I have a 2006 MC with factory hu and no nav. I am looking at options for connecting a 5g Ipod nano. I want to use the steering wheel for skipping songs and volume control, would like to mount the nano on the left column so I can see the art and song info and use the controls directly for choosing albums or playlists. It looks like the DICE Silverline adapter will do what I want. My questions are:
1- Is there a better product than the DICE that would do the same things?
2- How do you decide whether to connect the DICE to the CD changer cable in the back or to the back of the radio?
3- Would I be better of just switching the hu to the Alpine IDA-X305 considering it's not that much more expensive? Does the Alpine charge the 5G nano? I think the Ipod is locked, but apparently the controls are done well enough that it doesn't matter. Too bad there's no CD player as well...

thanks for any advice.

 

I have to recommend the DICE unit. I've been using and selling them for 3yrs and they work great. We keep them in stock, so if you need more info on it just call.

WAY

 

thanks for the reply WAY. Your link doesn't specify whether the connection is made to the back of the radio or to the wiring in the trunk. Is either an option? And do the steering wheel controls work automatically or does something extra need to be done? thanks.

 

i have the 305 in my '06 mcs. Sound from it is way better than the stock HU and works flawlessly with the ipod. Ipod stays charged with the 305 and all the album artwork shows up beautifully right on the hu display.
Only major problem with the 305 is using the radio sucks because there are no buttons to switch pre-set stations; other than that I love it. I have the bluetooth add on as well and works great with my bberry.

 

I'm leaning your way slocraiger. I love the idea of integrating ipod and phone with a new hu, but unfortunately my beloved phone, the Samsung Alias, is not compatible with the Bluetooth adapter. Otherwise I would use your exact setup. I worry about the DICE issues as an interim solution though and don't want to mess up my car electronics. Maybe I should just get the X305 now and wait on the Bluetooth, assuming that eventually either my phone or a future version of it will become compatible. Just realized it's another $75 to get the MFSW to work...