As the title states, I want to add an ipod to the GP. I have seen and looked into the OEM mini kit but it is like 3 times the price of a DICE kit. I don't really want to change the factory radio out. Please suggest a unit that works with the OEM radio. And, yeah, i don't ant to cut out the console to add an AUX plug.
MediaBridge It works good and you can do a really nice install, I will post photos tomorrow: [ame="http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-BMW-DICE-AUDIOVOX-MEDIABRIDGE-AMBR-1500-BMW-IPHONE-XM-SIRIUS-BLUETOOTH-AUX-/281097224717?pt=Car_Audio_Video&hash=item4172b3420d&vxp=mtr"]MediaBridge BMW-1500[/ame]
Got a 3 channel FM iPod transmitter at Radio Shack for around $20 a couple of years ago. Plugs in to the cigar lighter and the iPod, searches for dead frequencies you tune the radio to, has three channels and I set radio presets 1,2 and 3 to correspond. Used on two long multi state trips just this year with no complaints. SRV comes over channel 1 as good as he does on 3.
Transmitters tend to work well in cars with sunroofs and stock antenna....I have used one occasionally..A-OK. Might not be PERFECT sound (Fm modulators are limited by FM's limits) like a Line-in jack (cd-quality if you use loss-less compression)..bust fast, simple cheap for FM quality sound. One tip.... Check the OEM line in Jack on a gen1... A few folks have had I-pod adapters go bad (oem AND aftermarket), which caused crazy, unrelated issues till they were removed...just be aware of this...if you have any issues...unplug the adapter.
I have a DICE in my 02 and love it great sound quality. I've had it about 5 years. Its much much better then a FM transmitter.
The DICE kit is nice, I had one for a few years and I would use one again if I had to keep my OEM head unit. I have since upgraded my head unit to a single DIN Alpine iDA - x305 (iPod only) unit which does not have a CD player but still has radio functions. I store my classic 160 GB iPod in my glovebox. I know you said you did not want to change your head unit but if you look on the web at places like Crutchfield you will see the aftermarket has much better units with more power and the ability to add Amps later down the road. Also you can keep you OEM unit clean and store it in a box incase you ever sell you car and want to return it to stock again. Don't buy a unit from Crutchfield they are expensive and you can find almost everything they sell cheaper on-line.
One bit if info... The aux plug can be installed ANYWHERE... Some folks have been creative on where they put it....but not all require ANY cutting or permanent changes....you could even zip-tie the aux plug in a hidden location...then run an extension plug to where you want the iPod to plug in...no permanent changes.