In Dash CD Player+ DICE Install Write-up

I know this topic of In-Dash CD player installation or DICE installation has been covered in different forums but specific info is scattered, also no write-up for DICE in-dash install so I will try to do a write-up here for newbies.

Car is 1998 528i: Stock M.I.D., and Stock cassette player.
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My needs are:
1. In-dash CD Player
2. DICE Unit for Ipod (However, you might want to argue that if you have DICE for Ipod then why need a CD player? Well there are moments that you just grab a CD and want to listen in the car (i.e. no time to transfer to Ipod etc.), just want the 'best' of both worlds…..
3. Most write-ups refer to trunk installation, involving running wires to console, then the risk of theft as the Ipod sits in the console. I will show the "Glovebox" installation with DICE Unit hidden behind the M.I.D. Glovebox installation is nice because the Ipod is hidden in the Glovebox, away from thieves' eyes.
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1. I got my CD Player from:
www.midwestelectronics.com
(They are US authorized Blaupunkt dealer as well for repair for Blaupunkt Electronics). Although you can buy a Business CD Player from ebay etc. with risks, the service at Midwest Electronics is unbeatable:
- I have known them for 10 years (West suburb of Chicago)
- $259 + shipping (they dropped the price recently), so although this was listed on their website as a "refurbished" item, when I received it, the CD player looks brand new without a scratch, exactly as the salesman told me! So for the price and service, it is unbeatable, much better than ebay etc., IMHO.
- warranty for one year.

2. The DICE Unit came from Tom from european auto source; excellent service:
(Tom, btw, if you want to download some of these pics for your website's tutorial, and since there is no info on 1998 528i yet on your website, go ahead to upload them to your website!!!)
www.europeanautosource.com
Tel 866.669.0705 | Calif: 714.369.8524 | Fax: 714.369.8546
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PROCEDURES:
a. Copy the FM channels on a piece of paper because you will lose the FM memories.
b. Use a Towel to protect the gear knob etc.
c. In addition to the Ipod Cable that you order with the DICE kit, it is also useful to use an "Aux" Cable ($5.95 from Radio Shack) for MP3 Player etc.
d. Remove the M.I.D.: Pull the Volume knob, Torx #10 counter-clockwise

e. Remove the Cassette Player: held by 2 Torx #10 screws.
f. The connector in the back of the Cassette Player (or CD Player is held by a plastic clip, lift it UP and gently pry it out).
g. The DICE Unit goes "in between" the CD Player and the OEM Connector (see diagram).
h. NOTE regarding the small connector at the bottom of the CD player: the "Yellow" tab faces UP. Pull the Blue Tab, insert the small rectangular connector COMPLETELY inside so it is flushed with the large connector, re-insert the blue tab and make sure you cannot remove the small connector after the Blue Tab is in.

i. Read the DICE installation instructions, and set the tabs according to your need (Ipod vs MP3 Player).
j. The Business CD player: secure it in place using 2.5mm Hex wrench (not Torx #10).
k. NOTE: "Hide" the DICE Unit in such as a way that it sits JUST BELOW the M.I.D. This is because let's say you initially set the tabs for Ipod. Let's say later if you have an MP3 Player, all you have to do is slide out the M.I.D. using Torx #10, flip the DICE switches to MP3 Player and re-install the M.I.D. (a process that should take less than 60 seconds).

l. Make sure the Ground and Antenna cables are attached properly to the back of the CD Player.

Enjoy the Music….….…..

nice work cn90!

I wonder if theres a CD player to fit behind nav screens instead of my tape deck....

Originally Posted by Lurch09

nice work cn90!

I wonder if theres a CD player to fit behind nav screens instead of my tape deck....

that'd be interesteing if there way......

i kinda like having a tape player...i pulled out some old cassettes i had....one of them is an old demo tape i made about 12 yrs ago when i used to dj back in college....

also pulled out an old house of pain tape - same as it ever was.....

rewinding and forwarding and dolby b/c reduction brings back some memories!

Yeah, a lot of my friends find it hilarious that a 2003 BMW still has a freakin CD player in it. If only i had tapes......

Very nice write-up - we'll work on getting this into the knowledgebase for others to see.

Nice Nice Nice. thanks for the great write-up. Mods, please send this to the sticky pages as i am going to need it later.

Forgot the "Useful" Addendum:

This instruction comes with DICE:
http://support.diceelectronics.com/f...al_rev_B01.pdf

Read Page 2 Under "Song Browsing" carefully.

1. Select 5-01 (use the buttons next to "m" button to go from 01 to 02 etc.) to enable Ipod.

2. Hit "CD", then 6-04 to display text.

3. Hit "CD", then hit the corresponding number:
CD 1 is track (use the buttons next to "m" button to go from 01 to 02 etc.)
CD 2 is playlist (use the buttons next to "m" button to go from 01 to 02 etc.)
CD 3 is album (use the buttons next to "m" button to go from 01 to 02 etc.)
CD 4 is chapter (use the buttons next to "m" button to go from 01 to 02 etc.)

When replacing your cassette deck with the CD player did you also need to upgrade your wiring harness to the newer R40 style? I have a 3/99 build 528 with the older Ice-Link and am considering the cassette to CD upgrade, however if I have to upgrade the wiring harness I believe it's another $135 plus the cost of the CD unit.

Yes - for vehicles manufactured before 8/00, you will need the PlugPak.

Originally Posted by Csmith

When replacing your cassette deck with the CD player did you also need to upgrade your wiring harness to the newer R40 style? I have a 3/99 build 528 with the older Ice-Link and am considering the cassette to CD upgrade, however if I have to upgrade the wiring harness I believe it's another $135 plus the cost of the CD unit.

.

Actually this CD player from www.midwestelectronics.com fits with the OEM plug. I did not need any new wiring harness. Let's say if I did not buy the DICE, then this CD Player plugs right in WITHOUT any new wiring harness. This is the Business CD43 version:
http://www.midwestelectronics.com/bm...003-p-428.html

I bought the R17 kit from Tom @ eas:
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=659

I think it is best if you remove your existing Cassette Player (it takes 60 seconds to that!), check your wiring harness against the VERY FIRST picture above.
If that is a match, then order the R17 kit from Tom and you are set to go.
Per Tom's website, the R17 kit covers 1997-2000 5-series.

HTH.

cn90
98 528i

So what is the difference between this Radio:
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=289
...and this one:
http://www.midwestelectronics.com/bm...003-p-428.html

Are they the same thing except for the second being a refurb?

Originally Posted by kricker

So what is the difference between this Radio:
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=289
...and this one:
http://www.midwestelectronics.com/bm...003-p-428.html

Are they the same thing except for the second being a refurb?

Can't speak for other companies, but ours are definitely compatible and have the support to back it up if needed.

Originally Posted by kricker

So what is the difference between this Radio:
http://www.midwestelectronics.com/bm...003-p-428.html

Are they the same thing except for the second being a refurb?

I have used the midwestelectronics CD player for 2 months now. It works flawlessly.
If they did not tell you it is refurbished, you would not know.
When I opened the box, it looks brand new, not even a single scratch.

For $259, you cannot lose anything.

The only brand new item is from dealer which costs $500-600, and even so it has a one year warranty as the refurbished model. Go figure!

I just installed the DICE in dash unit in my 1999 528i Wagon. These instructions are excellent, but I have 2 cautions/reminders:

1) make sure that you disconnect the battery cables before you start the process (negative cable first).
2) make sure you detach/remove the CD changer from the trunk

These steps are outlined in the instructions that come with the DICE (which is for a trunk installation even for the in dash model).

Also received excellent service from EAS!

Damn what a great post to resurrect! I've been having a helluva time with my DICE lately and this .pdf is the bizzy! Thanks!

Originally Posted by Mack

Damn what a great post to resurrect!

I agree!

This is the ONLY decent radio-mount step-by-step howto that I could find on Bimmerfest that is even close to my E39 configuration of:
- 2002 E39
- Radio mount
- Analog (non DSP)
- Business CD (no cd changer)
- Bluetooth ready (no phone, nothing set up)
- No satellite, no Sirius
- 6th-generation iPod (that's all they sell at Costco)

Since nothing specific exists here is my attempt at gathering the key references together so the next person starts where we leave off.

And, here is my first attempt at writing up a tutorial for an E39 radio mount without cassette and without cd changer controls:

Thanks!

Originally Posted by jarnold1999

I just installed the DICE in dash unit in my 1999 528i Wagon. These instructions are excellent, but I have 2 cautions/reminders:

1) make sure that you disconnect the battery cables before you start the process (negative cable first).
2) make sure you detach/remove the CD changer from the trunk

These steps are outlined in the instructions that come with the DICE (which is for a trunk installation even for the in dash model).

Also received excellent service from EAS!

About how long did it take you to install the kit? I have an "unknown" CD-Changer in the back (in other words, it's not the black BMW one) as well as another "device" that has two composite, audio or not I have no idea, connected somewhere in the mix. I want to install the new Silverline, but just want to make sure that I get everything right.

Did you install it behind the MID Radio or in the trunk? Any interference?

Originally Posted by irija

About how long did it take you to install the kit? I have an "unknown" CD-Changer in the back (in other words, it's not the black BMW one) as well as another "device" that has two composite, audio or not I have no idea, connected somewhere in the mix. I want to install the new Silverline, but just want to make sure that I get everything right.

Did you install it behind the MID Radio or in the trunk? Any interference?

What car and radio do you have? You sig indicates an e30 which I don't think is compatible with the DICE Silverline. Check with Tom @ eas for the right DICE for you. The trunk mount Silverline installation takes about 30 minutes but that was with an 02 e39. Yours may be different.

+1. Just let me know what year/model BMW you have and we'll recommend the correct kit.

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

+1. Just let me know what year/model BMW you have and we'll recommend the correct kit.

By any chance, do you guys carry the new updated DICE? The new DICE allows controls from both the ipod and the headunit at the same time? Do you have that same application?

Originally Posted by irija

About how long did it take you to install the kit? I have an "unknown" CD-Changer in the back (in other words, it's not the black BMW one) as well as another "device" that has two composite, audio or not I have no idea, connected somewhere in the mix. I want to install the new Silverline, but just want to make sure that I get everything right.

Did you install it behind the MID Radio or in the trunk? Any interference?

1. Best is to remove whatever in the trunk except the amp. So basically remove CD Changer and the mysterious "device". However, make note how they are wired so in case you need to re-install them (take digital pictures).

2. In my DIY mentioned above, I got rid of my CD Changer in the trunk and sold it on ebay.
All I have is:
- MID
- In Dash CD Changer
- DICE-Ipod-Aux cable as in the DIY.
It has worked great for me for the last 2 years.

Well, I figured it out. I have a '99 5.28iT [build 01/99] with tape, no DSP, CD changer and no BC button. The mystery unit in the rear was something from a company called simple peripherals where it looks like it was 2 RCAs into an 8m adapter. It was connect via the 3-pin and 6-pin and I ended up experimenting with another peripheral unit from Best Buy. It worked flawless except for the fact that it doesn't display song titles and artists. So, I ordered the Silverline with my fingers crossed. Should be here in about 6 days or so. But for now, onto other things.

First and foremost, I want the "BC" functions. Can I get them with a new unit? Secondly, I definitely would love the BCD but was wondering if I need a new plug of sorts? I'm going to take apart my current unit probably tomorrow (after I move) and see what kind of connectors I need. Do I need the other antenna or whatever else that I'm reading about? Thanks again guys! and do I really need to disconnect the battery?

I plugged in the Silverline Pro DICE Unit earlier this week and everything worked great. It took me a little tinkering (reading and comprehending) to figure out how to get the text to finally display, but it's all good now!

I also received a Business CD the other day but apparently I have an incompatible unit harness. My tape deck uses the old harness and after reading it looks like I need a PlugPak? I was excited that I got to take apart the MID so easily and it took me a while to to pull out the tape deck then #FAIL. Definitely anti-climatic as I don't have the right parts. I know that EAS has one avail (http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=291) but is that my only option besides creating a new one?

Email or Call Tom at EAS for your solution. Should be a simple fix but your wallet will be a bit lighter.

Originally Posted by irija

I plugged in the Silverline Pro DICE Unit earlier this week and everything worked great. It took me a little tinkering (reading and comprehending) to figure out how to get the text to finally display, but it's all good now!

I also received a Business CD the other day but apparently I have an incompatible unit harness. My tape deck uses the old harness and after reading it looks like I need a PlugPak? I was excited that I got to take apart the MID so easily and it took me a while to to pull out the tape deck then #FAIL. Definitely anti-climatic as I don't have the right parts. I know that EAS has one avail (http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=291) but is that my only option besides creating a new one?

You'll need the updated R40 harness here: http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=665