Parrot MKi9200 or BMW iPod integration kit

Diamond2

Hi,I am looking for some advise l have a BMW 520d E60 2006 model car and am in the process of upgrading the nokia bluetooth handsfree.At the same time i want to be able to connect my ipod into it as well.The car doesn't have a cd changer and the external speaker on the handsfree is crap.l was looking at two options 1.Get a BMW iPod integration kit and bluetooth car kit with the phone coming through the car speakers and 2.Get a Parrot MKi9200 kit.I have got one price already for option 2 @€;290 fitted.I would perfer to control my music through the idrive and have a small discret handsfree control on the dash as appose having another screen,Any advise would be appreciated.

dubtom

If you can change the radio you could go the Lidl or Aldi way. The bluecrest radio's they sell come with bluetooth, USB and cardreader , pick up the signal from the phone and work through the speakers. Never had a problem with mine, they sell for about €60 at the mo. I can even listen to the music from the iphone through the car speakers.

Diamond2

Cheers,i don't think it will work the radio is integrated thanks for the reply.

Owen

lol at replacing the factory fitted BMW audio system with a LIDL special.

@OP - in the e60, the BMW USB/Bluetooth kit is probably the best way to go, especially as it integrates with the iDrive screen. I've had a 9200 in my last car, and used the BMW system in my old demo cars where I worked.

Diamond2

Would that be the same as the bmw interface option?I got a price off a BMW garage for €500.Too much..

Diamond2

Hi Owen,i checked out that option with BMW and they came back with a price of €900 for the bluetooth and €600 for the cd changer too dear.Has anyone used them clip on speaker phones that have a fm transmitter that can play the calls through the stereo. for example http://www.phonesonline.ie/Product.asp?ProductID=737

Owen

I had in the back of my mind somewhere that there was a retrofit Bluetooth and USB kit for BMW's for about 300 + Fitting. You could get that kit and get someone like AC Cars in Dublin to fit and program it for a lot less than the main dealer.

The FM Transmitter thing won't be great, plus, you'll need to be listening to the radio every time a call comes in.

A company I used to use in the UK was 'New MINI Stuff' - Mike the guy who owns it is something of a legend on UK forums for coming up with kits and audio upgrades for factory equipment. He has a kit for the e60 BMW which integrates with the steering wheel, no cutting of wires needed. Might be no harm to give him a call and ask his opinion - there's very little about new MINIs and BMWs he doesn't know. He could ship the bits to you here, and you could get someone local to install them. If you were even in Cork I could install them for you.

http://www.newministuff.com/new/shop.php?action=productshow&id=394

Diamond2

Many thanks for your speedy reply,i'l check that out and get back to ya,thanks again.