ipod options for the e46

what are the ipod adapter options for the e46 series? i've heard of dice, is there any other? and also do you need a cd changer in order for dice to work?

BMW does offer an OEM iPod retrofit connector but it must be run out of the glove box and can only be controlled by the headunit to play your playlists. It's rather limited for what you get IMO.

I have the DICE SilverLine Kit in my car and find it to be a great solution for the iPod. You can control the system through the steering wheel, headunit and the iPod itself. You can browse playlists, artists, genres, songs etc...it's very flexible in that regard. You do not need the CD Changer to install the kit either, all US Spec E46s came with the CD Changer pre-wired and the DICE unit plugs right into this port for a clean install. You can also run the unit to a variety of places including the glove box, center console or sunglass holder.

Originally Posted by Nick@Jlevi SW

BMW does offer an OEM iPod retrofit connector but it must be run out of the glove box and can only be controlled by the headunit to play your playlists. It's rather limited for what you get IMO.

I have the DICE SilverLine Kit in my car and find it to be a great solution for the iPod. You can control the system through the steering wheel, headunit and the iPod itself. You can browse playlists, artists, genres, songs etc...it's very flexible in that regard. You do not need the CD Changer to install the kit either, all US Spec E46s came with the CD Changer pre-wired and the DICE unit plugs right into this port for a clean install. You can also run the unit to a variety of places including the glove box, center console or sunglass holder.

+1

It's quite cheap too, I think ~$160 shipped, far less than the OEM version and more friendly to use IMO.

Originally Posted by dementievafan

what are the ipod adapter options for the e46 series? i've heard of dice, is there any other? and also do you need a cd changer in order for dice to work?

The DICE would be the best option, it does require a CD Changer to work but instead - plugs into the CD Changer wiring. This is the kit you would need:

DICE - SILVERLINE iPod Integration Kit for 3 Series/M3 99-06 (Trunk Interface)
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...oducts_id=1621

The DICE iPod Kit will integrate perfectly with your BMW and offer steering wheel control as well as ID3 text and charging of your iPod. Full CD Quality can be expected after installation. There's even an integrated AUX port for other devices.

New features of DICE SILVERLINE iPod Integration kit include:

- Direct integrated connection, without the need for FM transmitters or cassette adapters
- Full Text Display on your factory radio or Navigation screen
- Full control of your iPod via the radio buttons while in play
- Browse by Individual Song
- Browse by Individual Playlist
- Browse by Individual Albums
- Source Selector w/ Integrated AUX input
- Album Selection
- Full charging mode for iPods through included dock connector

The kit will come with everything needed w/ the docking cable. The iPod can be safely stored away in the glove compartment for 100% stealth installation and accessed completely from the steering wheel controls. The DICE comes with a 15-foot cable length to reach anywhere in the vehicle you like. We have tutorials at the following links:

http://www.europeanautosource.com/su...nter/index.php

Let me know if you have any further questions, we have either the radio or trunk interface kits available pending your installation preference.

Originally Posted by TopasBlau46

+1

It's quite cheap too, I think ~$160 shipped, far less than the OEM version and more friendly to use IMO.

far less is not accurate...

I have the USA Spec iPod adapter

haven't installed it yet, but it does pretty much the same thing as the silverline. Be careful when you order it, make sure it comes with the new cable that charges the iPhone if that's what you're using. I haven't installed mine yet because of this but because i went through Crutchfield they are going to send me the new cable free of charge when it comes out (sometime in October). That's why i keep going back to Crutchfield.

I just did the DIY adding an aux input and wired it coming out of the sunglass holder. For less than $40 that suits my needs.

Here's a video on how the Silverline works:

http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to/vi...on-kit-143392/

Navigation appears to be kind of a slow process in this video. Using the player itself to navigate seems like it would be much faster. Scrolling text is also irritating, but maybe that's my personal issue.

Installed the Dice SilverLine on my 2003 E46 M3 with Navi about 3 months ago.

Works great, although I can browse songs thru the Navi, I find it very cumbersome. I use steering wheel controls for sequential NEXT/PREV or the iPod itself when I want fast response or more complex browsing.

The Silverline emulates a CD changer. If you *had* a changer in your car, the silverline would take its place. I did/do NOT have a CD changer.

I ran the cable from the left trunk, crossed trunk, thru the grommet used to pipe the red battery cable, under rear seat and along the door trim to end up under the passenger seat where the actual adapter now lives. There are several tutorials out there for it, some run the adapter all the way to the glovebox...

Bottom line, great product, excellent sound, I should have purchased it long ago...

Hope this helps...

+1 for DICE. I used it in both my E46 325iT and M3. The factory one has far less navigation options and crashes more often. Only issue I've had with my DICE is it sometimes takes a while to initialize. Reconnecting it always fixes the problem. Maybe this is fixed on the Silverline version as I have the older model.

thx for all the helpful comments, how come i see so many buyers ask sellers if their dice is a silverline, is it safe to say that i should just buy a silverline and ignore the rest?

Originally Posted by dementievafan

thx for all the helpful comments, how come i see so many buyers ask sellers if their dice is a silverline, is it safe to say that i should just buy a silverline and ignore the rest?

The SILVERLINE is the 2nd Generation DICE kit, released in March 08. If a kit is purchased new from us, it will be a SILVERLINE product.

Originally Posted by dementievafan

thx for all the helpful comments, how come i see so many buyers ask sellers if their dice is a silverline, is it safe to say that i should just buy a silverline and ignore the rest?

You definitely want to get the Silverline kit, it is the most up to date. That is all we sell.

Definitely go with the Silverline. As said it is the most up to date!

Let me know if I can help you with your purchase! Don't forgot to use the coupon code for forum members to get the discount! See Signature.

http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com/pr...d-Kit-by-DICE/

Great thread! I'm going with the Dice Silverline myself, thanks for all the input.