From: Mike '/m' 

On Sat, 23 Jul 2005 23:12:28 -0400, Gregg N  wrote:

>Mike '/m' wrote:
>
>>~$350 for the iPod kit, or $700 for the 6-CD changer option -- it was an
>>easy decision.
>>
>> /m
>>
>>
>I chose the third option, which is to have neither. For me, it would
>cost $350 + $300 = $650, because I don't currently own an ipod. Plus, I
>am reluctant to have the kit installed because I understand it involves
>taking apart the dashboard to some extent. I don't know if I trust the
>dealership to do that without screwing something up.
>
>Does it take up much space in the glovebox? Did they have to cut a hole
>anywhere?

re: cost - that is your choice.  Radio sucks around here.  The good
stations (college stations) are fairly low-poewered and quickly fade in the
hills.

The dealership I used is most excellent.  I have been going there since
1984. (they used to sell Mazdas also, the current car is the first BMW I
bought from them).  From the looks of things, they may have removed the
glove box, I don't see the need to remove part of the dashboard.  But if
they did, it's fine now.  You are correct, if dashboard removal is
involved, you need to have confidence in your dealer.

In the glove box, all you have is a wire with a connector on it that plugs
into the bottom of the iPod.  So the space taken up in the glove box
consists of the iPod and the wire, which for all intents and purposes means
the space taken up by the iPod.   Once you connect the
iPod, the display shows only "BMW" and the controls don't work,
so there is no temptation to look at the song that is playing or use the
iPOd controls while you are driving.  Probably done to keep the lawyers
happy.  iPod battery is charged whilst connected.

In the top back left of the glove box it looks like a 1/4 inch hole was
drilled for the wire to go through.  A rubber grommet was put in the hole. 
A very clean installation.

What I would really like to do, and I had started to design the system
before I found out about the iPod option, was to place a ruggedized PC in
the car, and feed its audio output into the car stereo.  When the car is in
the garage, the PC would be a part of my home wireless network, so I would
be able to move music back and forth easily.

 /m

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