USA-Spec PA12-BMW beats Dice Silverline

To add to the feud I've had a DICE for about 5 months. The interface could definitely be improved which seems buggy and likes to act up (especially when trying to navigate playlists/songs in smart mode where you maintain ipod control in addition to HU control). The clicking noise that becomes more apparent as the volume is turned up is pretty obnoxious as well, but... I haven't been able to compare it side by side to the USA spec. All I know is the ability to hook up an ipod/iphone and charge it is worth the problems it comes with, and I'm not pissed off enough to trash it and try the USA spec.

Originally Posted by msb046

All I know is the ability to hook up an ipod/iphone and charge it is worth the problems it comes with, and I'm not pissed off enough to trash it and try the USA spec.

That is a problem with the DICE. A lot of people buy it, because it is popular and end up being too lazy to return it or will just deal with the short comings. There is no need to just trash the DICE, there is still a nice market out there for a used one. I sold mine for $80 and bought the USA-SPEC for $100, so it only cost me an extra $20 to (finally) have good clean sound from my iPod and AUX. Haven't had any problems since.

As I have stated before there are a few minor issues I have with the USA-SPEC but they are due to my preferences and I can easily live with them, as compared to the DICE. I tried to live with the DICE's problems but after 1 1/2 years, I just couldn't take it any more and am glad I made the switch. If the DICE was capable of having good clean sound, I could have lived with all the other issues, but in the end that is what drove me away. They can add all the features they want in the world, but if it sounds like crap, then it isn't worth it.

"They can add all the features they want in the world, but if it sounds like crap, then it isn't worth it."

Exactly.

After MONTHS of playing around, my second Dice Unit was working most of the time. Still had to reset the thing every week or so and I learned NEVER to touch the RND button. Sound quality was ok - I had the tik-tik-tik but resolved it. No hum or hiss, but weak bass.

Then one day, out of the blue, it flat lined ... nothing ... could not revive it.

Sent it in for a second warranty replacement and while I was waiting I stumbled on the USA-Spec while searching for a local reseller for the Denson ICE-link.

I originally made up a patch cable to convert the DICE 12-pin connector to the USA-Spec DIN connector to test it out & within a week I was so happy with it I did a permanent install.

I received my replacement Dice Unit & sold it for over $100 to another e46'er.

It's interesting to find this thread. I bought and installed USA-SPEC when they first came out with the BMW iPod connector, and it was so new I actually had to pre-order from them... 4yrs ago or so. I had decided I need more than just the in-dash CD, and figured out buying a new iPod and USA-Spec interface would be much cheaper than buying a BMW CD changer! and with the iPod, you have less of a limitation of "70min music per CD" stuff.

I ran the cable through the folded seats, wires tucked along the edge and the floor (below floor mats, above carpet.. I'm not a perfectionist). the USA-Spec module is sitting on the floor of the front passenger seat, and the cable just tucked between the parking brake console and the passenger seat. I didn't bother routing it nicely. sure it has some extra cable dangling, but hasn't bothered me.

anyhow, I've had this for years, and LOVE it. only problem is that with my old iPod with much poorer battery technology, if I don't drive my car for 2 days (meaning, if I stay home all weekend) my iPod won't go to sleep when connected to the USA-Spec cable, and thus end up with completely discharged battery... and if the iPod is dead and won't even boot up, the USA-Spec won't be able to charge the iPod.. so I had to buy an iPod car charger, just to have teh ability to give it enough charge to boot up for the USA-Spec to recognize the iPod and start charging it. But this is more of my iPod problem and probably not much of an issue with the newer iPods with much better battery technology. If no one else has this problem with their recent purchase of the USA-Spec, then may be they improved something to allow the iPod to go to sleep when powered off. Dunno.

other than that, it's been working perfectly.. I don't have any noise issues or interference issues with it either. oh... I did have to "reset" the USA-Spec once... but that was because I didn't drive the car for weeks with a dead iPod connected, not to mention the battery on my BMW also died during that time (long story). Simple fix though--just had to unplug the module from the power and then reconnect it. otherwise trouble free...

Oh, my mother has an iPod Touch 2nd G. and that works perfectly with the old USA-Spec too...

Just giving this thread a bump.

I see lots of talk re: Dice.

I wish USA-Spec had better marketing to make more people aware that it is a superior product.

I'm sure this has been mentioned before, I have searched but can't find it. Just installed in my 2004 touring, works great but I'm not getting any display on the HU other than CD 1 22(track number) I know it's simple, but what am I missing? thanks

Originally Posted by tru-jack

I'm sure this has been mentioned before, I have searched but can't find it. Just installed in my 2004 touring, works great but I'm not getting any display on the HU other than CD 1 22(track number) I know it's simple, but what am I missing? thanks

You are the first person I have ever seen post that they are not getting text on post 2003 HU. This is a common issue with Dice - Not USA-Spec.

And you are on playlist one, so you should get it for sure.

Hmmmmm.

I'm going to RTFM ....

I hate to ask this question, but did you flip any of the dip switchs on the USA-Spec? If you selected the Direct mode so that you have control via the iPod buttons, than you may have disabled the Text mode.

thanks for the reply, but no I didn't change any dip switchs but could check to see if I accedently moved one, however the only time I have ipod control is when I pick cd6 which I understand is supposed to give ipod control. I think it may be a setting on the HU as I recall getting info from some fm stations, however now I simply get the station numbers, then the clock after a few seconds.. any ideas? thanks

Originally Posted by tru-jack

thanks for the reply, but no I didn't change any dip switchs but could check to see if I accedently moved one, however the only time I have ipod control is when I pick cd6 which I understand is supposed to give ipod control. I think it may be a setting on the HU as I recall getting info from some fm stations, however now I simply get the station numbers, then the clock after a few seconds.. any ideas? thanks

Damn! If you are getting the clock then the PA12 is not attempting to write to the HU display @ all. Damn.

OK, so you are in playlist #1 as you said. You already confirm that the iPod buttons are locked except in CD-6 mode. Damn.

Do you have another iPod to try?

If the switches are in the default setting - not that I really remember what the default setting is any more - I am leaning towards the thought that you may have a defective PA12 ...

Anybody else have any input?

Where in Canada do you live?

do the playlist have to be named BMW1 etc... I can disconnect then try again, but I hope it's not defective as i ebay'd it and a friend brought it home to Ontario from South Carolina, so it's not very returnable.

Originally Posted by tru-jack

do the playlist have to be named BMW1 etc... I can disconnect then try again, but I hope it's not defective as i ebay'd it and a friend brought it home to Ontario from South Carolina, so it's not very returnable.

I have my playlists labeled BMW1 through BMW4.
I remember having issues at the beginning selecting different playlists when I did not do this but I honestly can not remember if it affected the text display or not.

Is the song information being displayed on the iPod as well ... it should be.

not sure as it's been in the glove box and I would go out and try now, but my neighbor had a bear on their deck last night, so I'll wait unitil monring to go out and give it a try. I'm trying to find a HU manual without going out to the car and see if there is a display setting I should try. thanks again, and I'll keep at it until it's solved as everything else works as advertized I'm sure it's a simple detail... thanks again, Jeff

Originally Posted by tru-jack

not sure as it's been in the glove box and I would go out and try now, but my neighbor had a bear on their deck last night, so I'll wait unitil monring to go out and give it a try. I'm trying to find a HU manual without going out to the car and see if there is a display setting I should try. thanks again, and I'll keep at it until it's solved as everything else works as advertized I'm sure it's a simple detail... thanks again, Jeff

Bears?!? you must be in Timmins - lol.

Try this link:

http://www.linquist.net/system/files...01to2004MY.pdf

no Orillia, about 1km from Casino Rama...

Originally Posted by tru-jack

no Orillia, about 1km from Casino Rama...

I think I have been to Rama twice ... maybe three times. We usually go to Kempenfest every other year in Barrie. Other than that I get north much.

If you are gettign the RDS info in FM mode than I think you should be good in iPod mode.

Since your HU can control the iPod, then that confirms that the k-bus is connected since the same bus is used for messaging in both directions.

Tomorrow if you can check the switches & unplug the 3-pin connector & reconnect, HOPEFULLY that will clear your issues.

Another iPod would be my next test. Actually it could be an issue with the iPod cable. Different wires are used for control & text in that interface. Replug the iPod cable into the PA12 & check teh iPod connector for damage/corrosion.

If not, regardless of where you bought it, I beleive USA-Spec will still warantee it.

Sleep time ... please post how it goes.

Originally Posted by steve.325i

You are the first person I have ever seen post that they are not getting text on post 2003 HU. This is a common issue with Dice - Not USA-Spec.

Please do not fabricate stories or make any futher uneducated comments on the DICE systems, it's starting to get out of control.

The DICE kits will display text on all e46 Business Cassette/CD radios.

Steve thanks for your assistance, but I'm a dipstick and had to flip a dip switch and all is working perfectly. thanks

Originally Posted by tru-jack

Steve thanks for your assistance, but I'm a dipstick and had to flip a dip switch and all is working perfectly. thanks

Perfect. You are welcome.

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

Please do not fabricate stories or make any futher uneducated comments on the DICE systems, it's starting to get out of control.