[Muttley]

I was given a Dension Gateway 500 for a present yesterday. I decided to install in myself and here is the story.
Before I start can I say I do not work for or have any connection with dension. I am not an automotive engineer (money is crap anyway) and I suffer from Acute Rheumatoid Arthritis so if I can do it anyone can!!!

I started by unpacking the various bits.
 IMG_0425.JPG (111.75K)
Number of downloads: 173

I then took the glove box out completely. Remove pin at each side of the glove box that hold the supports in. Underneath glovebox remove 4 screws on each hinge and take glovebox out.
 IMG_0426.JPG (95.01K)
Number of downloads: 153

Next, remove CD Changer. The screws are located under a small flap at each corner as shown. They require a 2.5 mm hex key. Don't try to completely remove the screws as they are captive. Just undo enough for the CDC to be pulled out.
 IMG_0427.JPG (116.59K)
Number of downloads: 131

The connector is at the rear of the CDC. Unplug and remove CDC.
 IMG_0428.JPG (122.33K)
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Now loosen the trim in the footwell. There are 3 cross head screws to remove and the trim can be moved down.
Pull the CDC connector down and out through this gap. It makes life very easy!
 IMG_0429.JPG (106.85K)
Number of downloads: 121

 IMG_0430.JPG (111.99K)
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The CDC connector has power and fibre cables. You need to separate them. There is a small tab on the connector that must be pulled out with a small screwdriver. The fibre optic plug can be pulled out as a complete unit. Take care to read Dension's instructions as well. Note the direction arrows on the fibre optic plug.

 IMG_0431.JPG (65.16K)
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 IMG_0432.JPG (55.02K)
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At this point follow the Dension instructions to the letter. This is what the fibre optics will look like.

 IMG_0433.JPG (85.35K)
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Make off the power connections. Red is +ve and Brown is -ve. I used a breakout style connector.
 IMG_0434.JPG (91.89K)
Number of downloads: 117

Once all cables were made off I connected everything up as per the instructions to test. I had a load of problems. Main one was I forgot to replace fuse 38 that supplies power to the CDC! The air was blue. I had to go inside, have a cup of tea and kick the dog. Felt better, went back to car and found fuse on the bloody floor!!! Bugger!!
It is important that the unit is setup correctly. The instructions that came with the unit were not the same as I downloaded from the web site so beware. Set the dip switches for BMW mp3 (1 and 2 ON, 3 and 4 OFF). You must also make sure the unit has the up to date firmware. This is downloaded from the Dension support web page http://support.densi.../...x=&mod_id=1 Finally make sure the unit is switched on or in the correct mode. This is done via the switch on the AUX box. This also has the reset button.
 IMG_0435.JPG (119.83K)
Number of downloads: 113

If all is well you will end up with something like this on the display. You will need to plat around with the iDrive to find out the operation. Its a bit hit and miss until you are familiar with it.
 IMG_0437.JPG (72.46K)
Number of downloads: 113

Finally , disconnect everything and have a tidy up of the electrics. I used some heat shrink tube plus heat shrink tape.
 IMG_0438.JPG (81.43K)
Number of downloads: 93

Connect everything back up as before. I mounted the Dension unit above the trim in the passenger footwell hard over to the left hand side. I coiled all the cables up using tie wraps. Fit glovebox back as before and also the trim plate. Put all the crap back in the glove box, connect up the iPod and bingo! loads of music. I also tested out using a USB stck. Just as good.
 IMG_0439.JPG (129.33K)
Number of downloads: 102

I hope that this is of use to you guys. I would imagine the install to be similar to those of you unfortunate enough to have the steering wheel on the wrong side. The CDC still works as well!
If I can give you any more information please PM me and I will try to help. The whole installation took me just under 1 hour, not including the tea break sorting out the fuse issue!

Regards for the New Tear.

[orlee008]

cool! good job on the tutorial... thanks!

got a question(s). this module gives you an ipod input with the o.e.m. system without going to the dealer to get the car's idrive reprogramed for it? i have an '04 530 without navigation or ipod connection. would this system work for me? i visited their site and saw that video inputs are also available, did you get those too?

thanks,
orlee

[AlexFW]

Can I suggest a group buy ?
In last weeks many members got it and many others will .

[mrfva]

AlexFW, I'm in for a group buy.

[mrfva]

Great DIY tutorial! Should make this a sticky...

Muttley, on Dec 26 2007, 09:43 AM, said:

I was given a Dension Gateway 500 for a present yesterday. I decided to install in myself and here is the story.
Before I start can I say I do not work for or have any connection with dension. I am not an automotive engineer (money is crap anyway) and I suffer from Acute Rheumatoid Arthritis so if I can do it anyone can!!!

I started by unpacking the various bits.
IMG_0425.JPG

I then took the glove box out completely. Remove pin at each side of the glove box that hold the supports in. Underneath glovebox remove 4 screws on each hinge and take glovebox out.
IMG_0426.JPG

Next, remove CD Changer. The screws are located under a small flap at each corner as shown. They require a 2.5 mm hex key. Don't try to completely remove the screws as they are captive. Just undo enough for the CDC to be pulled out.
IMG_0427.JPG

The connector is at the rear of the CDC. Unplug and remove CDC.
IMG_0428.JPG

Now loosen the trim in the footwell. There are 3 cross head screws to remove and the trim can be moved down.
Pull the CDC connector down and out through this gap. It makes life very easy!
IMG_0429.JPG

IMG_0430.JPG

The CDC connector has power and fibre cables. You need to separate them. There is a small tab on the connector that must be pulled out with a small screwdriver. The fibre optic plug can be pulled out as a complete unit. Take care to read Dension's instructions as well. Note the direction arrows on the fibre optic plug.

IMG_0431.JPG

IMG_0432.JPG

At this point follow the Dension instructions to the letter. This is what the fibre optics will look like.

IMG_0433.JPG

Make off the power connections. Red is +ve and Brown is -ve. I used a breakout style connector.
IMG_0434.JPG

Once all cables were made off I connected everything up as per the instructions to test. I had a load of problems. Main one was I forgot to replace fuse 38 that supplies power to the CDC! The air was blue. I had to go inside, have a cup of tea and kick the dog. Felt better, went back to car and found fuse on the bloody floor!!! Bugger!!
It is important that the unit is setup correctly. The instructions that came with the unit were not the same as I downloaded from the web site so beware. Set the dip switches for BMW mp3 (1 and 2 ON, 3 and 4 OFF). You must also make sure the unit has the up to date firmware. This is downloaded from the Dension support web page http://support.densi.../...x=&mod_id=1 Finally make sure the unit is switched on or in the correct mode. This is done via the switch on the AUX box. This also has the reset button.
IMG_0435.JPG

If all is well you will end up with something like this on the display. You will need to plat around with the iDrive to find out the operation. Its a bit hit and miss until you are familiar with it.
IMG_0437.JPG

Finally , disconnect everything and have a tidy up of the electrics. I used some heat shrink tube plus heat shrink tape.
IMG_0438.JPG

Connect everything back up as before. I mounted the Dension unit above the trim in the passenger footwell hard over to the left hand side. I coiled all the cables up using tie wraps. Fit glovebox back as before and also the trim plate. Put all the crap back in the glove box, connect up the iPod and bingo! loads of music. I also tested out using a USB stck. Just as good.
IMG_0439.JPG

I hope that this is of use to you guys. I would imagine the install to be similar to those of you unfortunate enough to have the steering wheel on the wrong side. The CDC still works as well!
If I can give you any more information please PM me and I will try to help. The whole installation took me just under 1 hour, not including the tea break sorting out the fuse issue!

Regards for the New Tear.

[AlexFW]

mrfva, on Dec 26 2007, 11:25 PM, said:

AlexFW, I'm in for a group buy.

I think all European members would prefer to order in EU due to the duties ..

There was a shop in Germany .

"rhein audio", rysed said .

Someone should mail them and ask for a price

http://www.alles-in-...ntakt-6743.html

[orlee008]

been reading up an apparently if you dont have the AUX or a CD-changer already installed and working it will not work for you. Blah, i gotta upgrade to much to then upgrade to this system.

[rsyed]

AlexFW, on Dec 26 2007, 11:59 PM, said:

I think all European members would prefer to order in EU due to the duties ..

There was a shop in Germany .

"rhein audio", rysed said .

Someone should mail them and ask for a price

http://www.alles-in-...ntakt-6743.html

if you are already asking others to mail them, you should atleast post the right url

http://www.alles-in-...hein_audio.html

or

http://www.rheinaudio.info/

Rhein Audio Auto Media Service
Gilson Strasse 68a
51145 Köln

Tel: 02203-9801188

@Muttley - great writeup!!!!!

@orlee008 - you also need a i-drive that is capable of playing back mp3. cd-changer is not necessarily a requirement, it just makes life easier because you have the bus available in your glove compartment, otherwise you need to draw the cable from the middle console where the i-drive is...

[Muttley]

A quick reply to some of your questions.

You need to have the 6 disc CD changer and mp3 enabled on the in dash unit. You also need the screen but not sat nav. No need for coding if you have CDC and mp3. I also have the latest version of software on the car.

Wife bought mine via the Dension Web site http://www.dension.com/dealers.php You can do a search via Country. Shop around as the prices do vary, especially delivery charges. Cost was £268.00 inc VAT and delivery. Apart from my time, installation cost me £0.99 in bits and £0.25 for a plaster (Band Aid for the USA) as I cut my finger when pulling the fuse. Should have mentioned to use the BMW supplied fuse puller in toolkit!

The unit gives an AUX input but no video. There is space on the unit and an unused socket so perhaps this is a later development?

I have had a chance to really play with the unit and it is really good compared to the BMW iPod interface. Easy to navigate using playlists, Artists, Albums and a general iPod menu for tracks. Did I mention that it also charges the iPod? Pretty good all round. Dogs Gonads in my opinion.

Previously had the Dension DICE kit on my X5. It was a good idea but needs more R and D to make it really useful. Looks like the Gateway is about right, especially as you can upgrade flash easily.

Hope this helps.

[AlexFW]

Just one more question : is this the cheapest way/device to have the USB port ?
Or is there something simpler ?

Thanks, bye!

[orlee008]

i just looked and saw i had a cable there (is that my BUS?) but no CD-Changer. Would the CD-Changer be the one that plays MP3s or would that be the cd drive below the screen? i tried playing an mp3 cd i had laying around in that drive but it didnt play it.

im also wondering if maybe i had the CD-chager and the dealer removed it??? why run the cable without the unit unless its for future mods... i dunno

orlee

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Number of downloads: 57


[EDIT]
I guess i got the answers i needed above. it just took me a while to write this up so there was a delay on my part

[andy545]

This is great. Ipod access and keep the CDC...

thanks for the DIY write up !

[bmw_wpq31]

Has anybody installed the bluetooth access (BT1000)or the AV extender (IVE1000) with their Dension GW500? i think the function offered is awesome. Is the add-on accessories hard to install? i'm planning to install this on my car...can anyone point me in the right direction?

[bmw_wpq31]

Anyone?

[bmw_wpq31]

Since nobody replied to the installation of the bluetooth access (BTA1000) and AV extender (IVE1000) with GW500, i went ahead and did it...well,to be honest, i'm still waiting for a reply from ACAP New Zealand on the AV Extender (IVE1000) which are the authorised dealers for my country...

but i've installed the GW500 & BTA1000. it was bought from forum member Val a couple of days ago and arrived yesterday...got everything installed at a local workshop today...

My comments on both these hardware, two thumbs up!!!

we've seen a couple of members here install the GW500, so basically we all know the functions are AUX, USB, Ipod & you get to keep your CDC working...But with bluetooth (BTA1000), you can play your media library (in my case, windows mediaplayer library through my O2 Atom Life) The results, crystal clear HiFi sound via A2DP...i didn't expect this type of sound quality from bluetooth connection... and you know what, i can now pair 2 phones via bluetooth at a time...1 from the BMW bluetooth (my Motorola V3i) and the other one is now from the dension BTA1000 (which i pair my O2 Atom Life with)...it also offers the function of voice dialing which is cool...Now, i can't wait to get my hands on the IVE1000 and hook it up to th ACM.

i'll post some pictures later...