It seems the Dice iPod connection is the choice of most, but has anyone tried the iSimple model? They are sold at Chutchfileds and BestBuy for $129

I am taking a road trip this weekend, and thought i would just run down to the local BB and pick one up.

It charges, allows for steering wheel controls, etc. The only down side i can see, is that it does not display track info on the radio.

Any feedback will be appreciated.

 

I would be interested in the installation of this as well, easy...isimple?

 

I thought the isimple was just an FM transmitter.

 

I went ahead and picked up the iSimple connector. Actually hooked it up in the BestBuy parking lot. Took about 2 minutes and had it working. Just a simple plug in to the multi disc CD changer wiring in the back. Used it for a few days without issue, so went back and ran the wires under the back seat, then down the console. I do not plan on using a cradle or anything at this point. When the iPone rings, the music cuts out and the phone's ringtone comes over the speakers. I have enough free wire to allow me to pick the phone up and answer it from the driver or passenger seat. I can use the phone bluetooth also.

I just got back from a 5 day road trip and no issues what so ever. Was able to listen to my music and podcast and so far I am pleased with the setup. Probably not as sophisticated as some of the solutions I have seen but it works fine for my needs.

 

Glad to see a first hand review of this, I saw it in best buy and was unsure, then checked out their website and was pretty much sold. I've already got an iPod solution, but the Aux just by far not my first choice for controls, charging, etc.


Does it display ID3 tags on the HU? How easy is the HU/MSFW control setup to use?

 

"Does it display ID3 tags on the HU? How easy is the HU/MSFW control setup to use?"

Actually not sure I am answering your questions, but.....

On the units display, it does not show the song titles and artist, etc. When I select mode, it starts the iPod interface an only shows Track 1, 2, etc. This seems to be a draw back from the DICE units I have read about. To me, this is no big deal.

The only thing you have to do other than plug it in to the harness where the multi disk unit would be is to flip the switches on the control box 3, 4 and 9 on, 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 off (or something close to that) These setting are specific to the BWM/MINI

The stearing wheel controls do work, track (song) up or back, and volume up and down. Also charges the iPhone (iPod), which is nice. When you plug in the iPhone, it does display the message that "this device is not made for the iPhone", and ask if you want to use airplane mode. I always say no, and move on. I was wondering if the DICE or other options do the same?

 

Bump.

 

Thanks for the recommendation philb! I just went the my local Best Buy and bought this. I did what you did and installed it in the parking lot. Took about 1 minute to do. I'll give it a few days before I decide to route the wires and whatnot, but on the drive home I was very pleased with the iSimple!

 

I just installed an iSimple into my '04 Cooper S. I had no problems hooking everything up in the trunk at the CD changer location. Once it was all plugged in and the iPod was wired up, I gave the car some juice, hit the "Mode" button on the radio, and all I got was a "No Disc" message.

So I checked the connections, checked the DIP settings, checked everything, but still just a "No Disc" error. However, my iPod is charging. The stereo is just not recognizing it.

I even went so far as to exchange the model with another one from Best Buy to see if it was just that particular model that was bunk. Still the same problem: it charges but gives me a "No Disc" error.

Has anyone run into this problem or have any suggestions? I'm wondering if I need to pull out the stereo head unit to make sure that all the wiring is hooked up properly back there.

Ideas?