eas | ** NEW RELEASE ** DICE Universal RDS iPod Integration kit for BMW & MINI

[tom @ eas]

For those wanting a bit of a simplified system, the DICE RDS Universal Car kit for iPod allows you to connect the iPod to your factory BMW radio within minutes using the included installation harness. If your radio is capable of receiving RDS broadcasts (Radio Data System - most BMW/MINI applications are), you will see Song Title & Artist information on the radio screen. Charging is also provided - keeping your iPod ready to go at all times.

This is especially a plus for vehicles that do did not have text display with our current SILVERLINE kits or simply do not want the Clickwheel to lock when attached to the Dock Connector. The DICE Universal RDS iPod integration kit is a wired FM modulated (not transmitted) connection to your factory radio. A wired connection provides a direct statis-free connection, eliminating unwanted radio interference.

All control is performed via your iPod's Clickwheel for easy access to your music library. A fixed 128kbps bitrate ensures superior audio quality to that of FM transmitters or other add-on kits.

The DICE Universal RDS iPod module transfers information between the iPod and radio through an included iPod-specific docking cable, as if it were an original BMW accessory.

New features of DICE SILVERLINE iPod Integration kit include:

- Direct integrated connection, without the need for FM transmitters or cassette adapters
- Easy installation, about 30 minutes.
- Full Artist/Song Text display (RDS-supported Head Units)
- Full control of your iPod via the Clickwheel while in play
- Full charging mode for iPods through included dock connector
- Allows CD Changer Retention

http://www.europeanautosource.com/images/vendors/dice/rds/rdsdice01.jpg (http://www.europeanautosource.com/product_info.php?products_id=1909)

Contents:

- DICE Universal RDS BMW Integration Module
- Power Harness with BMW-Specific Antenna Adapter kit
- BlackOut Dock Connector

Models Supported:

2008+ 1-series
1992+ 3-series, including M3
1997+ 5-series, including M5
1995+ 7-series
2004+ X3
2000+ X5
1996-2002 Z3, including M-Roadster/Coupe
2003+ Z4, including M-Roadster/Coupe
2000-2003 Z8
2002+ MINI Cooper

DICE - Universal RDS iPod Integration kit for BMW/MINI
http://www.europeanautosource.com/product_info.php?products_id=1909

Compatible for Business Cassette, CD and Navigation/iDrive. Installation is simple for the DIY type and should take no longer than 20-30 minutes.

[scottdawnb]

You seem to definitely know what you are talking about from prior posts so please help me out if you can. I have a 2005 330cic ZHP with NAV and I just had BMW install the iPOD adapter kit ... what a farse it is! In a perfect world I would like to modify my system so that I can actually see the song titles, playlists, etc with the iPOD and would love it if the radio actually displayed song info as well. I have already wasted $450 bucks and want some good direction on what to get and potentially where to get it installed here in Atlanta, GA.

Thanks in advance for your help ... my garage shows the dash view if needed.

[tom @ eas]

You seem to definitely know what you are talking about from prior posts so please help me out if you can. I have a 2005 330cic ZHP with NAV and I just had BMW install the iPOD adapter kit ... what a farse it is! In a perfect world I would like to modify my system so that I can actually see the song titles, playlists, etc with the iPOD and would love it if the radio actually displayed song info as well. I have already wasted $450 bucks and want some good direction on what to get and potentially where to get it installed here in Atlanta, GA.

Thanks in advance for your help ... my garage shows the dash view if needed.

Problem is that you'll have to undo what the dealer did to return to stock. Some rewiring was performed in your radio harness when the BMW kit was installed. Any reputable installer should have no problem with this and we can provide instructions if needed.

When the wiring is returned to stock, the DICE is a direct plug and play solution. :)

[scottdawnb]

Thanks Tom - An ALPINE unit was also suggested that is a touch screen replacement for the entire system ... any thoughts on that one? Just trying to do some diligence with the experts!

Scott

[tom @ eas]

Thanks Tom - An ALPINE unit was also suggested that is a touch screen replacement for the entire system ... any thoughts on that one? Just trying to do some diligence with the experts!

Scott

We're not fans of aftermarket HUs, it's not needed.

[JuNxXxReY]

Hey Tom,

Will this charge the new iPhone 3G? Also, are you able to use the steering wheel controls with this new DICE?

Thank you in advance.

[tom @ eas]

Hey Tom,

Will this charge the new iPhone 3G? Also, are you able to use the steering wheel controls with this new DICE?

Thank you in advance.

Not with the RDS kit, but the SILVERLINE offers steering wheel control.

The RDS kit is perfect for those that prefer to use their iPod's Clickwheel instead.

[jblack]

What about the first part of the question....."Will this charge the new iPhone 3G?" I think my older DICE is NOT charging my 3G IPhone (I know why - something to do with this is the first Apple IPod or IPhone to use the USB charging pins in the dock connector exclusively - aparently the DICE uses the Firewire pins exclusively - and this is a problem with many, but not all, chargers out there).

Any ETA on a fix?

[tom @ eas]

What about the first part of the question....."Will this charge the new iPhone 3G?" I think my older DICE is NOT charging my 3G IPhone (I know why - something to do with this is the first Apple IPod or IPhone to use the USB charging pins in the dock connector exclusively - aparently the DICE uses the Firewire pins exclusively - and this is a problem with many, but not all, chargers out there).

Any ETA on a fix?

i******specific cables will be arriving next month.

[jblack]

And.... you guys once again ROCK!

Does this work will all the DICE interfaces out there? Silverline, RDS and the original?

Thanks!

[imxelite]

Tom,

Will this work with the 2005 745LI?

[tom @ eas]

Tom,

Will this work with the 2005 745LI?

Yes sir it will. :)

[imxelite]

Yes sir it will. :)

Sounds great could you give me break down of what it takes to install this?

[imxelite]

Also should I wait until you receive the iphone cables before I order since I'll be connecting this unit to the 3g iphone?

[tom @ eas]

Sounds great could you give me break down of what it takes to install this?

Kit consists of wiring harness, module and docking cable.

Also should I wait until you receive the iphone cables before I order since I'll be connecting this unit to the 3g iphone?

Yes if you want charging capabilities. Otherwise, all other features work fine.

[sunny_j]

whats the cost?
hows the sound quality compared to the mobridge kit?
how exactly do you hook this up to the car?
will i get song text on the screen in my 03 760?

[imxelite]

Kit consists of wiring harness, module and docking cable.



Yes if you want charging capabilities. Otherwise, all other features work fine.

About how long before these cables come in?

Edit: Nevermind I see you said next month

[Call Me Daddy]

Price in the link is $119. And this is a 30 min install and I can charge my iphone. I am in on that.

[tom @ eas]

whats the cost?
hows the sound quality compared to the mobridge kit?
how exactly do you hook this up to the car?

Since the RDS is FM modulated, it will be locked in at 128kbps, the mObridge has no limitations. However, the RDS kit will give text display on early 7 models.

About how long before these cables come in?

iPhone specific cables will be ready in about 1 month.

[sunny_j]

how do we install this item?
what do you think of the sound quality?
what kbps are regular fm transmitters?

[tom @ eas]

how do we install this item?
what do you think of the sound quality?
what kbps are regular fm transmitters?

The RDS kit will plug into the antenna port on the radio.

FM transmitters are a varied range of 64-92kbps, modulated is a bit better at 128kbps. If you have large file sizes, the mObridge would be your best bet.

[imxelite]

The RDS kit will plug into the antenna port on the radio.

FM transmitters are a varied range of 64-92kbps, modulated is a bit better at 128kbps. If you have large file sizes, the mObridge would be your best bet.

If I buy now, when the iphone cables come in could I do a swap? If not how much would it be for just the cable?

[tom @ eas]

If I buy now, when the iphone cables come in could I do a swap? If not how much would it be for just the cable?

I would recommend waiting if you have an iPhone and charging is a concern. Otherwise, the cables will be $39 separately.

[imxelite]

Could you send me the installation instructions so I can run it by my audio shop and see how much they will charge to install

[sunny_j]

Could you send me the installation instructions so I can run it by my audio shop and see how much they will charge to install

+1
can you post it instead. i would like to see the install intructions

[tom @ eas]

There are no specific installation instructions for the 7-series - simply tap 3 wires (+12V, +12V switched, ground and the antenna connector).

This is a very simple install for the DIY or experienced installer.

[sunny_j]

sorry for all the questions Tom. one more i swear lol
will the ipod sound worse, same or better then regular FM signal you recieve from your local radio station?

[tom @ eas]

sorry for all the questions Tom. one more i swear lol
will the ipod sound worse, same or better then regular FM signal you recieve from your local radio station?

Yes - a transmitted radio station has a bitrate of 64-92kbps, very few stations can keep at this peak level. This is why you hear such a difference from FM to CD.

The DICE RDS kit is a modulated (not transmitted) with a peak of 128kbps and text display as a bonus.

[jblack]

Tom, one more question.....

I am definitely going to get the cable from you next month for my G3 Iphone.

When I plug my G3 iPhone in (and my wife's original iPhone) I get the "this device is not compatible - airplane mode" screen that I ignore and move along.

What versions of DICE do away with that screen with both iPhones? How much is the upgrade from my DICE to that model of DICE?

OK - that was 2 questions :)

Thanks!

[tom @ eas]

Tom, one more question.....

I am definitely going to get the cable from you next month for my G3 Iphone.

When I plug my G3 iPhone in (and my wife's original iPhone) I get the "this device is not compatible - airplane mode" screen that I ignore and move along.

What versions of DICE do away with that screen with both iPhones? How much is the upgrade from my DICE to that model of DICE?

OK - that was 2 questions :)

Thanks!

Simply ignore the message - it will go away after 7 seconds on the iPhone.

[jblack]

Then just the cable it is - thanks!

[csmooth79]

Yes - a transmitted radio station has a bitrate of 64-92kbps, very few stations can keep at this peak level. This is why you hear such a difference from FM to CD.

The DICE RDS kit is a modulated (not transmitted) with a peak of 128kbps and text display as a bonus.

You say that the RDS has a "peak of 128kbps" is that maintained throughout playback (with the assumption the source is of 128 or higher) or does it fluctuate like you say the transmitted radio stations do?

[tom @ eas]

You say that the RDS has a "peak of 128kbps" is that maintained throughout playback (with the assumption the source is of 128 or higher) or does it fluctuate like you say the transmitted radio stations do?

It's capped at 128kbps, it will not fluctuate.

[imxelite]

Did the iphone 3g cable come in yet?

[tom @ eas]

Did the iphone 3g cable come in yet?

DICE will be offering a 3G i******friendly cable in early December.

[Brandon J.]

Tom, does the radio need to be set to a certain station to pick up the iPod? Is this going to have any impact on receiving other radio stations or switching back and forth to the CD? Thanks in advance.

[tom @ eas]

Tom, does the radio need to be set to a certain station to pick up the iPod? Is this going to have any impact on receiving other radio stations or switching back and forth to the CD? Thanks in advance.

Yes - depending on your location, there are 4 different stations (configurable by the DIP switches) that can be used for signal lock.