iPod adapter - a review

[yubyub]

I installed the iPod adapter in my '06 300C SRT-8 this weekend. This is the new Can-Bus version, which integrates directly into the nav unit. I thought I'd do a review of it.

Installation

Easy as can be. The toughest part, actually, was removing the panel around the navigation unit. It was just a little nerve racking. I found that it was easiest to start the removal from the upper left or right hand sides of the panel (nearest the HVAC vents). The rest was a breeze.

There are a few threads on the installation already. Sorry, I didn't have time to take pictures.

It took me about 30 minutes, 'cause I'm slow and careful.

Use

I'll break this down into a few subcategories.

Navigation of the iPod

Honestly, a bit cumbersome. The interfaces uses different tracks to select different pieces of the menu.

For instance, tracks 1-100 are part of the playlist. Track 101 moves you to the next 100 entries in the playlist.

Special tracks exist for navigating artists, genres, etc. For example, tuning to 207 will allow browsing of a category - you turn to 207, wait for 5 seconds, then you get an "Updating channels..." and the interface reverts to track 1 of the category (i.e. artists, genres, etc). Waiting for 5 seconds on a track takes you deeper into the menu.

Hitting the PTY button twice brings up an easier top level menu, but after this you're stuck with the same track based interface as above.

It works. Honestly, my wife will NEVER use it - too confusing.

Sound Quality

Excellent, for a car. I can't find any faults - it's much better than the AUX in of the VES and absurdly better than an RF modulator.

[yubyub]

One more thing - note that, while the iPod is connected - you can not control song selection from the iPod itself. The iPod's interface is locked out - you have to use the radio/nav unit.

[Vidkidd]

Ill second the 1st post. Great add-on. Audio quality is 1000% better than sending it through the aux in on the VES system.

I routed the cables through my center compartment rather than the glove box. No messy holes to cut as I was able to feed the cables through a precut hole, sharing it the the VES harness.

It may be a hack and a work around for a system that wasnt initially designed for an IPOD. Perhaps, something better could have been done.. But.. Who knows that the original system was built to handle?? How long would it have taken and would the end result have been that much better? Who knows....

Another happy IPOD camper.