Dension Gateway 500, any experiance?

[weaselchops]

Hi,

I am thinking of getting the Dension 500 gateway along with the DAB+G adaptor. As my X5 has not got native USB or Bluetooth streaming and deffo no DAB
Has anybody got any experience of these?

Cheers

[X5Sport]

I had experience with Dension (their ICE>Link System) and the technical support - Eastern European Company - was abysmal.  No end of issues and they eventually went bust and we’re bought out.  Might be better now, but be wary and check customer reviews.

[Spandex]

I’ve installed a gateway 500 in three different BMW’s now - the latest being my e70, which had the factory iPod interface, but I swapped it out for the dension because the OEM interface is a bit frustrating in how it handles ‘shuffle’ mode.

What do you want to know? I’ve never used the dab unit.

[weaselchops]

[quote="Spandex"]
I’ve installed a gateway 500 in three different BMW’s now - the latest being my e70, which had the factory iPod interface, but I swapped it out for the dension because the OEM interface is a bit frustrating in how it handles ‘shuffle’ mode.

What do you want to know? I’ve never used the dab unit.
[/quote]

Has yours got bluetooth? If so does it take over from the built in hands free system?

[Spandex]

No, never fitted one with Bluetooth. I just stick an old iPod loaded with music in the glovebox and leave it there, so I’ve never really felt the need to have A2DP streaming.

[Murdocky]

My E60 has a dension 500 with Bluetooth. Works great except that it has never synced contacts with iPhone - I have to use recent calls list to dial out. Self fit was easy behind the glove box and I got srn in Cambridge to code the car.

[weaselchops]

I took the plunge and got it fitted.
Works pretty much as I hoped.
The DAB isn't as feature rich as the factory fitted. But works very well none the less.
The Bluetooth streaming works well on my Galaxy S8+, as luck would have it a recent update to my phone meant my factory Bluetooth telephony now works with contacts!

[Murdocky]

Did you pay for fitting or self fit? My E70 2008 model will be delivered later this week and I’m going to move the dension kit across from my old E70 - can’t find any details on how to get the cd changer out yet though.

[weaselchops]

I paid for fitting.
The cd changer needs the surround popped off first. Trim tool around side should pop off the clips 4 I think.
Then you see the hex screws holding in place. Needs a firm yank to get it out.

[weaselchops]

[quote="Murdocky"]
Did you pay for fitting or self fit? My E70 2008 model will be delivered later this week and I’m going to move the dension kit across from my old E70 - can’t find any details on how to get the cd changer out yet though.
[/quote]

Guide here https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5- ... mover.html

[Murdocky]

Thanks!