MP3 Player hookup for new 5 series

[DDeming]

Only the non-iDrive cars got the iPod. I've been working with my dealer for months on how to do an MP3 player on the new 5 series with no luck. They are of little help. Has anyone done it?

The iDrive unit probably has a label on it showing the inputs, most units do but I can't get access to one. Probably can use some of the pins from the multi CD changer if I could just see some docs. Anyone have any info?

Thanks!!!

 

[MrElussive]

This isn't the answer that you're looking for, but have you tried one of the wireless transmitters that mounts on the iPod and transmits the iPod music to your car's stereo system by tuning the radio to a certain channel? The quality isn't perfect, but it's the easiest and cleanest way to go.

 

[DDeming]

I've tried that but get lots of background static. It shouldn't be that difficult if I could just get a look at some docs.

 

[e60hamguy]

It almost seems to me that there are restraint of trade issues going on here with BMW and the iDrive. I just visited BestBuy, Good Guys and Circuit City. I talked to them about installing an in-dash, DVD/Navigation system. They all refused to do it in the 2004 5 Series saying that they didn't/couldn't mess with the iDrive system. I said I didn't care if it interfaced with the iDrive, just tap into some power and install a new head unit separate from the iDrive. They all still refused. This is absurd. Has anyone ever heard of any other situation (i.e. car) where an aftermarket sound system could NOT be installed? If I had known I would have these issues I would NOT have bought this car! I have also been told that I can NOT add Sirius satellite to my car as it didn't come with the satellite prep (too early, it was build in Aug 2003). I am getting pretty pissed at BMW...

 

[JustinZ]

hi
sorry to bump an old thread.. but

i have a new 530i and never noticed that the new ipod sutff was just for the older non idrive bmws

how can i get it to work?

should i just give up and buy an FM transmitter?
i cant belive that there is no aux input or anything of that sort with the stupid thing

im starting to hate i drive more and more

 

[120yz]

FM Transmitter would be the best deal

 

[iDriveguy]

Oops - my bad... see below. [80?]

 

[iDriveguy]

It almost seems to me that there are restraint of trade issues going on here with BMW and the iDrive. I just visited BestBuy, Good Guys and Circuit City. I talked to them about installing an in-dash, DVD/Navigation system. They all refused to do it in the 2004 5 Series saying that they didn't/couldn't mess with the iDrive system. I said I didn't care if it interfaced with the iDrive, just tap into some power and install a new head unit separate from the iDrive. They all still refused. This is absurd. Has anyone ever heard of any other situation (i.e. car) where an aftermarket sound system could NOT be installed? If I had known I would have these issues I would NOT have bought this car! I have also been told that I can NOT add Sirius satellite to my car as it didn't come with the satellite prep (too early, it was build in Aug 2003). I am getting pretty pissed at BMW...

(With head bowed in a submissive gesture not wanting to offend anyone...)

This is exactly why I waited until GPS was sold in the new 5. I went to look at the 5 when they hit showrooms as a 2004 model, however GPS/NAV was a "late introduction". I can't see myself buying any car (regardless of price) without a stock GPS system. FYI - (IMO) only U.S. built cars are best option for aftermarket GPS systems. The "rejection" you got from the local audio stores is a common reply to Audi, Porsche, Mercedes, etc. And as bad as I may want it, the last thing I would do is have some 19yr old hourly employee wearing a name tag from a store called "best buy" messing with the wiring on one of my biggest investments... (Hmmm, does that make me sound old... or just bitter?) ;-)

Cheers for now then!

 

[120yz]

dont ever mess with the idrive man... even u dont mess with it, the idrive can mess with you so dont f--- with it

 

[High-Tech Texan]

FM Transmitter sucks

Don't get the Griffin adapter for the iPod. I've tried two units and they each had trouble finding a clear FM station. Tons of static.

Hoping that www.ipodyourbmw.com has an answer for the 5 series soon.

 

[bahnstormer]

hehehe i love this guy's name! hightechtexan! =]

anyway....

i too have an mp3 player (yes that is what an ipod is lol)
and i have a built in fm transmiter in my mp3 player....
but anyway i'm not happy with the quality, mainly cuz in
different areas different stations are stronger....

of course i don't have iDrive, BUT, all u're doign is outputing
a signal from the mp3 player and wanting it to play through
your speakers. all bmw's have amps (mine is in my trunk) so
if u go to a custom car audio place, and tell em to hook it
up they can easily do so.

in my case i'd have to replace the amp, but i'm assuming that
the newer bmw's will have an extra input that can be wired
into accepting the mp3 players input.

And as bad as I may want it, the last thing I would do is have some 19yr old hourly employee wearing a name tag from a store called "best buy" messing with the wiring on one of my biggest investments... (Hmmm, does that make me sound old... or just bitter?) ;-)

and truer words have never been spoken as many of these piss ants (my generation)
are just apathetic tool heads with no respect for much....

i've had negative experiences with best buy and circuit city...just stay FAR away =]

 

[kyoko]

hehehe i love this guy's name! hightechtexan! =]

anyway....

i too have an mp3 player (yes that is what an ipod is lol)
and i have a built in fm transmiter in my mp3 player....
but anyway i'm not happy with the quality, mainly cuz in
different areas different stations are stronger....

of course i don't have iDrive, BUT, all u're doign is outputing
a signal from the mp3 player and wanting it to play through
your speakers. all bmw's have amps (mine is in my trunk) so
if u go to a custom car audio place, and tell em to hook it
up they can easily do so.

in my case i'd have to replace the amp, but i'm assuming that
the newer bmw's will have an extra input that can be wired
into accepting the mp3 players input.



and truer words have never been spoken as many of these piss ants (my generation)
are just apathetic tool heads with no respect for much....

i've had negative experiences with best buy and circuit city...just stay FAR away =]

I have a 2003 530i and have tried those fm adapters, and they don't work worth a dam. There is always static, even if there is an available fm station. My husband has an 03 Z4, and he was able to buy a kit for a hardwire adapter that installed where the ashtray was, and he was able to install it himself with no problem, and it sounds great. I just looked it up for my year 5 series and they apparently don't have an adapter for that year. I do have the premium sound system with the dsp, but I take it you can't get a hardwire kit for either the regular or the premium sound system?? Does anyone know differently?
I have a hard time understanding that for as much as one pays for a bmw, one cannot get what the us cars already have! And there's is not placed in the hard to reach glove compartment!!