DICE iPod Integration Kit - X5 Specific Installation Instructions

[Micah D. Cranman]

We put together a specific set of instructions for X5 and made them publicly available so those considering this upgrade can see if they are capable of the install or those that have already purchased one can have a easier time of it.

Rather than limit image sizes in a web format, we decided to make a PDF. It's a large file (42MB) but has extremely high resolution photos that should make your job very easy and the process very clear.

For those of you attempting the install over the weekend, we have applicable instructions for non-DSP BMW's and DSP BMW's built 09/02 or later. Here is a link to the instructions:

www.bavsound.com/instructions/X5DiceInstall.pdf

We will be adding the DSP specific and Sirius-equipped specific instructions Monday or Tuesday of next week.

Enjoy, and of course, if you have questions, let us know!

Mods - maybe this would be a good sticky?

[Micah D. Cranman]

Updated and improved file now available and online, and it's only 1MB w/ almost no reduction in image quality!

[teddybgame]

Nice work Micah. Very well organized.

I'm about to install the DICE kit in my mother in law's 2001 X5 (courtesy of Tom @ EAS). Anyway, I think I've read every post, thread and document pertaining to this install...so I feel very confident that I can get this done in under 2 hours. Obviously, 110 minutes of this will be dedicated to removing trim, panels, carpet etc.

The DICE was a Christmas gift for my M-l-L. She knows that she needs to decide where she wants it mounted before I can even do any of the work. Here are the options that I've found (all very viable):

Next to climate control (from an aesthetics perspective, this would be my
recommendation):
http://www.kudausa.com/kuda_mount_and_holder_for_bmw_x5_since_2000-3-34.html

Cupholder mount:
http://www.x5world.com/articles/x5/stereo/9514-icelink-install.html

Angled mount (near climate controls):
http://www.europeanautosource.com/index.php?cPath=42_93_94_104

Ashtray mount (pretty neat):
http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com/product.php/II=517/_cid=282

So here's my question to all those X5/DICE-ers:
1) For those with the Kuda mount, are you happy with the quality, fit and finish? I have worked with the Kuda products in several Audi's that I own and I find them to be very complimentary to any German interior.

2) Assuming a dash mount, has anyone ran the DICE cabling across the bottom of the rear bench seats and along the passenger side door sills...and still have enough cable length? Seems pretty straight forward.

3) Has anyone mounted their Ipod/Dice on the dash and have 2nd thoughts about that location and wish that they had put it in a concealed location? You can't beat the CD Text support/functionality with the OEM BMW headunits (I only wish my Audi headunits - pre MMI - had this capability).

I think that's it for now. Thanks for reading and I appreciate any feedback that you might have.

-Ted
teddybgame@hotmail.com

PS: My side hobby/2nd job is integrating/building custom wiring harnesses for the Audi community (upgrading to OEM Sirius/XM, DVD-based have etc). I'd be glad to answer any questions for you...if you happen to have an Audi in your stable.

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by teddybgame

PS: My side hobby/2nd job is integrating/building custom wiring harnesses for the Audi community (upgrading to OEM Sirius/XM, DVD-based have etc). I'd be glad to answer any questions for you...if you happen to have an Audi in your stable.

I believe we spoke a few times during my Dension days on the AUDI cables. If so, long time no speak.

We run the cables underneath the backseat to the glovebox as well, or to the center console as in the above instructions. Since the text displays on the MID/OBC/NAV screen, the iPod can be hidden.

[Micah D. Cranman]

You can thank Jason, our lead tech, for the instructions.

I like the spec.dock most since you get the best of both worlds -- excellent location and ergonomics with 100% stealth operation.

[teddybgame]

Thanks guys. Looks like she's going to go with the ashtray mount 2point5 spec dock. Questions:

1) I assume the tray can be closed when the ipod is removed
2) I assume this works in conjunction with the DICE. So, $150 for the DICE and $150 for the spec dock. Ok....but ouch!!
3) BSW's install pdf has some brief info about mounting the spec dock...but I just haven't seen any other details regarding running the wire into the bottom of the ashtray. Do I need to dremel out some of the ashtray? Any details will be helpful.

Again, I'm a very experience car stereo DIY-er...I just don't have any experience in Bimmers...just Audi's.

Thanks guys!
-Ted

[Micah D. Cranman]

1) Yes, the ashtray cover does close when the iPod is removed.

2) Yes, this works with the DICE - just choose DICE as your interface cable and you are set. If you send the iPod cable that comes with the DICE back to us, we can credit you $20 off the DICE to make it sting a bit less. E-mail me and I'll send you instructions on that.

3) No dremeling or modification of the ashtray is required. There's already a hole through which the cable passes, so it's very simple in terms of wiring. Send me an e-mail and I'll reply with the spec.dock instructions.

Let me know if you have any more questions!

[Supermanguy81]

Is there an experience technician I can go to for this type of work, I looked at your PDF file and while it's good procedurally, I don't know if I have the technical skills to get it done. I just don't wanna screw anything up! LoL

I live in Houston, anyone you recommend to install?

[Micah D. Cranman]

We don't have a database of installers in various regions, unfortunately. The good news is that any car audio shop that isn't COMPLETELY worthless should be able to manage this installation without issue. It's very straightforward. I wouldn't worry too much about the install.

[edco]

Micah:
Any important changes to the procedure since 2004. I have an 06 X5 and things look "similiar" but just thought I'd ask if there have been any mods to the PDF since originally published.

PS. Paul W ROCKS !!!!!!! he made my buying process as easy as possible. GIVE HIM A RAISE !!

Ed Colandra