...for the best way to wire up my i-phone 3G to my '04/S audio system? We would like to play our i-tunes thru the car's audio. The audio system now in the car is the standard factory CD/radio system for that year. It is not the H/K system nor do we have the multiple CD changer or satellite radio.
We use the DICE units for this. It will play through the stereo and you can use the Ipod or steering wheel controls to go through songs.
I had my dealer install an aux input jack on the access panel below the toggle switches, and I use the Kensington LiquidAUX (LiquidAUX™ for iPhone and iPod - K33429US - Kensington) to listen to music. The cable works with both my iPod video and iPhone 3G, and the power unit incorporates a ground loop isolator to reduce hiss and static. You can't use the steering wheel controls to browse for songs, but I usually use shuffle so that doesn't bother me. I'd also recommend the Craven Speed iPod Cradle (Holder for iPhone, Ipod and BlackBerry devices.) to keep the display up where you can see it.
Thanks, I forgot to mention that we don't have steering wheel controlls for our audio system. I've seen the DICE harness on-line but not the Kensington. I will be sure to check that one out as well.
I just use the Aux input... but I also have Nav and installed a video switch so I can put vids on the nav screen. When my oldest was younger, she liked to watch slideshows of her favorite subject: herself! Matt
More notes about the Kensington setup: it uses line out for audio, not the headphone jack, so the sound quality is better. Also, don't leave it plugged in overnight. The circuit in the cigarette lighter adapter will drain the battery on your device. I'm sure other brands exist, but I haven't researched them since Jan 09; Kensington was the first to offer a line out connection incorporated with a cigarette lighter adapter that worked with the iPhone 3G. I used a Monster Cable unit with similar results before I got the iPhone 3G, and Belkin always puts out a bunch of these things.
all great recomendations I'd add ProClip Mounting System - Device Holders and Dashboard Vehicle Mounts as a means to mount the iPhone. Works very well
So looking to upgrade my audio would like to add iPod , has anyone looked new units that have USB on the front & back for cable output , if so are they plug & play they say they will fit , ( 07 mini cooper S convertible) . Will I lose my steering wheel controls , JVC has 3 models starting at less 100.00 on Amazon.
I am using the aux cable plugged into the back of the head unit and then my headphone jack on my iphone 4. (2005 R50). It is not top notch fidelity but neither is over the air radio either in my opinion. There is also a small adapter unit that plugs into the bottom of the iphone that accepts both a charger cable and adds lineout. I dont know what quality this provides. Since you font have steering controls, (mfsw), you can also look at Parrot Bluetooth modules. I don't recall the model numbers but I think if you look at the 9000+ series you will see that they include bluetooth sound streaming and also a small control module/callerID that you can locate on dash etc. With this you get to use Iphone voice commands for dialing or itunes playing. Good luck.