I've been looking for an easy iPhone integration solution for the past week, and although I haven't found an all-in-one package, what I HAVE found seems to be somewhat ideal. Any feedback is totally appreciated...

1) Replace stock radio:
I've looked for easy solutions for an AUX IN addition to our stock radios and from what I've found, there just simply isn't. Purchasing a new head unit is about the only way to go.

From this board, I came across the Clarion FB275BT...I really like this model both for it's aesthetic design and cost. Since there are no moving parts, (No CD player) it keeps the cost way down and my entire library is on my iPhone anyway. Some people on this board have complained about the white buttons, but I'm o.k. with it...

It's bluetooth compatible (phone function), it has a built-in microphone on the dash, it streams audio via bluetooth (iPod function), the colors are adjustable, it'll play 2GB SD Cards, it has an AUX IN on the back, and there are no special mounts needed to install it in our cars.

So, we've got phone integration, ipod integration, it retains the aesthetic integrity, and it's cheap.

2) No wires cluttering up the Dash
I hate wires and I hide them as often as humanly possible. I especially don't like a bunch of wires coming out of my dashboard.

So, since the unit supports A2DP, I should be able to stream music from my iPhone without any wires, right? Eh...sorta. Surprisingly, the iPhone does not support A2DP even though the bluetooth chip inside supports it. But, there is an easy solution from Sony called the Sony TMR-BT8iP which simply connects to the bottom of the dock connector and streams music via bluetooth. This is a pretty small device and does not require any additional battery as it pulls its power from the device itself. Plus, it'll pair with any bluetooth compatible device such as the Clarion head unit.

No wires, easy integration, small footprint. It's an extra add-on, yes. But it's not such a huge inconvenience that it's a deal-breaker.

3) Car Mount
Obviously, a car mount is not necessary, but I think it's something everybody likes to have. You could just as easily leave the phone on the passenger seat or in your pocket with the Sony bluetooth transmitter connected to it, but it just doesn't look as neat.

From what I've read, ProClip seems to be the best for iPod car mounts. I know a few people on this board have used them and while some people have complained, the work they've put into making these mounts compatible with almost every car says a lot about their business to me.

4) Charging
This is still one subject that isn't 100% solved for me. With the Sony bluetooth transmitter connected, there's no way to charge the iPhone while it's in use. However, you could always just buy a car charger and use it when necessary. But, I'm all about "all-in-one-solutions".

I am currently using a DLO TransPod with my iPhone and that charges the iPhone while playing. It also has an AUX OUT to connect to a head unit. So, if I were to leave this in place, I've got A) a car mount, B) a charger and C) and AUX OUT. This is pretty convenient, but there still needs to be some sort of wire coming out of the device to the back of the radio and you know how I feel about wires! Plus, since it connects to the cigarette lighter, the aesthetics just aren't quite as appeasing. BUT, it's all about compromise when there isn't an "all-in-one-solution".

If I were to go this route, I'm positive the AUX OUT wire could be easily hidden in the side panel without any problem. That's comforting.

SO, with all this being said, I'm still not 100% sure of which route to take, but I think I've got a pretty decent amount of research.

If anyone has any ideas or comments, I would love to read them!

Thanks for the feedback...

 

Just picked up an Iphone as well I love it best phone that ever happened to me lol

 

If you ask me I think your best solution is the motorola motorokr

http://direct.motorola.com/hellomoto/T505/

This will work with the existing stereo, no wires to mess with, it connects via bluetooth and gives you access to your music library in your Iphone and lets you hear your calls through your stereo system too. If you look online you should be able to pick one up for under $100 so it's a great value for the money and no instalation headache. I hope this was useful.

 

That's a really nice solution, but the problem lies with the fact that the signal is still being sent via the FM transmitter...it's just not that good. I'd much rather have a clear sound...If I find one in the store, I might be tempted to pick one up and try it out though...Thanks again!

 

Plus, the iPhone doesn't support A2DP yet, so I wouldn't be able to stream my music via bluetooth...just my phone calls.

 

I was almost sold on it...but apparently it has no AM tuner? WTF?

 

I don't listen to AM, so that's not an issue for me...the device is really designed more for bluetooth streaming...since everyone has bluetooth enabled phones and carry their music libraries in their pockets, they figured there's more of a demand for personal library media as opposed to standard FM/AM compatibility.

 

The way I did it was that I replaced my stock unit with the Alpine X01 unit. Also added in the Sirius Radio tuner. Bought myself an Apple Bluetooth Headset as well. The cable is routed into the glove compartment. When you connect it, you can fully browse all of your music visually with the LCD screen and dial. Podcasts work great as well and are separated from your music. Anytime someone calls, it pauses what you are listening to and you just answer your headset. The second you hangup on the person it resumes where you were. For me, it's the perfect solution.

You can also add an additional bluetooth box to the Alpine headunit for $99 more and they'll install a microphone in the car. Pretty much the same procedure as above, except that when there's an incoming call, it displays on the LCD screen who it is or the phone number of the person if they are not in your address book. Calls play through the speakers of the car. I've heard feedback though that the noise cancellation isn't up to snuff and if you go that route, people can hear their own echo on their end of the line.

 

Your solution sounds pretty good! I wonder if you finally ended up mounting it.

I'm also considering the Clarion option, but I'm not sure if it really fits the dash color, as it says "white" in several sites (seems silver plated in pictures). Is it silver with white elements or is it white white? Is there any picture of one of this mounted in a Crossfire?

About this option, has the bluetooth sound transmission any disadvantage in terms of sound quality compared to a wired connection? I bought time ago a FM transmitter and it's ok, but just as a short-term solution, I'm now enough of it and I'm no longer interested in another low-quality solution.

I've got my mount from ProClip and it's nice. I ordered 853324 (mount for xfire) and 875168 (holder with tilt swivel). But bearing in mind the TMR-BT8iP I guess you could go to one model with plug incorporated (915168, 915177 or 915193, I don't know which one would fit), and then you could leave the Sony transmitter attached to the holder, what would definitely be REALLY good (apart from the lack of power)

 

speaking of iphones refurbs are 249.00 eachfor the 8g

 

i would love to see a fullintegration... with actual ipod jack built in. similar to the new audi. it is in the glove box, plugs in like a normal ipod jack would to your computer and is concealed in the glove box. all functions can be controlled through the head unit and no messy wires hanging anywhere. i know it can be done, but now the question of cost comes into play. because frankly, $.02 cd's and a $200 dollar head unit sound better than a $500 head unit and a $250-$400 iPod/iPhone... just my thought

edit: though something to the effect of the JVC KD-NX5000 with the JVC KS-PD100 would be nice

 

I recently replaced the stock radio in my XF with a Sony MEX-BP2600 (see thread here: https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...d.php?t=22480). I supports Blue Tooth devices for both hands free calling and for music.

I don't know much about iphones or ipods (I avoid apple products like the plague), but if they support blue tooth, you should be good to go for a wireless solution. I use the auxillary port on the front of the stereo with my MP3 player and it sounds great.