iPhone 3G with DICE

[archrenov8]

I got my DICE interface installed now, but I am not sure I have the DIP Switches set properly for Simple Mode, which sounds like it is best for the iPhone 3G.

I have them in Off Off ON ON.

But with the Nav radio in a 2008 X3, I am not sure how to access the iPod using the radio or steering controls.

[Rob V]

I can't answer the dip switch questions but I spoke to DICE about using my 3G in the X3 and they said that it isn't fully supported yet. The DICE module does not charge the iPhone 3G and they are supposed to be redesigning the cable to correct this. Right now I have an iPod Video hooked up to and while it sounds great I've so far found that using the DICE is completely terrible. I hope you have a better experience than I have because I'm about to return it and just use the Aux jack. It sounds just as good (to my ears) and you can control the music using the iPods interface, which on the iPhone is much easier than a traditional iPod. Good luck with yours! Please report back on your experience.

[wdgiles]

Same here, waiting for the cable redesign so I can charge the phone while using it. No sense in using one cable to charge and one to play music. I bought the I-BMW-T DICE module used and have not even installed it yet. I read about the charging issues with the adapters here, so at least I knew what I was getting into.

[archrenov8]

I plan on buying (or better yet, swapping out) the new cable when it is available. I tried using the AUX cable before ordering the DICE, but it does not work with the iPhone 3G, I think because the headphones on the iPhone include a microphone, as well as a micro-switch in the microphone that pauses and plays iPod content, and answers and disconnects incoming calls.

There seems to be some distinction between the pre-'07 X3, and the '07 and '08's that makes them recommend that for '07 and '08 you run it in Simple mode rather than DICE mode. The difference being (from what I can gather) that in Simple mode, you use the iPhone controls, whereas in DICE mode, the iPhone controls are locked out, and you must use the BMW controls.

IMO using the iPhone controls is better, since the texting and playlist is not as rich as you would expect in DICE mode anyway.

I was hoping for better telephone support than I got yesterday. I will try again today.