E60 fitting a dension gateway

[zaleonardz]

I have a non text enabled 2005 E60

I wanted the ability to play MP3's, but refused to give up my standard i-Drive.

While doing a sound install, i fitted a product called a dension gateway 500, which has USB, Ipod connect, RCA inputs, controlable through the idrive.

While mine does not give text, so you cant actually see what your doing, it is still very controllable.

The dension gateway works by emulating a CD Shuttle.

So CD1 you can select your directory, CD2 you can select a playlist, and you then play via CD5.

So although "messy" its pretty cool in that it provides modern features without putting a stupid aftermarket radio under the seat (which I have seen plenty of)

The cool thing is that it actually has a switch on it, that you can enable the original CD shuttle, so I keep my shuttle.

Wiring installation is pretty damm simple,

it needs constant 12Vdc, and you need to tap into the fibre optic ring which sounds scary, but its actually piss easy, .

Strip out the cubby, including the top plate so that you can see your cd shuttle.

Remove the shuttle, I spliced into the power wires there and picked up 12v to the device.

Then you will see that the MOST connector going to the shuttle, or called the CDC actually just clips out.

Strip the cloth tape around the cdc wires back about 10cm.

Then unclip the fibre optic wire from the plug going to the CD. that then goes into the dension gateway 500, with 2 fibre optic wires going into the shuttle.

Bobs your grandma...

THe BITCH is trying to fit the stuff all nicely, as there is very little space.

I put mine on top of the CD shuttle.

If I can recommend that you hire a midget to do the job....

Connected

set correctly for the car

Wires split

Shows how the MOST plug is removed.

Installed

 

[shailesh]

how much did that cost you

 

[Peejay]

Nice. Well done.

 

[vescomilkov]

Pitty Leonard picture taking skills lag behind his DIY skill ;-)

That and the Speaker / Sound Install he did are otherwise well put together and welcome.
Speaking of which the one think I miss about my glorified Toyota (read Lexus) is the sound the E60 5 series is not only flat but downright downmarket. Again to most that have not had decent system in their cards this will adequate but not so I assure you. The only think stopping me is the schlep and hassle of removing panels , running wires etc.

 

[zaleonardz]

Picture taking skills is pathetic to say the least.

I know you this, we all know this.

I take pics with my 5 year old blackberry and the only reason I dont have some fancy pants device is cause I dont want one. I HATE cellphones... :rollsmile:

This was a gift from a friend who was not using it.

The product was distributed in SA by SMAC, but they no longer do it, plenty on ebay though.

 

[Rory]

So who is the dension agent now? I want to get the iCon for my E60. Can order it off the dension site for $550 with free shipping but will still have customs/vat.

 

[zaleonardz]

No agents at the moment, which really sucks.,

I was lucky to have found this one.

Trust me I have tried

 

[milu]

There is a guy in durbs that just might be able to help out:=): I called the guy last year to order an SA version of the dension, it was going to cost about R1400 - R2000 the problem was i had to install it my self, how ever ther are tons of tutorials on how to install them, and with the whole sat nav it complicates things. i just never followed through to getting one. Oh btw it was for my e46, but here is the link if you wana know more http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=30682 or go straight to the website www.smac.co.za :thumbs: