Alright folks, I need some advice.. preferably from people who have been there, but really any opinions might help.
I have an iPhone 3GS. I also have a 2003 Z4 3.0i roadster (with the business premium sound system - no nav). Right now the two aren't on speaking terms, but I'd like to change that!
From the research I've done, I've come up with a few options, but am really going back and forth trying to decide on one! So, here are my top picks right now:
1) DICE MediaBridge (w/ bluetooth option) + spec.dock ashtray mount.
I like the DICE because of the bluetooth option (so I can easily connect to the wife's or friend's phones, or even to mine if I don't feel like taking it out of my pocket to charge), and particularly since it has the option to keep the iPhone unlocked, so you can control things from there. I've read that the Intravee II has a better stereo-control interface, but no option to keep the iPhone unlocked. Since I just have the business stereo, I imagine controlling things like playlist or album selection through the stereo will be a pain with any system, so it seems like it will be easier to do that sort of stuff through the phone's interface.
2) DICE MediaBridge (w/ bluetooth option) + ProClip mount (
www.proclipusa.com)
The ProClip option has a couple of seeming advantages over the spec.dock:
-The phone is in a more accessible location. If I plan to do some control through the phone itself, this will make things a lot easier. That's the main one.
-The spec.dock appears to have JUST enough space to fit an iPhone 3GS under the dash. What if the 'iPhone 5' is 2mm taller?
-The proclip comes in two parts - a vehicle attachment and a device attachment. If I get a different phone in the future, I can simply replace that half.
-it's about half the price
However, the two main disadvantages are
-it's not as slick. Might also get in the way of large passengers' knee room?
-it's less secure, since a visible mount could invite thieves. (Although I don't live in a high-crime area, so this isn't a HUGE concern.)
The thing is, I don't know how valid those potential advantages or disadvantages are. That's where I'm hoping some current users can weigh in.
3) BMW aux iPod connector + Scosche adapter (
http://store.apple.com/us/product/TS696LL/A) + ProClip mount
If I'm going with the proclip mount, I wonder if it's worth it to go with the MediaBridge, given the potential issues it brings with it. Since the phone would be easily accessible for iPod control, I could just wire it straight to the stereo. I keep the important playback and charging functions and probably have higher reliability at a much reduced price.
If all I'm using the DICE for track skipping with the radio controls and bluetooth (which I wouldn't use the vast majority of the time since I would have the phone plugged in, and I'm guessing my bluetooth earpiece would be better for calls), is it really worth it?
SO, that's where I'm at! Please weigh in! Oh hey, let's add a poll... Please do still add your comments though. Thanks in advance!