Navigation & Audio [eas] Official DICE iPod integration kit Q/A thread
I own a 2006 MINI Cooper S. I have no navigation system nor satellite radio. Upon inspecting the radio data, I found the code presented after the serial number is SV 40-05-53. After spending the better part of a day reading this thread, I have a few questions before choosing a kit for purchase:
1) Is this the CD Changer pre-install cable in the boot people are discussing?

2) I believe I understand the HU kit involves removal the HU in order to install (DUH!). Does the Boot kit also require a the removal of the HU for installation? I am looking for the easiest install possible, as my last venture into HU mods turned into a hack job (but it worked!).
3) Does the DICE AUX input support none/some/all of the features that the iPod cable does, e.g., will I get any features other than audio if I hook up a Zune, Gigabeat, or Zen player (I'm thinking no)? If not, are there cables for other media players to replace the iPod cable on the DICE box?
1) Is this the CD Changer pre-install cable in the boot people are discussing?

2) I believe I understand the HU kit involves removal the HU in order to install (DUH!). Does the Boot kit also require a the removal of the HU for installation? I am looking for the easiest install possible, as my last venture into HU mods turned into a hack job (but it worked!).
3) Does the DICE AUX input support none/some/all of the features that the iPod cable does, e.g., will I get any features other than audio if I hook up a Zune, Gigabeat, or Zen player (I'm thinking no)? If not, are there cables for other media players to replace the iPod cable on the DICE box?
I own a 2006 MINI Cooper S. I have no navigation system nor satellite radio. Upon inspecting the radio data, I found the code presented after the serial number is SV 40-05-53. After spending the better part of a day reading this thread, I have a few questions before choosing a kit for purchase:
1) Is this the CD Changer pre-install cable in the boot people are discussing?

1) Is this the CD Changer pre-install cable in the boot people are discussing?

2) I believe I understand the HU kit involves removal the HU in order to install (DUH!). Does the Boot kit also require a the removal of the HU for installation? I am looking for the easiest install possible, as my last venture into HU mods turned into a hack job (but it worked!).
3) Does the DICE AUX input support none/some/all of the features that the iPod cable does, e.g., will I get any features other than audio if I hook up a Zune, Gigabeat, or Zen player (I'm thinking no)? If not, are there cables for other media players to replace the iPod cable on the DICE box?
DICE with Nav Fixed?
Tom, I haven't heard anything in several months, so has any progress been made with the Dice unit and it hijacking the factory Nav? I remember you were trying a workaround with using the phone interface with Nav....
Tom,
I have a 5.5g 80GB iPod integrated into my 2006 convertible MCS. I listen to a lot of podcasts and I have noticed that every so often the iPod loses its place after I restart the car. This means that I have to manually search through the material to get back to where I was when I turned off the engine. It only does this sometimes. Usually it just resumes where I left off. The amount of time out of the car does not some seem to be the determining factor for when this occurs. Do you have insight as to why this happening and how to prevent it?
Bob
I have a 5.5g 80GB iPod integrated into my 2006 convertible MCS. I listen to a lot of podcasts and I have noticed that every so often the iPod loses its place after I restart the car. This means that I have to manually search through the material to get back to where I was when I turned off the engine. It only does this sometimes. Usually it just resumes where I left off. The amount of time out of the car does not some seem to be the determining factor for when this occurs. Do you have insight as to why this happening and how to prevent it?
Bob
Tom,
I have a 5.5g 80GB iPod integrated into my 2006 convertible MCS. I listen to a lot of podcasts and I have noticed that every so often the iPod loses its place after I restart the car. This means that I have to manually search through the material to get back to where I was when I turned off the engine. It only does this sometimes. Usually it just resumes where I left off. The amount of time out of the car does not some seem to be the determining factor for when this occurs. Do you have insight as to why this happening and how to prevent it?
Bob
I have a 5.5g 80GB iPod integrated into my 2006 convertible MCS. I listen to a lot of podcasts and I have noticed that every so often the iPod loses its place after I restart the car. This means that I have to manually search through the material to get back to where I was when I turned off the engine. It only does this sometimes. Usually it just resumes where I left off. The amount of time out of the car does not some seem to be the determining factor for when this occurs. Do you have insight as to why this happening and how to prevent it?
Bob
A solution has not been presented yet. We're going back to looking for the fix right after SEMA.
Tom,
I have a 5.5g 80GB iPod integrated into my 2006 convertible MCS. I listen to a lot of podcasts and I have noticed that every so often the iPod loses its place after I restart the car. This means that I have to manually search through the material to get back to where I was when I turned off the engine. It only does this sometimes. Usually it just resumes where I left off. The amount of time out of the car does not some seem to be the determining factor for when this occurs. Do you have insight as to why this happening and how to prevent it?
Bob
I have a 5.5g 80GB iPod integrated into my 2006 convertible MCS. I listen to a lot of podcasts and I have noticed that every so often the iPod loses its place after I restart the car. This means that I have to manually search through the material to get back to where I was when I turned off the engine. It only does this sometimes. Usually it just resumes where I left off. The amount of time out of the car does not some seem to be the determining factor for when this occurs. Do you have insight as to why this happening and how to prevent it?
Bob
If the iPod is removed from the MINI or goes into Deep Sleep mode - any bookmarks will be lost.
Got a call from the Dealer telling me that our new 2008 MCSc is in and will be ready for pick up on Thursday. Already have the new UUC shift **** in hand and tonight I ordered the DICE XM/iPod interface kits. Sure hope they work in the 2008 MCSc! Can't wait.
Convertible is ok - DICE is not compatible with the new R56 due to the fiber optics used.
Dice with Parrot EVO
I finally was able to install my Dice Unit, needed to switch my Blitzsafe SLD 03 for an SLD 01, I use to have the iPod Interface before. The Dice works great but now my Parrot EVO doensn't work anymore? I have the Nav system. Does anyone have sucessfully installed the Dice, using the Blitzsafe adapter in the trunk with the Parrot EVO? It use to work just fine with the iPod Interface.
I'm running into a problem w/ my 2006 MCS Convert w/ HK connected to the Dension IPOD interface via the CD cable in the trunk. It's been great for almost a few years now, but lately has developed the following symptoms..
- Head unit stopped displaying the text from the IPOD (ie song/Artist). (It will display information for the Radio.)
> I have tried pressing the "6" key (displays CD Check) and the "1" key (displays TR01). But still no text. I did unplug both the cable to the IPOD and the cable from the Trunk to the box under the seat in hopes that would reset the unit - which it did - breifly. Still will play songs - just have to read the IPOD
- Skip buttons on the steering wheel and radio will not change the track on the IPOD. Still will play songs - just have to skip using the IPOD
> Tried reseting as discribed above..
Any suggestions? It's been a great unit but it's a bit of a drag not being able to change tracks and to a lesser degree the text information..
Is it the unit or my H/U that is losing it's mind? :-)
Thank you,
Alex
- Head unit stopped displaying the text from the IPOD (ie song/Artist). (It will display information for the Radio.)
> I have tried pressing the "6" key (displays CD Check) and the "1" key (displays TR01). But still no text. I did unplug both the cable to the IPOD and the cable from the Trunk to the box under the seat in hopes that would reset the unit - which it did - breifly. Still will play songs - just have to read the IPOD
- Skip buttons on the steering wheel and radio will not change the track on the IPOD. Still will play songs - just have to skip using the IPOD
> Tried reseting as discribed above..
Any suggestions? It's been a great unit but it's a bit of a drag not being able to change tracks and to a lesser degree the text information..
Is it the unit or my H/U that is losing it's mind? :-)
Thank you,
Alex
Last edited by amarzano; Nov 4, 2007 at 08:24 PM. Reason: clarify
I finally was able to install my Dice Unit, needed to switch my Blitzsafe SLD 03 for an SLD 01, I use to have the iPod Interface before. The Dice works great but now my Parrot EVO doensn't work anymore? I have the Nav system. Does anyone have sucessfully installed the Dice, using the Blitzsafe adapter in the trunk with the Parrot EVO? It use to work just fine with the iPod Interface.
I'm running into a problem w/ my 2006 MCS Convert w/ HK connected to the Dension IPOD interface via the CD cable in the trunk. It's been great for almost a few years now, but lately has developed the following symptoms..
- Head unit stopped displaying the text from the IPOD (ie song/Artist). (It will display information for the Radio.)
> I have tried pressing the "6" key (displays CD Check) and the "1" key (displays TR01). But still no text. I did unplug both the cable to the IPOD and the cable from the Trunk to the box under the seat in hopes that would reset the unit - which it did - breifly. Still will play songs - just have to read the IPOD
- Skip buttons on the steering wheel and radio will not change the track on the IPOD. Still will play songs - just have to skip using the IPOD
> Tried reseting as discribed above..
Any suggestions? It's been a great unit but it's a bit of a drag not being able to change tracks and to a lesser degree the text information..
Is it the unit or my H/U that is losing it's mind? :-)
Thank you,
Alex
- Head unit stopped displaying the text from the IPOD (ie song/Artist). (It will display information for the Radio.)
> I have tried pressing the "6" key (displays CD Check) and the "1" key (displays TR01). But still no text. I did unplug both the cable to the IPOD and the cable from the Trunk to the box under the seat in hopes that would reset the unit - which it did - breifly. Still will play songs - just have to read the IPOD
- Skip buttons on the steering wheel and radio will not change the track on the IPOD. Still will play songs - just have to skip using the IPOD
> Tried reseting as discribed above..
Any suggestions? It's been a great unit but it's a bit of a drag not being able to change tracks and to a lesser degree the text information..
Is it the unit or my H/U that is losing it's mind? :-)
Thank you,
Alex
Just installed (err.... if plugging in plugs can be considered installing...) dice in a mcsc. the most difficult thing to do was the tucking in of the cables under the plastic panels... aside from the carpeted panel that had to be pried a peek, now that required effort, locating the cd changer's harness was through feel. i found it unnecessary to remove any panel to lead the cable to the front. the rubber door edging is easily taken off, cables tucked in, and easily re-instated.
actually, after knowing what i know now re the ipod classic (no click wheel, nothing displayed on the ipod.) it would have been a 7 minute install if i had just left the ipod in the boot.
one question though. is it normal for the ipod to just display "connected to accessory"?
great product... now i need an old ipod. it's a pain to search and scroll for music on the 160gb classic.
actually, after knowing what i know now re the ipod classic (no click wheel, nothing displayed on the ipod.) it would have been a 7 minute install if i had just left the ipod in the boot.
one question though. is it normal for the ipod to just display "connected to accessory"?
great product... now i need an old ipod. it's a pain to search and scroll for music on the 160gb classic.
Last edited by blacksheep; Nov 7, 2007 at 07:55 AM. Reason: grammar
Just installed (err.... if plugging in plugs can be considered installing...) dice in a mcsc. the most difficult thing to do was the tucking in of the cables under the plastic panels... aside from the carpeted panel that had to be pried a peek, now that required effort, locating the cd changer's harness was through feel. i found it unnecessary to remove any panel to lead the cable to the front. the rubber door edging is easily taken off, cables tucked in, and easily re-instated.
actually, after knowing what i know now re the ipod classic (no click wheel, nothing displayed on the ipod.) it would have been a 7 minute install if i had just left the ipod in the boot.
one question though. is it normal for the ipod to just display "connected to accessory"?
great product... now i need an old ipod. it's a pain to search and scroll for music on the 160gb classic.
actually, after knowing what i know now re the ipod classic (no click wheel, nothing displayed on the ipod.) it would have been a 7 minute install if i had just left the ipod in the boot.
one question though. is it normal for the ipod to just display "connected to accessory"?
great product... now i need an old ipod. it's a pain to search and scroll for music on the 160gb classic.
Earlier iPods do not experience this issue. All DICE-specific features are still available. If Clickwheel operation is desired, you can set the DICE module's DIP switches to Simple iPod mode to gain access of the Clickwheel, but will lose text display on the radio when doing so.
Just installed (err.... if plugging in plugs can be considered installing...) dice in a mcsc. the most difficult thing to do was the tucking in of the cables under the plastic panels... aside from the carpeted panel that had to be pried a peek, now that required effort, locating the cd changer's harness was through feel. i found it unnecessary to remove any panel to lead the cable to the front. the rubber door edging is easily taken off, cables tucked in, and easily re-instated.
actually, after knowing what i know now re the ipod classic (no click wheel, nothing displayed on the ipod.) it would have been a 7 minute install if i had just left the ipod in the boot.
one question though. is it normal for the ipod to just display "connected to accessory"?
great product... now i need an old ipod. it's a pain to search and scroll for music on the 160gb classic.
actually, after knowing what i know now re the ipod classic (no click wheel, nothing displayed on the ipod.) it would have been a 7 minute install if i had just left the ipod in the boot.
one question though. is it normal for the ipod to just display "connected to accessory"?
great product... now i need an old ipod. it's a pain to search and scroll for music on the 160gb classic.
I returned my Classic and got a 5.5 generation 80GB iPod Video. Works great with the Dice in my mcsc. I keep it in the glove compartment. I have 5000 tracks at 256kbps and 700 podcasts with 30GB to spare. I still don't understand why Apple did this with the new iPods.
Bob
More stupidity from Apple...
The touch, new Classic and 3rd Generation nano lock the iPod's Clickwheel when attached to 3rd party devices, this is an iPod-specific issue - not the DICE.
Earlier iPods do not experience this issue. All DICE-specific features are still available. If Clickwheel operation is desired, you can set the DICE module's DIP switches to Simple iPod mode to gain access of the Clickwheel, but will lose text display on the radio when doing so. __________________

Earlier iPods do not experience this issue. All DICE-specific features are still available. If Clickwheel operation is desired, you can set the DICE module's DIP switches to Simple iPod mode to gain access of the Clickwheel, but will lose text display on the radio when doing so. __________________

Tom G. | european auto source [eas]
email: tom@europeanautosource.com
web: www.europeanautosource.com
email: tom@europeanautosource.com
web: www.europeanautosource.com
This kind of crap is what Apple customers are getting sick and tired of.

It's MY player, dammit, and if I want the screen and click wheel on, that should be left up to me. We certainly pay them enough for these things.
Is there anyone with some influence lurking about this forum who can do some arm twisting at Apple?
I sent them this little note on their customer feedback:
I recently went to a lot of trouble to install a DICE iPod interface in my car. The main reason is that navigating through the iPod on the OEM interface via the radio is very poor. (2006 MINI Cooper S). DICE is designed to allow control from the radio, steering wheel, AND directly from the iPod itself. My old iPod Mini and my wife's color 30GB iPod work perfectly. I even spent money on an expensive mount so the iPod would be at eye level while driving, thus safer to use.
The problem is, and I have talked with DICE, is that somehow you have now changed the iPod software to where it will not allow access to the controls while docked to the DICE. My concern is, will there soon be a workaround, software upgrade, or other means to address this? If not, I will have to return this product.[/FONT]
I certainly hope you do not plan to do this to the older products, as this will ensure that a lot of people like myself will no longer have a reason to buy your product. Any old MP3 player on a stereo plug would be better.
The problem is, and I have talked with DICE, is that somehow you have now changed the iPod software to where it will not allow access to the controls while docked to the DICE. My concern is, will there soon be a workaround, software upgrade, or other means to address this? If not, I will have to return this product.[/FONT]
I certainly hope you do not plan to do this to the older products, as this will ensure that a lot of people like myself will no longer have a reason to buy your product. Any old MP3 player on a stereo plug would be better.
BTW: anyone know where I can buy a new pre-Classic 80GB or better? No Ebay, please.
Will do. In the meantime, check Apple's site for refurbished iPods:
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL...nd=refurbished
Geeks.com also has the 40GB HP-branded version for a decent price: http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=PE436AR&cpc=SCH
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL...nd=refurbished
Geeks.com also has the 40GB HP-branded version for a decent price: http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=PE436AR&cpc=SCH
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,825
Likes: 1
From: Silver Spring, MD
I currerntly have an 03 MCS w/ the original Dension Ice-Link from (not the plus model) and if I get a newer stock HU what would i need to get it to read the ID3 tagging?
Does anyone know where I can get an iPod extension cable? The cable that came with the Dice unit is bit too short. I keep the iPod in my glove compartment and there just isn't enough cable to pull the iPod out and use the click wheel to make a selection. The cable would have to be M -> F 30 pin iPod to 30 pin iPod. Or a longer cable from the Dice unit to the iPod to replace the cable that came with the Dice unit would do it.




