Ok, what is the BEST ipod set up for an older BMW

[frolf]

Let me first start out with a disclaimer:
-I am happy with my stock H&K sound
-I don't want subs
-I don't care if Infinity Kappa stuff is better than Infinity Betagamma stuff
-I don't want to rewire my entire car
-I don't care if Ipod's aren't the sweetest MP3 players ever

where i am at NOW:
-Stock setup, 6disc changer in the trunk, stock HU, ipod connects via a TAPEDECK converter tape

where i WANT TO BE:
PLAN A: either get a new HU that can work with my stock CD changer with an AUX out so i can plug it into my ipod

OR

PLAN B: sell my CD changer on ebay and use the money to buy a new HU with ipod support



END RESULT
snazy new ipod set up in my e36, at least the same sound quality i am at now or better, and have it all accomplished without spending a lot of money (which is why it wouldn't be bad to see my cd changer)


thanks in advance, i don't know a whole lot about what is available in the realm of car audio products

 

[wood_e]

I've got a Pioneer Deh P-3700MP HU with the ipod controler box. I'm pretty happy with it but I should've spent the extra $40 on the 4700, it has a larger display

 

[DRWWE]

Just out of curiosity, how well do those IPOD things that broadcast trough the FM radio work?

 

[wood_e]

The FM transmitters from what I've found are rather lackluster

 

[nadroj]

the fm transmetters are really dissapointing, i mean its good if you dont want to listen to music very loud at all. it kinda gets static and such., my friend has one.,

 

[andreyiv]

I have an Alpine HU that I bought partially because I could connect an iPod to it and have control of it through the HU and after a year or so I still don't have an iPod and am not planning on getting one. As I hear, the Alpine controller is terribly slow, meaning, about a second to scroll through a song title (without playing the song), thats a minute to just go through 60 songs which is pathetic. My opinion, if you want to have iPod control with an aftermarket HU, don't get an Alpine. Can't help you out on anything else though, sorry.

 

[frolf]

i honestly think i'm going to get some random (but clean looking/sounding deck) with an AUX port, cause i don't care if my ipod charges, and i won't use the stupid interface provided to me by the deck, i just want to upgrade from tapedeck sound quality, which is already pretty good

 

[andreyiv]

hmm, well then Alpine is pretty good and they do have an AUX input. Their interface is pretty good actually if it wasn't that slow. You could also connect practically any Alpine changer (I think) to it. One downfall is that the better models are pretty expensive. Also, with Alpine you can get Sirius or XM with just an extra small box for under 100 but thats with almost any other make. Enjoy whatever you choose.

 

[jrt67ss350]

I have the same headunit as wood_e. I didn't buy the ipod controller box because every review I read about it said that it is incredibly slow and horrible to navigate between songs. I just bought the aux-input adapter from a local stereo installer for $10. The aux-in adapter for the Pioneers provides R and L RCA inputs. I just got a short headphone to RCA cable and routed it up behind the dash by the ashtray and plugged it into the aux-in adapter. So, in the little cubby behind the ashtray, I just have a mini-headphone jack to plug my ipod into. It was a cheap solution, works great, looks clean and inconspicuous, and sounds incredible.

 

[epj3]

My car's stock head unit had a OEM ipod adapter, becuase bmw really cared about its cars' futures in 1989.

 

[wood_e]

I have the same headunit as wood_e. I didn't buy the ipod controller box because every review I read about it said that it is incredibly slow and horrible to navigate between songs. I just bought the aux-input adapter from a local stereo installer for $10. The aux-in adapter for the Pioneers provides R and L RCA inputs. I just got a short headphone to RCA cable and routed it up behind the dash by the ashtray and plugged it into the aux-in adapter. So, in the little cubby behind the ashtray, I just have a mini-headphone jack to plug my ipod into. It was a cheap solution, works great, looks clean and inconspicuous, and sounds incredible.

The ipod box is expensive, but the girl at best buy scanned the harness I was getting twice... Paid $20 for a $120 box...

Didn't notice it until I got home either...