New to this board, but I thought I'd share my iPod hook-up:

I've just recently taken ownership of my 2006 MCS (upgraded from a BMW M Coupe!), and realized that I could use the same iPod adaptor:

http://enfigcarstereo.com/shopsite_s...MLINK1_V1.html

It connects through the CD changer input via the pair of 3pin/6pin connectors found in the boot/trunk, and terminates in a dock connector for 3G or later iPods. Plug and play. Well, plug-and-play except for the part where you have to remove your trim panels to get the wire to the front of the car!

It's simple (and IMHO cleaner) than DICE or the OEM adaptor. There is no control of the iPod from the HU or the MFSW, but what you get is power and audio via the dock connector. To enable, just press the mode button and the adaptor pretends to be a CD changer.

 

Ack, I just found this link to the original product announcement: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=42566

 

Well, good effort for trying to share

And 'hi' from another former M Coupe owner

 

jyung,

Where did you install the blitzsafe housing and how is it secured? Where do you keep the iPod when driving? Lastly, how long did it take to install? I am strongly considering getting this iPod interface and any more insight you can give me would help.

Thanks,
smf

 

Electrically, the connection is trivial. The CD changer cables (one 3 pin, one 6 pin) are located in the trunk behind the snap on panel on the right. They are usually taped over with black cloth tape. Depending on how the stars are aligned, you may have a tough time locating the cables... keeping digging. Mine were in a fairly obvious location. Note that if you have the HK sound upgrade (I do not) it may be a little tougher to get to (see https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=76788 for an example).

Getting the cable to the front is a different matter. I spent a while Googling for good instructions for removing the interior trim panels and found an illustrated DIY (but I can't seem to resurrect that at the moment - on the work computer). Basically you need to remove two trim panels: the passenger side rear panel, and the kick panel running under the door. Then you can run your cable from the boot, behind the passenger side rear speaker, pop out in the middle of the kick panel, under the passenger seat, and under the toggle switches.

If you don't want to deal with removing trim panels, you can go from the access panel, into the main boot, between the seat back and the trim panel, through to the cabin, and down to the floor. You can jam the cable under the plastic most of the way, so that you'll only be able to see a few inches exposed. I was vain and chose the more roundabout route.

iPod mounting - I haven't decided where to mount it yet. It's (gasp) floating around freely, alternating between the cupholder and my Euro parcel shelf. Actually I prefer no mount as I think it's less conspicuous, and I know I won't leave mounted in plain sight. And I also prefer to have the iPod in my hand when I am using it.

 

Install time...

Electrical - 10 minutes (mostly unwrapping the cable).

Removing rear seat/ trim panel and reinstallation - 2 hours (I'm a mechanical idiot).

Non-intensive wiring method - 5 minutes.

 

jyung,

Thank you for your reply. I'll probably take the back seat route instead of dealing with the trim panels. I found my 3 pin and 6 pin connectors in no time flat. Lucky I guess.

Just one more question: Where did you put the Blitzsafe module?

Thanks again,
smf

 

oh, forgot to answer that question. Since I don't have the HK amp, theres space behind that access panel to wedge the unit in. It's the right width to just sit there and not move; I've been planning to double-sided-sticky-tape it in, but it doesn't rattle so I figure I'll leave it alone.

 

Isn't the same connection also on the back of the head unit? So, couldn't you just plug directly into the back of the HU and stuff the unit under the dash somewhere? It looks like an interesting device, and it would leave the AUX input free, no?

Edit: I just read the install guide, I guess not...

 

Here's the link that I found for removing the interior trim...

http://bellsouthpwp.net/p/g/pgen/

 

jyung,

Thanks for this link. I may just give this a try. Now its time to order my blitzsafe.

smf

 

I'm looking into this unit but I wanted to know how long the cable that is supplied with the unit is. I don't mind running the cable through the car but is it long enough to install in the glove box? I'd like to keep the iPod tucked away until I need to use it. Thanks for any info.

 

The cabling is long enough to reach the glovebox, but you will have to remove the interior trim to get the cable up to the front of the interior. Check out the link jyung provided earlier in this thread. I tried doing this and realized it was going to be too big a project for me.

I ended up running the cable out the access panel, along the side panel fo about a foot and under the back seat. I tied up the excess cable with a twist tie and left enough cable exposed to allow me to put the iPod under the handbrake. That being said, I usually just keep the iPod in the cupholder between the seats. The back seat pops out quite easily and reinstalls just as easily.

All in all, it was extremely easy to hook up and sounds great. No buzzing, no static. And the price was quite reasonable.