E46 - ipod and spec dock

 

I have finally finished integrating my ipod into the E46 and I thought I'd let you all know what I did, and how much it cost, incase anyone goes down the same route.

 

When I bought the car it had a BMW professional radio (no sat nav) with a cassette loading in the front and 6 CD changer in the boot.  I wanted to upgrade to have iPod integration and a couple of weeks into my research the CD changer stopped work anyhow, which forced me forward.

 

First off I purchased a DICE silverline iPod intergration kit.  I got mine from http://ipodcarkitdirect.co.uk/ for £98.97.  I managed to get free delivery (normally £4.99) by typing FREE_DELIVERY into the voucher code section on checkout.  I can't remember how I found the free delivery code, and it might not be working anymore, but worth a try.  I choose the DICE after initially favouring the intravee, but it seems that the intravee works very well with sat nav set ups but is overkill for normal head units.

 

I plugged the DICE into the boot where the CD changer was and it worked straight away.  The only issues were that I kept having to go into the boot to remove the ipod at night and the double key press issue.

 

So I invested in a 2point5 spec.dock from BavarianSoundWerks (http://bavariansoundwerks.com/).  This is a insert that sits in the dash where the ashtray is and allows you to plug an ipod straight in when you get in the car.  This cost $277 including delivery from the USA which was £177 on the day (As far as I could find the 2point5 spec dock is only available from the states).  The guys at Bav sound were very helpful and I think I have a 10% of code in my inbox for the first person who wants to use it.  They have posted many videos on the youtube showing various BMW i.c.e. upgrades they offer.

 

I got a local autoelectrian to install the spec dock as this involves routing a cable from the boot up to the ashtray (http://www.midlandmagneto.co.uk/) this cost £86 for about 2 hours labour. But for many of you this is a DIY job.

 

And now for the results (which I am well pleased with)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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