Dension 500 for iPod and Bluetooth

Mrbroons · 08-02-2009, 05:06 PM

I'm looking to install an iPod kit and BT into my e90 2005 with Pro Nav. I have found this unit and was wondering if anyone had any experience with it and could comment if it was any good?

regards,

Jim.

M3-FAST · 08-02-2009, 06:53 PM

Have no experience of the Dension stuff in the E9* series but used it in the E46 and it was 'ok' - had some flaws with regards to track display etc

If you decide against that I have a full bluetooth kit for sale that will integrate with the std BMW fit head unit....

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=274682

cheers, Paul

E92Fan · 08-03-2009, 04:28 AM

I have the Dension 500 in my E92 and it's brilliant - totally faultless and better than the BMW glovebox iPod connector. The alphabetical search is a godsend

Dave_3 · 08-03-2009, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E92Fan

I have the Dension 500 in my E92 and it's brilliant - totally faultless and better than the BMW glovebox iPod connector. The alphabetical search is a godsend

How do you re-charge the iPod on the move ? I see from the documentation that the Denison doesn't support recharging.

Did you install it ? States "behind dashboard" installation .... slightly reluctant to pull apart the dash.

D.

E92Fan · 08-03-2009, 04:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave_3

How do you re-charge the iPod on the move ? I see from the documentation that the Denison doesn't support recharging.

Did you install it ? States "behind dashboard" installation .... slightly reluctant to pull apart the dash.

D.

1) It recharges the iPod no problem. It even recharges my iPhone via a little Griddin adapter.

2) Yes I installed it - take the glovebox out, and the CCC so you can get round the back. Hook up the cables into the MOST bus and power lines in the CCC harness, sticky pad and cable tie the Dension unit to the centre dashboard mounting posts so it doesn't rattle about, feed the iPod cable into the glovebox, put everything back together, and hey presto it works!
(assuming your car is already coded for a CD changer)

Dave_3 · 08-03-2009, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E92Fan

1) It recharges the iPod no problem. It even recharges my iPhone via a little Griddin adapter.

2) Yes I installed it - take the glovebox out, and the CCC so you can get round the back. Hook up the cables into the MOST bus and power lines in the CCC harness, sticky pad and cable tie the Dension unit to the centre dashboard mounting posts so it doesn't rattle about, feed the iPod cable into the glovebox, put everything back together, and hey presto it works!
(assuming your car is already coded for a CD changer)

Thanks Tony,

CCC ?

Nope, didn't spec the CD changer option when I bought my car. Didn't think there was any point - previously had CD Changers in the boot ... in which the same 6-8 CDs languished for ages. I have a few MP3 CDs in the glove box now, good for about 30-40 CDs.

Do you need the CD autochanger enabled ? Is that a simple (time wise) job ?

D.

E92Fan · 08-03-2009, 05:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave_3

Thanks Tony,

CCC ?

Nope, didn't spec the CD changer option when I bought my car. Didn't think there was any point - previously had CD Changers in the boot ... in which the same 6-8 CDs languished for ages. I have a few MP3 CDs in the glove box now, good for about 30-40 CDs.

Do you need the CD autochanger enabled ? Is that a simple (time wise) job ?

D.

CCC - satnav unit / disc drive unit underneath the aircon controls

You need the CD changer option enabled in the coding - it's a fifteen minute job by your local dealer, although they'll probably charge you for it. And they will need a CD changer or similar is in place first before they code it. So install the Dension, then take it down to the dealer for coding. Some dealers are more 'receptive' than others.

If you're coming back to the UK soon, and are going to be swinging by London......!

TMP · 08-03-2009, 06:13 AM

Getting tempted by this over the glovebox ipod adapter.

Quote:

Originally Posted by E92Fan

1) Hook up the cables into the MOST bus and power lines in the CCC harness,

Hi Tony - so you can just plug the Denison cables in, or do you have to splice?

This sounds like a simple install - just the dealer coding bit that sounds tricky as I dont have a changer, would have to let them do it with the denison.

E92Fan · 08-03-2009, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMP

Getting tempted by this over the glovebox ipod adapter.

Hi Tony - so you can just plug the Denison cables in, or do you have to splice?

This sounds like a simple install - just the dealer coding bit that sounds tricky as I dont have a changer, would have to let them do it with the denison.

Just plug, no splicing required.

TMP · 08-03-2009, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E92Fan

Just plug, no splicing required.

Thanks, nice and easy

Dave_3 · 08-03-2009, 07:33 AM

Reading a bit further it also seems to offer USB connections ...

D.

E92Fan · 08-03-2009, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave_3

Reading a bit further it also seems to offer USB connections ...

D.

It does - it has a USB port with an extension lead and mounting bracket, so you can plug in a USB stick. It also has a set of analogue inputs that you can plug an external analogue source into.

TMP · 08-03-2009, 09:55 AM

Seems the price has gone up quite a bit - over £350

MOB · 08-03-2009, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMP

Seems the price has gone up quite a bit - over £350

http://www.ipodcarkitdirect.co.uk/

I've heard that they "may" offer discounts, though only £20 or so.

E90Yaz · 08-03-2009, 02:36 PM

I can get hold of a Dension 500 for £295

tom @ eas · 08-03-2009, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E92Fan

1) It recharges the iPod no problem. It even recharges my iPhone via a little Griddin adapter.

2) Yes I installed it - take the glovebox out, and the CCC so you can get round the back. Hook up the cables into the MOST bus and power lines in the CCC harness, sticky pad and cable tie the Dension unit to the centre dashboard mounting posts so it doesn't rattle about, feed the iPod cable into the glovebox, put everything back together, and hey presto it works!
(assuming your car is already coded for a CD changer)

Correct.

Be careful of the updating process - the Dension units are very unstable during this time.

MOB · 08-03-2009, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90Yaz

I can get hold of a Dension 500 for £295

Is that a one off?

I'm after one for a Porsche Cayman

Mrbroons · 08-03-2009, 05:03 PM

Is there a chance of a group buy here reducing the costs further? maybe even including bluetooth too?

Jim.

Mrbroons · 08-06-2009, 06:30 PM

Just wondering if anyone would be interested in a group buy? I'm ready to buy immediately, anyone else?

gadgetfreak · 08-07-2009, 08:49 AM

i think you may struggle a bit. Even when I arranged a groupbuy back in Jan @ £230, I only managed to get 7ppl.

There's a sticky in the classified section if you are after more info, but I know the company I ended up using (can't remember the name) doesn't supply them anymore.

Dension GW500 is a great unit, just that their support and distribution network is pants.

08-02-2009, 05:06 PM	#1
Mrbroons e90 newbie - learning fast 2 Rep 22 Posts Drives: 320d SE Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0)	Dension 500 for iPod and Bluetooth - Good / Bad? I'm looking to install an iPod kit and BT into my e90 2005 with Pro Nav. I have found this unit and was wondering if anyone had any experience with it and could comment if it was any good? regards, Jim.
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08-02-2009, 06:53 PM	#2
M3-FAST Defected to the dark side..... 210 Rep 5,795 Posts Drives: BMW M5 LCi Join Date: May 2007 Location: Stafford, UK iTrader: (11) Garage List 2009 E90 M3 [10.00] 2007 325i M-sport C ... [9.00]	Have no experience of the Dension stuff in the E9* series but used it in the E46 and it was 'ok' - had some flaws with regards to track display etc If you decide against that I have a full bluetooth kit for sale that will integrate with the std BMW fit head unit.... http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=274682 cheers, Paul
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08-03-2009, 04:28 AM	#3
E92Fan Moderator 322 Rep 5,493 Posts Drives: . Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: . iTrader: (0)	I have the Dension 500 in my E92 and it's brilliant - totally faultless and better than the BMW glovebox iPod connector. The alphabetical search is a godsend __________________ ... ... ... DMS Remap Review ----- Quaife LSD Review ----- Hartge Antiroll Bars Review ----- Bilstein PSS10 B16 Ride Control Review ----- Detail by ShineOn ----- Paintshield Review
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08-03-2009, 07:33 AM	#11
Dave_3 Brigadier General 652 Rep 3,445 Posts Drives: G22 M440D Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: CH / SCO iTrader: (0) Garage List 1973 Escort RS2000 MK1 [10.00]	Reading a bit further it also seems to offer USB connections ... D. __________________ Escort Mk1 RS2000 (2.1 2x44IDFS, BVH, Kent FR32, 5spd, 180 BHP) : M440D ¦ Previously : F32 435D : F32 430D M Sport sDrive, 335D E92 2006
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08-03-2009, 09:55 AM	#13
TMP Brigadier General 349 Rep 3,022 Posts Drives: M6 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Cheshire iTrader: (0)	Seems the price has gone up quite a bit - over £350 __________________ M2 Arrived! Family 5er
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08-03-2009, 02:36 PM	#15
E90Yaz Torque Monster 17 Rep 256 Posts Drives: Porsche 911 Turbo Join Date: May 2009 Location: billericay, essex iTrader: (0)	I can get hold of a Dension 500 for £295
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08-03-2009, 05:03 PM	#18
Mrbroons e90 newbie - learning fast 2 Rep 22 Posts Drives: 320d SE Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0)	Is there a chance of a group buy here reducing the costs further? maybe even including bluetooth too? Jim.
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08-06-2009, 06:30 PM	#19
Mrbroons e90 newbie - learning fast 2 Rep 22 Posts Drives: 320d SE Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0)	Just wondering if anyone would be interested in a group buy? I'm ready to buy immediately, anyone else?
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08-07-2009, 08:49 AM	#20
gadgetfreak Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 208 Posts Drives: E90 335i LCI Manual Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: London iTrader: (3)	i think you may struggle a bit. Even when I arranged a groupbuy back in Jan @ £230, I only managed to get 7ppl. There's a sticky in the classified section if you are after more info, but I know the company I ended up using (can't remember the name) doesn't supply them anymore. Dension GW500 is a great unit, just that their support and distribution network is pants.
	Appreciate 0 Quote