Iphone/pod integration into stereo cost...

YES - i have read the wiki

I have a 2004 330. That being said - I want to hear what your experiences and costs have been. I am not mechanically inclined and most of my DIY stuff looks like crap. Last time I tried to spray paint something I pressed the nozzle and painted my hand, chest and neck.... I will be hiring someone to do this so save the DIY guilt trip please!

I have $500. Will it cover professional installation, maybe even adding bluetooth? ( i have wiring according to my trunk)

I would appreciate your $0.02 as to:

1) Your system and costs
2) Where you placed the phone, jack etc. pics would be great
3) Anything to avoid (systems that don't work)

Thanks all.

I thought about an integrated system for a while...initially I was just going to get an ipod and put it in the trunk where it would charge and I would have access to it via the head unit like I would a 5 disc changer...I looked at all of the options, and every one of them seemed to have downsides that I didn't like. Eventually I ended up buying a $40 BMW aux-in cable and just pulling the dash apart and installing it myself. I put the plug in the cigarette tray, and bought a charger that incorporates a plug off of ebay for $10..this way it charges and playthe the ipod/iphone through the bottom charging port (not the 3.5mm headphone plug) The only down side to this is that I can't control the music via my steering wheel, I have to actually look on the ipod. I would say that 99% of the time this isn't an issue, as I just put a song on and let things progress naturally. I would consider this the easy way....

Look into the Dice Mediabridge, you can get iPod and iPhone integration via the USB cable or Bluetooth. It's a about $250 and if you're not too good with DIY I'm sure you can find a shop with experience on bimmers to figure it out. With this you would have full functionality of your steering wheel controls. I think it's the biggest bang for your buck. Mostly because of the Bluetooth

Thanks guys - local shop wants to intall Pioneer stereo with bluetooth and iphone integration built in - about $400 -


It would be clean - but I hate the way the aftermarket stereos have all of the colors and gaudy graphics. the bene would be the face lifts off if I leave the top down etc.

I also read on this forum that placing an aftermarket stereo may screw up diagnostics...

Anyway - tnx

Dice Mediabridge is a great option to go, but I don't have any pics on the final install as to I don't have the Mediabridge yet that I ordered from Autotoys.com back in January 21 do to the fact that they don't carry the product in hand and have a preorder status only. Today is February 12 and yesterday I emailed them for any info on my order and there response is they don't and if I would like to cancel or keep on waiting until it ships for any shipping info. I will still be waiting until is ships and until then when I do receive it I will take some pics and how it works.

I have an 04 330 also. I upgraded the TCU to a newer version ( I think it was $340 at tischer) and added the antenna and bracket to get the full OEM bluetooth- it works great and utilizes the steering wheel buttons. If you want voice activation as well, it just needs to be coded in the new TCU. For the Ipod connection, I bought the USA SPEC adapter. It plugs into your CD changer plug in the trunk (I didnot have a CD changer). I hid the box behind the rear seat and ran the wire/connector between the drivers seat and console. The sound quality is great.

I have the Parrot for bluetooth, Connects2 for integration into the steering column (I think Parrot now makes a kit), and an older DICE that handles Ipod. Now you can have all in one, such as the MediaBridge, which wasn't out when I outfitted my car. We took out the OEM mic in the steering column and ran the Parrot mic there, which works great and you don't have a separate mic hanging out.

Originally Posted by bloodredbimmer

Look into the Dice Mediabridge, you can get iPod and iPhone integration via the USB cable or Bluetooth. It's a about $250 and if you're not too good with DIY I'm sure you can find a shop with experience on bimmers to figure it out. With this you would have full functionality of your steering wheel controls. I think it's the biggest bang for your buck. Mostly because of the Bluetooth

My recommendation is to stay away from the Mediabridge. (Actually now its the "Audiovox; driven by Dice Electronics Mediabridge) I've had 3 in the last year and all three have failed in way way or the other. The first one lasted @ 2-3 months before it crapped out and the other two had issues right away (Only one channel worked, would not pair, etc.

I was in a local car stereo shop in Portland last week looking for other options to have bluetooth and to integrate with the steering wheel controls. I noticed they were an Audiovox dealer and was surprised the sales guy never mentioned or suggested the Mediabridge. The owner came over and said he had sold 6 units and ended up "buying back" 4 of them.

YMMV