How to get USB interface in Z4

vachss · 10-23-2011, 07:57 PM

I've got a 2007 Z4 that has the factory NAV, CD/MP3 player and AUX input, but no direct USB interface. I'd like to play MP3s off USB flash drives (and ideally see the track listing on the NAV screen) and would like to know the simplest approach. I know I could go with a full DICE or GROM kit, but I don't have an Ipod and those seem like overkill.

Any advice would be welcome.

psygnosis · 10-23-2011, 09:07 PM

Burn a mp3 CD and put it in the dash. USB will require something plugged into the CD changer connector and as far as I know DICE and GROM are about the only options.

antennahead · 10-23-2011, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psygnosis

Burn a mp3 CD and put it in the dash. USB will require something plugged into the CD changer connector and as far as I know DICE and GROM are about the only options.

+1

I burn my own MP3 CDs and get full folder, artist, and track info on the Nav screen. One CD recorded at the highest quality VBR gets around to 8 hours of music on one CD, and the quality is indistinguishable from CBR at 320 IMO.

John

vachss · 10-23-2011, 09:58 PM

Yes, I already burn MP3 CDs. I just have a lot of music on USB flash drives and would prefer to use the more convenient medium.

antennahead · 10-23-2011, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vachss

Yes, I already burn MP3 CDs. I just have a lot of music on USB flash drives and would prefer to use the more convenient medium.

I hear ya, don't know why flash drive music storage never became more prevalent. I think Ipods are to blame

Uncle Russ · 11-10-2011, 03:07 AM

Is there a way to modify the iPod adapter since it's a USB connection? I was thinking that instead of the iPod adapter cable, you just run a USB cable with a male connector on one end (plugs into the head unit) and a female connector on the other end for the flash drive. I have an after market Sony unit (cost me about $150) in my Jeep that has an integrated USB port on the front face and I love it. I've got an 8 gig USB flash drive and it's all plug & play. Better (and cheaper) than satellite radio! Really wish BMW had added that feature...

SCHMOUPE · 11-10-2011, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Russ

Is there a way to modify the iPod adapter since it's a USB connection? I was thinking that instead of the iPod adapter cable, you just run a USB cable with a male connector on one end (plugs into the head unit) and a female connector on the other end for the flash drive. I have an after market Sony unit (cost me about $150) in my Jeep that has an integrated USB port on the front face and I love it. I've got an 8 gig USB flash drive and it's all plug & play. Better (and cheaper) than satellite radio! Really wish BMW had added that feature...

http://cablejive.com/universal_dock_adapter.html

getting close. Let me do some more digging as I have always been looking for one

vachss · 11-23-2011, 05:58 PM

I'm thinking this kit from Bimmernav might do what I want:

http://www.bimmernav.com/store/catal...-item-295.html

Anyone tried it?

10-23-2011, 07:57 PM	#1
vachss Captain 56 Rep 815 Posts Drives: Z4 Coupe Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ventura County, CA iTrader: (1)	How to get USB interface in Z4 I've got a 2007 Z4 that has the factory NAV, CD/MP3 player and AUX input, but no direct USB interface. I'd like to play MP3s off USB flash drives (and ideally see the track listing on the NAV screen) and would like to know the simplest approach. I know I could go with a full DICE or GROM kit, but I don't have an Ipod and those seem like overkill. Any advice would be welcome.
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10-23-2011, 09:07 PM	#2
psygnosis Major 23 Rep 1,034 Posts Drives: '04 Z4 3.0i Sport Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	Burn a mp3 CD and put it in the dash. USB will require something plugged into the CD changer connector and as far as I know DICE and GROM are about the only options. __________________ Straightaways are for fast cars, Corners are for fast drivers.
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10-23-2011, 09:58 PM	#4
vachss Captain 56 Rep 815 Posts Drives: Z4 Coupe Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ventura County, CA iTrader: (1)	Yes, I already burn MP3 CDs. I just have a lot of music on USB flash drives and would prefer to use the more convenient medium.
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11-10-2011, 03:07 AM	#6
Uncle Russ Rocket Scientist 3 Rep 72 Posts Drives: '08 M Roadster Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: NoVA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW Z4M Roadster [0.00]	Is there a way to modify the iPod adapter since it's a USB connection? I was thinking that instead of the iPod adapter cable, you just run a USB cable with a male connector on one end (plugs into the head unit) and a female connector on the other end for the flash drive. I have an after market Sony unit (cost me about $150) in my Jeep that has an integrated USB port on the front face and I love it. I've got an 8 gig USB flash drive and it's all plug & play. Better (and cheaper) than satellite radio! Really wish BMW had added that feature... __________________ 2008 ///M Roadster
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11-23-2011, 05:58 PM	#8
vachss Captain 56 Rep 815 Posts Drives: Z4 Coupe Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ventura County, CA iTrader: (1)	I'm thinking this kit from Bimmernav might do what I want: http://www.bimmernav.com/store/catal...-item-295.html Anyone tried it?
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