Full iPod Control In a Pre 2009 Bentley GT
 

Hi All,

I know Dension and others make iPod integration kits for the GT, but has anyone made a fully integrated one that shows track information and allows control from the steering wheel and nav unit?

If not, which kit gets me closest to the above?

None have made a fully integrated unit to the best of my research over the past year+ for pre 2009. Hopefully i am wrong and someone chimes in with a good solution that works.

I am struggling to find a solution but need to sort out a solution, even if it is a
basic solution with basic details on screen and control via the Stettin wheel. I haven't used CDs in a car for a long long time.

Anybody out there that can help?:D

Perhaps do what i did, get a car mount and iTouch. Obviously the iTouch on-screen controls can do A LOT more than what the Bentley could do even on the 'best' of steering wheel integration. Only problem i have is that the iTouch is only 64GB and really need 128GB as a minimum to store the amount of (uncompressed or 'lightly' compressed) music desired.

Perhaps one day car manufacturers will offer a removable 2.5-inch HD system and external USB3 dock (USB2 compat) so that you can use the external HD as mass storage to migrate your files (audio AND video), then the car's system will read said hard drive. Of course a SSD is best and soon a 256GB SSD will be around $250 or less. Being this is a Bentley (and i know VW wants to become the #1 automobile manufacturer), am sure owners can afford SSD. The trick is to have the on-board computer system's ability to read all the usual tags (genre, artist, etc and play MP3, wma, wma lossless, FLAC, Apple lossless, etc). Dare i ask, also have the unit read video files (mp4, avi, mkv, etc) such that users in the back seat can always (and front screen adhering to laws concerning video) is available.

High-end car audio systems, not stock system, have had this ability for many, many years using computer integration. Perhaps Bentley should have one of their technicians visit a 'finals' car audio competition in various countries. Am sure in Britain there are car audio enthusiast meetings and the technicians could see what the 'kids' are doing and how the professionals are implementing said systems. Nowadays the high-end audio community is simply stuffing boxes with the best chipsets/hardware and letting software/firmware be the variable with which to add/improve/modernize features and ability.

VW could really jump over the competition by offering such systems. They could also easily add WiFi, advanced voice recognition and other features too. Perhaps VW is waiting for Microsoft's 'system on a chip', which is basically a much more modern version of the now old Windows CE that operated on the Microsoft/Clarion AutoPC system that was very advanced for its time.

I like your setup however due to the "wife factor", the iPod needs to go in glove box.

I did find this http://www.caraudiocentre.co.uk/prod...on_p-26411.htm

i doubt "Controls direct through stereo, steering controls & the iPOD itself!" Another problem, does the unit show tracks, playlists, etc on one of the Bentley screens? Please go ahead and buy it and let us know if this is true.

This is for 2008
http://diceelectronics.com/bentley.html

This is for those of us with 2005 to 2007 models we needed the VW model, which works only in a very limited basis.

PS: And yes have tried the dip switch setting where the iPod says it is hooked to an accessory and NO the 2006 Bentely does NOT show the track names on the display, does not change the tracks via steering wheel or any other control, etc.

I could have made do with just steering controls and basic display information (track 01).

But if it is limited to only 6 playlists, shows no text and isn't controlled by the steering wheel or nav, this thing really stinks

Tried various DIP switch setting when first installed and again yesterday to be sure. The Dice unit is GREAT provided you use the iPod/iTouch to change tracks, etc. It is far better than nothing or being stuck with only 6 CDs plus the sound quality of the Dice unit is quite good as it has its own DAC, thus not using the truly lousy Apple DAC chipset.

FYI: Many people have never heard how much better, as a freestanding portable audio player, the Microsoft Zune is as compared to the Apple products. Apple is really a lousy sounding unit on its own, and this is mainly due to the hideous DAC and cheap amplifier. The Dice unit eliminates that problem by reading the digital out of the Apple unit and, thus, using the Dice's own far better sounding/performing built-in DAC and amplification to feed the Bentley car audio unit.

Such a dissapointment.

Are you sure Dice don't have a newer model or that there isn't anything better out there?

They MIGHT have updated the internal firmware of the unit, yet not 100% sure. Best bet would be to contact them and ask. Am waiting for them to come out with a Mediabridge with Bluetooth for the VW/Bentley as this would solve the Bluetooth situation for only a few hundred dollars.

I've just recently fitted the DICE unit to my 05 Conti GT, I can control forward and back on the tracks but that's about it, it still doesn't support playlist selection or track names. it's much better than 6 CD's though!

Like Steven says, you can use an Itouch to make it more manageable, we use an Ipad (helps with fat fingers on the road) and it works well.

There is one alternative to this I've heard that does work really well, it sorts the Music and indeed bluetooth phone connectivity out, it's a bit pricey at the moment.... buy a new Conti GT... I'm trying to persuade Helen we need one due to the limitations above, but I'm not sure she's falling for it!

Another benefit of the new Conti over the models made before 2008... radar cruise control. If you have never used this feature it is a bit unnerving at first, yet is truly amazing as it controls the top speed you set while cruising and if someone slows down in front of you the car automatically slows down and will resume to your set top speed once the road in front of the car is clear. What blew my mind was that it'll also stop the car all the way to 0 mph if needed and then proceed as necessary.

You could also mention that the new Conti has nicer, easy to use cup holders :D

PS: Don't know why i never thought of using the iTouch's Bluetooth with my phone, will try that. MANY thanks for the idea! Oh, wait, i did try it and the 3rd generation iTouch here does not support Hands-Free Profile (HFP 1.5) while the 4th Gen does :( i'll wait for a 128GB or higher iTouch and then that should solve the HFP situation. Frankly, i like using rSAP better as the Bentley's built-in cell amplifier/antenna are far better than any small handheld cell phone in the market. Makes me wonder how many here remember the old 'luggable' 3-watt phones during the 1980's... or the Motorola 8000H 'brick phone'.

I had one of the first bricks to come out. While I've got an iPhone 4 right now, the best phone I ever had was the Motorola StarTec a decade back. Light, easy to use, great battery life... ah how I long for the good ol' days to return! :rolleyes:

But I haven't gone for the iPhone conversion kit on my 2006 BCGT - it's around US$3000 to instal here - and I'd rather spend that on world trips etc. But I do miss this option - the existing Nokia in the center console works OK but it means another number for everyone to remember.


I have that on my LX570, as well as on my sold Lexus LS600hL a couple years back. It's great fun, but the acceleration lags somewhat which makes it annoying for cars following me. Good for boasting rights only so far. Is the Bentley any better for this?

Ahh yes, i remember those. Good ol' analog cell phones. Ummm, you do know guys like me with shortwave could easily listen to your calls. You'd be AMAZED at what people say on their cell phones.


Upon test driving two then new 2008 Bentleys during a press event the radar cruise control was pretty good. There was some lag, as both cars seemed to suffer far too much turbo lag in general... which is interesting in that the 2006 CGT here does not suffer from much lag really. Am sure over the past couple of years they have been able to fine-tune it all better still.

Interesting how progress often runs backwards like that. Having decided that the CGT is the best car I've ever owned over the last 45 years for both drivability and looks, I want to upgrade every so often to stay current. But going on from the 2006, I'm faced with the Speed - harder ride, harder seats... the SuperSports - harder x10 and I don't like industrial interior styling... and the 2011 GT revision - the ugly trunk, though I do like the sharper body lines.

However I guess it's all compromise. As much as I want to stay in a time warp, I will accept the minor setbacks for the overall perfectness of these lovely machines.

What a shame , someone gots to come up with something that will work

I agree the accessories don't make the car, but sometimes the small things make life a whole lot easier. Like Bluetooth for example, though I wouldn't change the car just to add that feature. It's all horses for courses. I drive my CGT a couple times a week at most and would use the phone maybe once a month, so this is not a big issue.

The other issue with upgrading is finding the right color combo in a used CGT. I love my sapphire dark blue body and cream/dark blue interior - it is a complete change from all the black on black I've been used to in my other cars. To get a nice combo like that in a newer used CGT would be difficult in our country, as I've seen some dreadful color schemes (red body with red/tan interior, and apologies to anyone with that scheme... it's just not my taste).

Yes, the perfect car is hard to find, so I'll stick with what I have - for a while.

Just to some up, can someone please confirm that the best available options are:

1) Upgrade to the DICE Mediabridge and use bluetooth to link an itouch or iPhone for wireless control via the iPhone or itouch.

2) Use another DICE unit (what is the best model?) with an iPod/touch hard connected and only have track listings and forward/backward control via the oem unit.

Can someone please confirm and identify any other options please. What about Dension?

They do not make a MediaBridge specifcally for the VW/Bentley. You would have to use ANALOG.


Yes, the VW kit as mentioned on my main thread describes it all, so please use the SEARCH function for those details.


Not a clue about the full details on the Denison, ask them.

This si the best thing on offer: http://diceelectronics.com/duo-ipod-sirius

Alpine
 

This is looking very exciting and after some initial digging around, I believe it not only has full text support, full iPod control, but also control via the oem steering wheel and nav unit.

http://www.alpine-electronics.co.uk/...bcb3140ed3ec7b

http://www.alpine-electronics.co.uk/...HubDetails.pdf

Fingers Crossed!

Supports unlimited Playlists ???
http://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/dice-...n-p-33543.html

Not sure about playlists, that is the kit i use and only as an interface, i keep the iTouch on a mount and use the iTouch to change songs, etc. The streering wheel only control volume.

Hi
Just to make a quick answer I did see one on youtube, I remember typing in Yahoosearch for intergrade ipod to bentley and found one vid showing how it works the playlist and shows on the Bentley radio and cluster

i order this one.it said Unlimited playlists.use Disc 2 to select the playlists.this what i want to try.after i install see the result is good or not.


http://www.autotoys.com/x/product.php?productid=9963

Hello
Let us know if this worked for you!
Thanks

I have the dice. The mediabridge isn't available. I spoke at length with dice about it specifically because I wanted the wireless. I ended up with the dice kit duo silver line. I had the cable run up out of the cup holder and am pleased. I can hide it when not in use. I plug in my iPhone and drive everything from the phone. It rests on the console when playing. I can control iPod and pandora from the iPhone. I can also skip to next from the steering wheel. Nothing is displayed other than song1,2,3, etc on the car displays. It also charged my iPhone and is direct digital so the sound is great. It disables the cd changer.

Nice, THAT is what i was curious as the lower moel i use can't. Hopefully Dice releases a unit with Bluetooth too, as this would solve the Bluetooth situation on older Bentley cars.


Agree, the sound is very good as Dice takes the pure digital file out of the iPod/iTouch/iPhone and then uses their own DAC/preamplification. As we all know, Apple products have a lousy DAC/amplifier built in and it sounds like rubbish (imho). Using the pure digital file to then feed Dice's DAC/preamp is much, much better in sound quality.

I am going to have the dealer module installed this week. Ill keep you all posted. Has anyone tried the dealer installed and certified modual?

"Personally, we’re pretty shocked by this move from the good boys over at Crewe, England, but we welcome this with open arms and we’re looking specifically at all our Bentley Continental owners over here. Starting now, your local Bentley dealership will offer the ability to install an iPod connectivity kit which will be a "factory" part, and not after market. But damn, how the heck can I control the iPod? Leave it up to the sneaky brits, because once that bad boy is plugged in "track selection and volume can be controlled via the infotainment system or steering mounted controls." Amaaazing! Just in case this doesn’t knock your socks off, "a USB input is available allowing any music device with a USB port to be used and controlled via the infotainment system". It just gets better and better, doesn’t it? "To ensure your device is kept safe whilst in use, a leather holder has been designed to house and protect the player in the glove compartment. The high quality fleece lined Schoeller material offers maximum protection." Well, you heard it folks! This is compatible with the Bentley Continental series like the Bentley Continental GT, and Bentley Continental Flying Spur. Model compatibility years are not specified so theoretically this might work back to on ’04 model."

Price for the part? Does there need to be any changes in VAG COM or other mods made?

Whole setup will cost $1100. Don't know any specifics, other than it is a Bentley module that integrators seamlessly into the infotainment system.

I bought this one somewhere in the UK, dont remember where but the link was from this forum. Thought it was aftermarket, but was an original part.

Only thing that p***d me off was that i bought an Ipod for it just to find out that you can run any USB stick as well with it and play music directly from there.

The Iopd also will show the Bentley logo as soon as you connect it.
CD changer still works normal when you disconnect the Ipod.

Installation time: 15 minutes using the removal tools (small metal hooks, they are included in universal removal tool sets).

Did not see link to what you purchased.

I did not post it as i dont remember it

Looked it up, thats the one and its a lot cheaper than mentioned above:

http://www.ppcgb.com/Bentley/Contine...cma579-cmo798/

Thanks for posting the link. Interesting.

How much time/trouble/$ to put that stuff in?

15 minutes idiot-proof if you invest 20 Dollars in the right tools:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/251137934296?item=251137934296&pt=Motors_Automotiv e_Tools&cmd=ViewItem&hash=item3a78fcc3d8&vxp=mtr

Dont remember which one of these hooks it was, but one of these is for the CD changer. You can pull it out in 10 seconds without uninstalling anything else.

Put the cable on the rear of the CD changer, let it hang down in the glove box from behind, connect the box and place it in the glove box with the strips and the leatherbag.

Thats all. Nothing to change, nothing to code, nothing to activate. Just plug it in.
When the Ipod is disconnected, the CD changer works as usual.

I wish you did not have to say "idiot proof".:(;):D