the Neo Pro Link and the ice>Link Plus; are those comparable products?
Lastly, whatever option I choose, I'd like to have the iPod in the passenger area with me (e.g. in the glove box), rather in the trunk. I'm not an experienced car person, however -- how difficult is the installation, to run the cable from the CD changer in the trunk, to the glove box? If I'm uncomfortable doing the installation myself, is this something a BMW dealer will be willing to do for me?
Thanks,
Andy Burdick
