I just had a long talk with a tech advisor at Crutchfield.
I was told that in order to have XM radio and the "stock" ipod adapter functional in my 2003 MCs with HK sound, that I would have to eliminate the dock-style cable in my glovebox (ICE link, I believe, although the previous owner was a little vague) and go to an AUX adapter, bringing in XM, iPods and other audio programming sources through a miniplug jack type connection.
I could have sworn that it was possible to hook up XM via Blitzsafe and XM direct and continue using the iPod interface, but he said no.
He then suggested just jettisonning the HK stereo and going with an Alpine XM/iPod compatible stereo which would cost about the same amount of money ($200). I don't think he was factoring in the cost of the various adapters required to activate all this Alpine functionality, but it was an interesting point. Last time I did something like that it ended up costing closer to $500 than $200. Any thoughts? I sort of miss the XM, but wouldn't want to give up the iPod and the steering wheel controls.
Sorry if this is redundant. I performed a cursory search, buy couldn't find a definitive answer.
Thanks for the attention. Sorry this is so long.
I was told that in order to have XM radio and the "stock" ipod adapter functional in my 2003 MCs with HK sound, that I would have to eliminate the dock-style cable in my glovebox (ICE link, I believe, although the previous owner was a little vague) and go to an AUX adapter, bringing in XM, iPods and other audio programming sources through a miniplug jack type connection.
I could have sworn that it was possible to hook up XM via Blitzsafe and XM direct and continue using the iPod interface, but he said no.
He then suggested just jettisonning the HK stereo and going with an Alpine XM/iPod compatible stereo which would cost about the same amount of money ($200). I don't think he was factoring in the cost of the various adapters required to activate all this Alpine functionality, but it was an interesting point. Last time I did something like that it ended up costing closer to $500 than $200. Any thoughts? I sort of miss the XM, but wouldn't want to give up the iPod and the steering wheel controls.
Sorry if this is redundant. I performed a cursory search, buy couldn't find a definitive answer.
Thanks for the attention. Sorry this is so long.
4th Gear
You can't just "ditch" the HK by replacing the HU. You'll either need to get an HK-enabler to use the HK amp and speakers, or replace the speakers as well.
The Blitzsafe has a passthrough feature that allows you to hook up a CD changer or iPod interface. The only issue is you have to hook up the iPod adaptor after the Blitzsafe. If you go to the Dension Icelink web page and select the MINI, there is an option for a cable that allows you to hook up the IceLink to the changer cable.
I would contact Dension and see if they can sell you that cable alone. Then it would be a simple matter of removing the Icelink from behind the dash (restoring all the wiring) and installing the Blitzsafe in the trunk. You would then use the cable to connect the Blitzsafe to the Icelink.
If you have the BMW OEM iPod adaptor, then you may have to ditch it and go with an Icelink. If you don't get song information across your HU display, then it may be the OEM unit.
The Blitzsafe has a passthrough feature that allows you to hook up a CD changer or iPod interface. The only issue is you have to hook up the iPod adaptor after the Blitzsafe. If you go to the Dension Icelink web page and select the MINI, there is an option for a cable that allows you to hook up the IceLink to the changer cable.
I would contact Dension and see if they can sell you that cable alone. Then it would be a simple matter of removing the Icelink from behind the dash (restoring all the wiring) and installing the Blitzsafe in the trunk. You would then use the cable to connect the Blitzsafe to the Icelink.
If you have the BMW OEM iPod adaptor, then you may have to ditch it and go with an Icelink. If you don't get song information across your HU display, then it may be the OEM unit.
6th Gear
Or contact Mikey at www.newministuff.com and see what he can do to help.
FYI.. He may be slow to respond as his wife is expecting soon.
Daddy Mikey!
FYI.. He may be slow to respond as his wife is expecting soon.
Daddy Mikey!
Former Vendor
Hi still waiting.....
To fit the alpine you will need
MFSW adaptor
HK enabler
facia adaptor
aerial adaptor
Mike
still waiting.....To fit the alpine you will need
MFSW adaptor
HK enabler
facia adaptor
aerial adaptor
Mike