View Full Version : any other creative IPOD interfaces out there?


telekenetic
03-22-2007, 07:38 AM
Thanks to all who have posted about the Audi AMI interface, but my (US) dealer says that unless it was installed at the factory, it's not retrofittable. Also, upon seeing how it completely fills the center console bin, I'm pretty sure I would rather have a different solution anyway. I keep cell phone charger, 2 pr sunglasses, toll pass and other essentials in there & don't want to give it up!

Obviously, full functionality thru the MMI is optimal, but the second best solution seems to be that Dension Icelink device. However, that too seems to be unavaialable in the States and when you go to the Dension (US) website, you get this message:

"Dension Audio Systems, Ltd. and Dension USA, Inc. have terminated their relationship, whereby Dension USA distributed Dension Audio Systems products in North America. Effective immediately,
Dension USA is no longer selling, servicing or supporting Dension Audio Systems products."

That can't be good. So, that leaves me searching for some other readily available interface solution. I've given up hope of ever getting IPOD functionaliy thru the MMI. All I want is a neat unobtrusive connection to the head unit - ideally a direct connect, maybe a wiring solution thru the glove box (i.e., a place to plug the IPOD signal into the head unit that can be tucked away after use? I'll live with driving music selections thru the IPOD itself. Does anyone know whether this is possible? I know that the Audi head unit is supposed to be all fiber optic, but perhaps there is something that could plug in between the FM antenna lead and the head unit?

Anyone have any ideas? I'm reluctant to try some kind of FM transmitter-type interface because (1) I don't want an extra device cluttering up the console area, and (2) in my geographic area, there are zero FM stations that are unused, and I suspect that I will not be able to get a clean FM signal, free from interfering broadcast noise (plus I don't want to have to adjust frequencies when travelling).

BigladUK
03-22-2007, 09:31 AM
AMI can defo be retro fitted as this guy has to an A6 ( same MMI ) http://www.navplus.us/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5296

You can buy it from here

http://shop.kufatec.de/product_info.php/info/p769_Retrofit-Kit-AMI-Musicinterface-IPOD-Q7.html

The gateway 500 is also available but it short supply, but a quick search of ebay.de with turn you up loads.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Dension-Gateway-500-fuer-Mercedes-Comand-Smart-IPOD-MP3_W0QQitemZ150103143005QQcategoryZ76084QQssPageN ameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem for example

Si

telekenetic
03-22-2007, 09:56 AM
thanks for that info. I should clarify one point I made - the dealer shop said that to retrofit the AMI, I would need to give up CD and Sat radio functions. Assuming that's true, I wouldn't disable either of those items. I suspect it isn't true though. I hate it when I get conflicting info from these boards and the dealer (these boards are usually more accurate!)

RAD2
03-22-2007, 10:06 AM

mksap11
03-22-2007, 10:13 AM
I've used them in the past without problems and wouldn't hesitate to use them again in the future.

I also just heard from someone at AoA that the latest timeframe for AMI Retrofit is now Q4 '07 :-(

<a href="http://enfigcarstereo.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/audi_iopd.html" target="_blank">Enfig Car Stereo</a>

RAD2
03-22-2007, 12:31 PM
Do you know if is possible to VAG the MMI for the parking lights (EU feature), as my previous post?.
Thanks

mksap11
03-22-2007, 12:42 PM
then probably not. Even $500 for the Dension seems a bit excessive to me, but what are you going to do?


BTW- replied to your other post in the other thread

RAD2
03-22-2007, 03:48 PM