iPod Interface Success !!

Ive seen some questions, difficulties, etc regarding the iPod interface. I did successfully install the iPod interface this weekend and it works absolutely great, as advertised !! Ive attached some pics for your viewing but some notes for those interested in this DIY:

1. Took me approx ~3-4 hrs 'cos I was very careful & deliberate with the wires, etc.
2. BMW recommends the pin removal tool, which is about $35. I did not get one and used a very small screwdriver (for eyeglasses). I found this to be the most difficult since I was not familiar with removing these pins
3. Only drawback for me with this interface is you can not view the song via the iPod (it only displays BMW).

I think it costs approx $400-500 for a dealer to install but it definitely can be done as a DIY !! Feel free to shoot me any questions if you need assistance, etc...

Nice job man!

If I only had the paitence to get through that, I'd be down in a heartbeat. Until then, iTrip all the way.

did you have very much electrical experience- I want to install it but i have not experience with car audio much less wiring for that matter

what tool do you use to remove the trim around the stereo and glovebox?

simply amazing

zaccotner - it's a breeze really. The enclosed instructions (and pictorials) are pretty straight forward and clear. I have absolutely ZERO electrical experience....heck, I just learned to change a lightbulb last week. Anyway, just be sure to disconnect the battery before digging behind the radio.

hifiguy - Just use a flat head screwdriver and wrap the end of it with some masking tape so that it does not damage your trim.

thanks man- preciate cha and nice choice on the 330-helluva car you got there

Originally Posted by zaccotner

thanks man- preciate cha and nice choice on the 330-helluva car you got there

Right on bruttthaa....

One more note: Those wondering if the iPod interface is worth the $150. For me, yes....'cos prior to this interface, I had installed an auxiliary input cable before and found that I was always reaching for my iPod and changing songs, etc....(increasing probability of accident). Now, much more convenient and controls are accessable via the steering wheel

Originally Posted by pho.s0up

Ive seen some questions, difficulties, etc regarding the iPod interface. I did successfully install the iPod interface this weekend and it works absolutely great, as advertised !! Ive attached some pics for your viewing but some notes for those interested in this DIY:

1. Took me approx ~3-4 hrs 'cos I was very careful & deliberate with the wires, etc.
2. BMW recommends the pin removal tool, which is about $35. I did not get one and used a very small screwdriver (for eyeglasses). I found this to be the most difficult since I was not familiar with removing these pins
3. Only drawback for me with this interface is you can not view the song via the iPod (it only displays BMW).

I think it costs approx $400-500 for a dealer to install but it definitely can be done as a DIY !! Feel free to shoot me any questions if you need assistance, etc...

hey, does your cd player still work with the ipod in? can i swap my head unit witch has the cd button for the head unit with the mode button?

good stuff

Originally Posted by pho.s0up

I think it costs approx $400-500 for a dealer to install but it definitely can be done as a DIY !!

why would it take so long for them to do it? does 4 to 5 bills include the interface itself?

I ordered the Ipod install and they are charging me $250. $150 for the adapter and $100 for labor.

Originally Posted by a burrito

hey, does your cd player still work with the ipod in? can i swap my head unit witch has the cd button for the head unit with the mode button?

Yeah, CD player works as well with the iPod. The iPod interface is integrated into the radio so there still an auxiliary audio input plug free so if I like, I can plug a DVD player into it. Not sure if you can swap out radio units and use the iPod interface. You should check with dealer for specifics.

I think the dealer charges so much 'cos it's a standard flat labor charge even though it might not consume that much time or labor. But $100 is pretty good if you dont want to go thru the hassle. But it was no strain on me.

Originally Posted by pho.s0up

Ive seen some questions, difficulties, etc regarding the iPod interface. I did successfully install the iPod interface this weekend and it works absolutely great, as advertised !! Ive attached some pics for your viewing but some notes for those interested in this DIY:

1. Took me approx ~3-4 hrs 'cos I was very careful & deliberate with the wires, etc.
2. BMW recommends the pin removal tool, which is about $35. I did not get one and used a very small screwdriver (for eyeglasses). I found this to be the most difficult since I was not familiar with removing these pins
3. Only drawback for me with this interface is you can not view the song via the iPod (it only displays BMW).

I think it costs approx $400-500 for a dealer to install but it definitely can be done as a DIY !! Feel free to shoot me any questions if you need assistance, etc...

Do you have premium sound? I have heard mixed things and I am trying to clear up if it is compatible or not. Thanks.

Originally Posted by NisoCrew

Do you have premium sound? I have heard mixed things and I am trying to clear up if it is compatible or not. Thanks.

Yes, I have the HK prem sound system (standard on a 330). You can see the speaker button on one of the pics. I have heard there was confusion that the iPod interface would not work on prem sound systems and BMW was issuing another kit for this...I have not heard anything about this but as you can see the current kit out there works on prem sound systems. Hope this helps

Thanks for the straight answer. That is exactly what I needed to know. I'm going to try and get mine installed by the end of the week now that I know it works.

Where'd you get the kit?

On sept 2nd I'm leaving for a 6000+ mile road trip in my M3 and I *really* want the IPOD kit before then (I can install it.. that's no problem) but local dealers are all telling me they are on national backorder.

Does anyone know where I can find an IPOD kit ASAP????

TIA,
Edward
email: edward AT ogi DOT tv

I don't understand why the aux adapter costs everyone so much. I am in Germany and bought mine from Rhein BMW in Wurzburg for 43 euros. Thats about $50. I would think it is the same part. It came with the adapter, some zip ties, another blue clip, and 2 screws.The install is super easy. If anyone would like to contact this dealer you can get them by contacting www.militarycarsalesgermany.com they speak good english. I hope this helps.

get some sirius installed for that kind of trip

Originally Posted by JGORDEY300

I don't understand why the aux adapter costs everyone so much. I am in Germany and bought mine from Rhein BMW in Wurzburg for 43 euros. Thats about $50. I would think it is the same part. It came with the adapter, some zip ties, another blue clip, and 2 screws.The install is super easy. If anyone would like to contact this dealer you can get them by contacting www.militarycarsalesgermany.com they speak good english. I hope this helps.

JGORDEY300 -- what you are referring to is NOT the iPod Interface adapter. The Auxiliary Audio Input adapter/cable and the iPod Interface are totally different parts & thus two unique part numbers as well:

Auxiliary Audio Input:
82-11-0-149-389

iPod Interface Adapter
65-11-0-392-133

For those inquiring minds, the big difference bw/ two is: the Aux Audio input will NOT allow you to control your audio input (ie, mp3 player, iPod, etc...) via the audio controls on the steering wheel whereas the iPod Interface Adapter WILL !!!! The iPod Adapter comes with an iPod adapter, iPod I/F cable, radio R/F cable, iPod owners manual, and a grommet.

TopGeek -- You can get the iPod adapter at CIRCLEBMW.com for $119.99 (regularly $149.99). I had to wait a week since it was on backorder but it is a bit cheaper than other places so worth the wait for me. If got any questions with the install then shoot me a PM. I dont mind walking you through it. The pins on the back of the radio are a bit tricky.

Btw, you can get the Auxiliary Audio Input at CIRCLEBMW.COM for $31.96 USD or 26 EUROS.