[brandon @ eas]

Hey guys, since there isn't really a hands on user review of the Mobridge ipod interface, I figured I would step in and show you all how it works. Feel free to ask any questions.

CAR SHOWN: 2007 328i coupe, with bluetooth, no nav

1: Entire install is done behind the headunit.
2: Install is very easy, but you will need to have the car coded before the car can recognize the system
3:It uses the cd changer's routing, so if you have a cd changer, it will need to be removed in order for Mobridge to work.

Overall I am very pleased with the unit. I finally got to get rid of my AUX input ipod set up and all the cables that were hanging out everywhere. The install was pretty easy- the hardest part was removing the aluminum trim off my dash, other than that, everything is easy.

STEP 1:
Under "Audio", select "CDC" (cd changer)



STEP 2:
This screen will look exactly the same as if you had a cd in the cd changer. You can set up playlists, using your radio preset buttons here. Select "List" to take you to your typical iPod menu.



STEP 3:
Once you have selected "list" you will see your standard iPod menu, showing "Artist/playlist/albums/podcasts etc etc". I selected "Artist"



STEP 4:
Once you are in the "Artist" menu, you can browse using the right knob on your stereo, just like you would with an iPod.



STEP 5:
Select an artist to listen to.



Step 6:
Select a song to listen to.






Thats it!! Let me know if you have any questions!

[AMT92]

How much? and does it work with a e90 330i w/o cd changer?

[brandon @ eas]

PM sent! Also check out our posting in the sponsor section: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=248807

[PaulBailey@ltbmw]

Looks sick, Might have to pick this up for my girls E90

[enforcerman]

Not to derail the post, but the OEM ipod adapter looks exactly the same. So instead of this being a "review", i think it should be called a "sales pitch."

[cereal]

Any images of this working with CIC yet?

[brandon @ eas]

Originally Posted by enforcerman

Not to derail the post, but the OEM ipod adapter looks exactly the same. So instead of this being a "review", i think it should be called a "sales pitch."

I didn't want it to come off that way, because like most people on here, I was using one of those ipod adapters you buy from an electronics store, plugging into my AUX input, with wires everywhere. I regretted for the longest time not getting the iPod option from the factory, so I looked more into this. I have known about the mobridge units for some time now, but just got around to installing it in my car, and it is exciting seeing something turn out so professional and factory like. I didnt see any other threads about this, that actually show pictures of how it works, so I think some members will be happy to see a reasonable, self install option

[VP Electricity]

Brandon, if you don't want to come across as making a sales pitch, avoiding exclamation points is my "Tip of the Day".

If you call it a review, make sure you discuss pros and cons both, and you would best be served by getting a forum member to review the product purchased from you... since you didn't, I wonder how many you have shipped.

That said, Brandon's posts are clearly identified as being made by a Gold level vendor of this forum, and as such, they help make this forum available for everyone. His post wasn't misrepresenting any particulars as far as I've noticed, and while I found the presentation a bit too much, it's like TV commercials - without TV commercials, we wouldn't have "30 Rock".

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by VP Electricity

Brandon, if you don't want to come across as making a sales pitch, avoiding exclamation points is my "Tip of the Day".

If you call it a review, make sure you discuss pros and cons both, and you would best be served by getting a forum member to review the product purchased from you... since you didn't, I wonder how many you have shipped.

That said, Brandon's posts are clearly identified as being made by a Gold level vendor of this forum, and as such, they help make this forum available for everyone. His post wasn't misrepresenting any particulars as far as I've noticed, and while I found the presentation a bit too much, it's like TV commercials - without TV commercials, we wouldn't have "30 Rock".

This case would be a bit different, since he's posting a review of a kit that was just installed in his personal car.

As for Pros and Cons of the mObridge vs the BMW kit, I'll offer some input between the two:

BMW Kit:
- It takes a long time for the artists and albums listings to load. You can only see the first 250 artists or albums w/ Professional CD and the first 500 using iDrive.
- You cannot shuffle play the entire library of songs on your iPod. You can only shuffle play the first 500 songs w/ Professional CD and the first 1000 songs w/ iDrive. The solution to get around the shuffle play limitation is to create Playlist containing 500 or 1000 songs.
- When you restart your car the last song playing does not start where it stopped, but starts over at the beginning.

mObridge kit:
- Much improved browsing speed compared to BMW kit, due to larger paging files used, Professional CD users are even a bit faster than iDrive.
- Full USB compliance for charging of current iPod lineup - including 2G touch and 3G iPhone.
- Firmware upgradeable via end-user through the integrated memory card for future features.
- 24 bit ADC stereo for a more complete experience.
- 500uA Sleep Current. Lower sleep current draw than OEM specifications. - Configurable for all vehicles via iTune's MP3 tag.
- Configurable for First five playlists, numbered playlists or full folder support for iPod browsing.
- Paging to gain access to lists greater than the CD limitation of 99 giving full access to the iPod. Also possible on radio's without text support.
- Last disc, last folder, last track memory retention for fast startup.
- Access to Playlists/Artists/Albums/Genre/All Songs.
- Random, Repeat, Scan options.
- Auxiliary input for external audio source.
- Exit iPod lockout mode for manual control with the ability to continue track up/down from the steering wheel controls.
- Bypass switch to remove interface from the MOST ring, allowing "undetectable mode" for dealer visits.
- Dedicated Auxiliary override for phone system input.

This is not to be confused with 6FL which works pretty well, However, the OTC BMW kit is terrible.

Hope this helps.

[VP Electricity]

I'm not convinced it's all that different, but since Tom and EAS are a Gold Level sponsor as well, and I have been happy with all my interactions and purchases with Tom over the years , I recommend that everyone work with Tom.

[tintivilus]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

mObridge kit:
- Much improved browsing speed compared to BMW kit, due to larger paging files used, Professional CD users are even a bit faster than iDrive.
- Full USB compliance for charging of current iPod lineup - including 2G touch and 3G iPhone.
- Firmware upgradeable via end-user through the integrated memory card for future features.
- 24 bit ADC stereo for a more complete experience.
- 500uA Sleep Current. Lower sleep current draw than OEM specifications. - Configurable for all vehicles via iTune's MP3 tag.
- Configurable for First five playlists, numbered playlists or full folder support for iPod browsing.
- Paging to gain access to lists greater than the CD limitation of 99 giving full access to the iPod. Also possible on radio's without text support.
- Last disc, last folder, last track memory retention for fast startup.
- Access to Playlists/Artists/Albums/Genre/All Songs.
- Random, Repeat, Scan options.
- Auxiliary input for external audio source.
- Exit iPod lockout mode for manual control with the ability to continue track up/down from the steering wheel controls.
- Bypass switch to remove interface from the MOST ring, allowing "undetectable mode" for dealer visits.
- Dedicated Auxiliary override for phone system input.

Those are two killer features... thanks for the info

[enforcerman]

I think you left out another issue: Mobridge = $550, BMW = $200

Although I must admit the features in the Mobridge are nice, they weren't worth that much to me. So yes, I have the BMW kit.

[MTRHEAD]

>- Paging to gain access to lists greater than the CD limitation of 99 giving full access to the iPod. Also possible on radio's without text support.

This feature is not installed on the BMW Mobridge implementation!

I've had the Mobridge installed firstly on my 5, then on my 335i both with I-drive. This has never worked and I've been waiting 5 months for a firmware update to enable it. This means that the Mobridge does NOT allow access to all the Ipod as claimed.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by MTRHEAD

>- Paging to gain access to lists greater than the CD limitation of 99 giving full access to the iPod. Also possible on radio's without text support.

This feature is not installed on the BMW Mobridge implementation!

I've had the Mobridge installed firstly on my 5, then on my 335i both with I-drive. This has never worked and I've been waiting 5 months for a firmware update to enable it. This means that the Mobridge does NOT allow access to all the Ipod as claimed.

I'm referring to the paging file. How many songs are you putting in your Playlists?

[mwahlert]

what happens when you select "rnd" and hit the next track button on the steering wheel?

the thing i HATE about the factory "CDC" connected ipod interface is that if you select "rnd" for random and then hit next it just goes to the next track - doesn't re-randomize.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by ButterzM

I have the BMW kit and none of the above exists when I use it. Loads as fast as I plug in my iPod and plays last song I left off of. Shuffles my entire library fine too. So

Might want to check again - these are known facts from over the years.

Originally Posted by mwahlert

what happens when you select "rnd" and hit the next track button on the steering wheel?

the thing i HATE about the factory "CDC" connected ipod interface is that if you select "rnd" for random and then hit next it just goes to the next track - doesn't re-randomize.

Random will remain until you turn it off, or when the iPod is unplugged.

[nelson29]

i like the dension 500 better, it also adds usb playback.

[TMR]

Im interested in the other Modbridge unit that is soon to be released to integrate aftermarket amps. Any word on that?

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by nelson29

i like the dension 500 better, it also adds usb playback.

Their Porsche/MBZ kits are god, but their BMW systems crash repeatedly and are not offered not supported in the US when ties were severed with DensionUSA.

If you are already using the iPod - USB is pretty much a moot point.

Originally Posted by TMR

Im interested in the other Modbridge unit that is soon to be released to integrate aftermarket amps. Any word on that?

These are coming soon, the kits were debuted at CES 09.

[mwahlert]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

Random will remain until you turn it off, or when the iPod is unplugged.

the bmw interface "remains on random" but only selects another random track if you let the track play out - if you have random selected but hit the "next track" button on the steering wheel it just goes to the next song in the list....not another random track.

for example, i pick a playlist - hit random "track 807" comes on - i hit next - it goes to track 808. in order to get another random song i have to turn rnd off, and back on.

[scooby9]

Originally Posted by ButterzM

I use it everyday and don't have the problems you stated. I am local so feel free to come by and take a look anytime.

You might have the "newer" unit. I just got mine from Tischer and I'm going to do the install myself. I'm guessing that the newer units might have improved logic to speed up indexing and display of lists.

[JayeJaymes]

any plans for integrating video capabilities?