The Intravee (iPod connectivity) plus extra features

[Sanj]

This one was covered to death on the old forum but to help create some archives for our new forum I think it deserves a mention. Besides if I don’t mention it PVR will be most upset!

So what is it? A UK invention that connects to the existing wiring for the CD Changer in the boot of the car. A 3 and 6 pin configuration that connects to the little box of tricks and then requires an Alpine KCA-420i unit that will finish the iPod connection. Just remember you have to let go of the changer if you want this setup – a switch was released by the manufacturer but that is proving hard to come by and again setup cost go up. There are other ways to get multiple unit setups.

Without wishing to infringe any copyrights, please visit this site for more details:

http://www.intravention.co.uk


So what’s so good about a setup that will cost more than your iPod!?! Most have said that it’s the best interface currently available for the E53 X5 (not the newest iDrive models) with the very good sound quality. Also possible to connect to other models of the BMW range of the same era – 3 series, 5 series, Z4, etc. The unit will display on any headunit type but the screen setup seems to be best suited. Full Playlist, Artist, Albums are all viewable and all controllable from the OEM headunit or steering controls.

Again, screenshots and setup details are all on the site.

The unit is designed to be upgradeable by the end-user (you). It has a serial port at one end which can be connected to a PC and then with downloadable software from the site you can update the firmware as and when it comes out. Should you bother doing this? Oh yes! The newest firmware is available to beta testers (those who bought the unit in its infancy and signed up to test it in their own cars).

Right now a beta firmware is being tested for two very useful features for the X5:

1. Unlock on exit – if you have convenience lock which locks your car as you move off, you know how annoying it is that is will not unlock the doors unless you pull the door handle twice or press the centre console button. This feature will send a signal to unlock the car doors as you remove the ignition key from the barrel.

2. Folding mirrors – only useful if you have the factory option installed that allows the exterior mirrors to be folded by the press of the button oh the drivers window switch panel. Ever got out walked a few step away and realised they should be folded? With this feature enabled the Intravee will allow you to choose to fold/unfold the mirrors off the press of the ignition key.

Some forum members will be able to comment on it’s performance, usefulness and the extra features as they already have it!

[jeegnesh]

Best iPod comparability for standard setup by far. Does alot more as Sanj explained.

[alfamale]

Don't call him Sanjtravee for nothing

I have the autofolding mirrors and auto unlocking of doors curtesy of Sanj (thanks again) and it's a great feature.

[Pewters]

I bet you have been itching to do this one eh Sanj

[Sanj]

Three days and no mention of Intravee! I was getting withdrawal symptoms! Got my fix now tho.

[Turks]

This is STILL something I am wanting to do but just haven't got round to doing... plus the amount of cash I have been through in the last 6 months on the house leaves me feeling guilty spending a few hundred quid on a treat for myself when really I should be building back up the savings for a rainy day!

I have seen on Bavarian Sound Works (USA) a really smart dock which goes where the front ash tray is... do you think that this could be hooked up to the Intravee / KCA? It would look even better if there was a proper dock for the iPod.


Turks.

[Sanj]

The dock is also very expensive! Seen that, sits in the ashtray nice. But the IV2 doesnt need to be accessed once it's hooked up, all the controls are accessible off the unit/steering. It's important to feed it through to the centre console.

Haven't investigated the possibility of using this dock with IV2 setup but I don't think it would be impossible. Could be as easy as connecting the KCA-420i iPod connector to the bottom of the dock and that's it!?!

[Pewters]

For my the beauty of the intravee is that everything is hidden away.

Btw Turks you will not be disappointed when you do invest in the intravee mate


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[x555]

+1............awsome bit of kit and if i were to sell my x that would be the first thing to come out....along with a few other mods

[Turks]

[quote=""Pewters""]For my the beauty of the intravee is that everything is hidden away.

Btw Turks you will not be disappointed when you do invest in the intravee mate
[/quote]


A couple of hundred quid here and there on bits of work for the house has cost me £47,000.00 in the last 6 months and i'm still not done



That said, I will get myself one soon as I can't afford a new car so best make this one comfortable!


Turks.

[Pewters]

£47k !!!!

Would love to see sone before and after pics mate


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[Otto-Mate]

Just realised I've had the X5 for over a year now and still not bagged one of these buggers on eBay - they are silly money there. I have the KCA-420i sitting here that I got off eBay about 11 months ago. Looks like I should bite the bullet and buy a new Intravee.

M.

[kena]

Get it bought, you know it makes sense

[Sanj]

[quote=""Otto-Mate""]Just realised I've had the X5 for over a year now and still not bagged one of these buggers on eBay - they are silly money there. I have the KCA-420i sitting here that I got off eBay about 11 months ago. Looks like I should bite the bullet and buy a new Intravee.

M.[/quote]

Otto-Mate - have you registered on the Intravention forum? They come up on there quicker than anywhere else, try there first!

[Turks]

[quote=""Pewters""]£47k !!!!

Would love to see sone before and after pics mate


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk[/quote]


I have a few before and after pics which I will have to dig out. Would have loved to have kept a better portfolio but quite a bit of the work has been done while I have been away at work. I have done alot myself too though which has saved a bit of cash and also gave me a sense of achievement. Its crazy how fast the bills mount up! I spent close to £1100 just on GU10 Bulbs!!!


Turks.