iPod my M3!

[Alex_1]

So BMW has taken on rival company Volkswagon in heading for the future. I find this very interesting, as it is something I have often talked about doing with the Z. How to integrate the iPod with your car stereo. And here, BMW and Apple have seemingly found a way... sort of.

http://www.apple.com/ipod/bmw/

However this comes at some costs that they don't tell you about. Such as the loss of use of teh DVD navigation systems and having to forego satellite radio. The Navigation system isn't a big deal, as you can buy a portable one for at least 800 dollars less than what most auto manufacturer's charge.

Still, I like it. I had been wondering how in the world I would be able to integrate the iPod system with the Z, trying to figure out if a whole new system would be necessary to do so. Should be interesting to see what other marriages arise between the gadget world and the automotive industry. Maybe Rio will go with other auto companies, same with Sony even as they work towards the future of automotive stereo systems. Toyota was on the right track with Scion, I wonder where they are with this?

[dark knight]

That's really cool. Almost makes me wish I drove regularly.

[Dante]

I find this very interesting, as it is something I have often talked about doing with the Z.
So what type of Z do you have?

[MatadorCE]

Things like navigation are mainly toys IMO, it's good that auto manufacturers are looking into MP3 players. They should make MP3 players easier to integrate into the dash, just like how now you can put just about any deck into any car.

[Alex_1]

So what type of Z do you have?

I'm planning to order either the Enthusiast or Track model at the end of December. I started a thread about a few things I'm planning to do to it - I probably shouldn't have made a whole new thread:

http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=111299

Right now I have an IS and an 89 Merkur. The IS300 is a good car, no complaints with it but it's the one I'll part with. The Merkur I absolutely love and just needs a little more TLC, and I want to work on it. Then maybe I'll sell it or something. It looks great... all I want to do to it is put on new wheels, a fresh paint-job, and change the hoses... which will be a bitch to do with an 89 turbocharged German import.

Things like navigation are mainly toys IMO, it's good that auto manufacturers are looking into MP3 players. They should make MP3 players easier to integrate into the dash, just like how now you can put just about any deck into any car.

I know - but sometimes I wish I had one of those navigation systems... I've been lost many times!

I think that in the future, there will literally be a smaller hard-drive system in the center console... :D I can see that - the navigation system and satellite radio and even MP3 player all connected to a central processor in your vehicle... all in one. The iPod/stereo integration is probably just the beginning.

[Dante]

Oh a 350Z, you had my hopes up there. I've got a 300ZX and absolutely love the thing.

[MatadorCE]

I'm planning to order either the Enthusiast or Track model at the end of December.

nice choices, I would go with the Track model :-) in that mouth-watering dark gray color... what are the significant differences between the Track and the Enthusiast models? IIRC, Brembo brakes and the lighter forged wheels on the Track model? Good thing the aftermarket has good big brake kits and forged wheels for the Z.

[Alex_1]

Oh a 350Z, you had my hopes up there. I've got a 300ZX and absolutely love the thing.

The 300's are still the sh.it - the twin-turbo, t-tops - that thing cooks! It just got too pricey in the mid-nineties, but what a car it is!


nice choices, I would go with the Track model :-) in that mouth-watering dark gray color... what are the significant differences between the Track and the Enthusiast models? IIRC, Brembo brakes and the lighter forged wheels on the Track model? Good thing the aftermarket has good big brake kits and forged wheels for the Z.

Thanks man! There are five diff. coupe models and two convertibles. The "enthusiast" is a step up from the base model - it has the xenon lights, but most importantly traction control. It comes with 17" wheels standard. The Track model is pretty hooked up - has the sports kit (front isn't that impressive, just a silver strip usually for the spoiler), brembo brakes and a much tighter suspension, 18" wheels and sport tires, special rims - the ride is rougher. But they all come with the same engine, which is the biggest thing... since the track costs about 9K more than the base! But there is a difference when you drive them... the track just feels sportier and is slightly quicker.

The aftermarket assigned to it from Nissan is Nismo. They have the headers, intakes, slip differentials, exhaust and brembo pads, etc. But the wheels on it are freakin' expensive - about 550 each, let alone the tires. This one's definitely a project I'm workin' on with a buddy of mine. Not going to make it over the top (no shiney wheels, tinted windows, decals, etc.), but still make it pretty cool and fun to drive (custom shifter, neat stereo, etc.) If I order the car, I'll have to wait about 3 mo. to get it. Which is fine - can't do anything with it drive wise in December.