So after looking at all the options for an iPod install, I decided upon the Harmon Kardon Drive + Play (1).

I selected this device because:

• I don't particularly care for the IceLink.
  Not knockin' that device becuase I know a lot people really liek it, but it is pretty expensive (to me) and I'm pretty cheap.
  I don't particularly care for the way the unit functions, using the factory HU controls. To me, it's counterintuitive to how the iPod controls work.
  I don't like being stuck with a one-line display on the factory HU. Again, to me, it is too limiting and counterintuitive to the iPod's functions.
• I do like the way the Harmon Kardon Drive + Play addresses these shortcomings and the shortcomings of other units on the market.
• The Drive + Play 2 is out now, which means you can score a Drive + Play 1 very cheap (see above - I'm cheap). I only paid $60 shipped for the unit.

So, anyways, here's the results of the install.

A general shot of the overall installation:




Yes, I did have to take part of the dash out and drill into it to get the install I wanted, which would be a major downer for some people. However, the jog wheel and display are nearly perfectly situated and the finish matches the anthracite almost to a "T".


A shot looking down the dash, so you can see the position:




As you can see, now quite a perfectly flush install due to the curvature of the dash. Honestly, though, since you never see it from this angle you can't really tell. The display and the control **** are both mounted through the dash with three screws, so they are NOT coming off.


Close-up of the control ****:




Works just like the iPod click wheel, including depressing the center for "select". Since I opted for a flush install, the wire for this part of the system runs directly out the back and through the dash.


Close-up of the display:




This is where it got a little tricky. There is no way to hide the display wire through the mount like there is with the control ****, so I drilled a lower hole and used a grommet. Driver doesn't see the wire at all, and the passenger would have to bend way down to look as it is covered by the display screen. still debating whether i want to use some modeler's paint and color the grommet or not.


Where the iPod lives:




My sunglasses don't fit the holder, anyways, and this keeps it from moving around. there is enough slack on the cable to pull the iPod out and look it or disconnect it easily. You can see I used the factory AUX cable "blank" and another grommet as the location for the wire.



Maybe now is a good time to explain how the Drive + Play is wired-up. I have an '03 deck with CD changer (which I wanted to keep, another reason for selecting the Drive + Play). I made an AUX cable instead of using the $40 factory piece, but instead of putting a female end on the cable I put a male end on it so that it could plug directly into the Drive + Play's AUX output (i.e., this is NOT an FM-modulated system).



You can see some of that wiring here, where I put it under the dash:




The little cable with the green tape was necessary because BMW has a screwy ground loop in all the factory HU. The factory HU would not recognize an AUX input using the Drive + Play's AUX output until I built that little cable that has a small resistor (the factory HU is looking for a load), a small capacitor (to block DC current), and the grounds lifted. Voila!


Overall, I am really happy with the way the install came out. It took me the better part of the day, but the ultimate benefits are:

• Matches factory finish
• Hard-wired (not FM-modulated).
• Conceelad iPod.
• Very intuitive and usable.
• $65 in parts (I'm cheap).

 

Very nice install. Anyone else who wants one (and doesn't care about the monochrome screen) should get it now - they are crazy cheap, because there's a newer model out with a color screen that's much more expensive.

I suspect the old ones will be hard to find before long! $65 - what a bargain!

 

Tks!

BTW, I see that the Best Buy flyer this week also has them for $59. If you don't mind doing the wiring & monochromatic screen, this little thing is a smokin' deal (compared to IceLink and the new D+P2).

 

I was looking at these today and was gonna pass because i didnt know how itd situate everything but you did a hell of a job thats convinced me. how long of screws did you use tho so as not to go into the electronics? also, whered you put the main component where everything plugs in?

 

Well if copying is the highest form of flattery, consider yourself flattered. I love your set up and I coppied it but it works out great. Also I was able to afjust the screen color on my scangauge 2 to match the display

 

I just used the screws that came with the D+P. There is plenty of room behind the dash.

I put the main D+P under the steering wheel behind the flip-down cover - you can see it in the last pic. I just zip-tied it.

 

You know you can also "flip" the display contrast, too, right? (So it's light lettering on a dark background instead of dark lettering on a light background).

 

Bender, I saw you post sometime ago and this holiday season, my wife picked up her 1st IPOD...now since this is her car, I tried every FM transmitter on the marker as I didn't want to replace the HK headunit...now, being fed up w/ all of those, I've opted for this HK D&P unit (b/c it was cheap--not as cheap as when you picked it up but cheap none the less)...

my question is this: how did you wire power? did you splice any wires or just use the cig lighter?

any help would be great!
Joe

 

I bought the drive - play system version 1.
I have a 2002 mini with the factory stereo and disc changer in the back. Two back speakers and two front with separate tweeters up top. The components just say MINI on them. Im looking for a way to hardwire the input. I would like to keep the changer but dont have to. This thread is great except when it describes the ho-made input cable.
Can anyone tell me what radio system I have and or how to make this cable .I would prefer to have the input up front rather than in the back.
Or has anyone had experience with the wired fm transmitter adapter from HK and where to get adapters for the antenna.

 

I have installed a Drive + Play in my 2004 Mini Cooper S. While it works, I want to utilize a direct audio connection and not use the FM modulator. I also made my own cable using the same components (CD-Rom audio cable and a male 3.5mm jack) as the one outlined here.
After plugging the connection into the D+P line out, the AUX option on the radio is not available for the reasons that you mentioned above. Could you please share with me what resistors, capacitor and other items I need to add to my cable? I have verified that they cable works by plugging it into a headphone jack.

Thank you in advance.

 

I have just took mine out of my car but had it mounted on the dash right by the windshield. Good unit.