xraymd

I just got an iPod and man, is this thing cool. I have an E55 on order with the in-dash CD changer. But now I'm starting to wonder what the point is with the iPod integration around the corner. Any thoughts?

Also, for anybody who does not have the changer, is there much room in the dash where it would normally go?

DWP

I don't have the changer. The hidden storage compartment that replaces the changer is a lot shallower than a changer would have to be to hold the CDs. The compartment is deep enough to hold a pair of sunglasses, but that's about it. Wonder what M-B did with the extra space that a changer would require?

I don't know how complete iPod integration with your M-B will be - in the BMW models that have integration, it's only partial - but in any event it's easier and safer to control the CD changer from the steering wheel or head unit while driving than it is to control an iPod. But you probably already knew that.

ATS

I have an iPod (not set up in the car yet) and the changer. The great thing about the changer that plays MP3's is that you will be able to load in a whole disk and just leave it. For example a whole Beatles disk (640MB - 213 3MB songs) with all the songs you want, leave it in the changer and forget about it until you want to play it.. I have a Who, Beatles, etc disks in there now.. I have 4GB in the main slot.. It is amazing..

hoffyvortex

I played with an iPod connected with the integration kit in a CLS500 at the MacWorld show a couple of weeks ago, and it was very slick, much better implementation than the BMW version. However, I still would keep the CD changer. Given the price of an E55 the incremental cost isnt that much and its nice to be able to pop in regular or MP3 CDs also.

xraymd

Thanks everybody. I'll leave my order as is and not worry about it.

BklynMarc

xraymd,

I had the same question/issue and decided to keep the CD changer. For my purposes and based on the way it's described, I'll probably use the iPod most of the time. I figure that the changer will come in handy on long drives with friends who don't have their music on an iPod and will eliminate the hassle of shuttling CDs in and out.

HELL ONA HARLEY

Also consider resale down the road....It certainly won't add value to the car but having one built in the dash as nice as this one is, its certainly a great selling tool. Besides, the next owner might not own an ipod.

weinschela

I think the 6 disc changer is redundant but not because of iPod integration. In 05's and later, the single slot in the dash will play audio DVDs. That means you can burn a DVD with MP3 files and have complete control from both COMAND and the steering wheel controls. I have about 20-25 albums on a DVD. They occupy about 2.5 GB, so there is still room to add more (I am using a multisession disc so it is easy to add new stuff). Until there is compete integration with an iPod, this to me is the most efficient and superior way to have a lot of music available. Since my iPod is a Mini it only holds 4GB, so a full DVD is the equivalent anyhow. If you are a real music afficionado and have a full 20GB or larger iPod, I suppose this wouldn't work for you, but it works for me (I have not tried playing the DVD out of a slot in the 6 disc changer; if it plays, then one theoretically could have 24GB of music, or more than a hundred albums in your changer -- in which case for my hypothetical afficionado, the 6 disc would not be redundant.