2003 M45 Harman Kardon Drive + Play iPod controller install

[Bag302]

While installing my Satellite radio (zerothread/230833, I decided to try to hook up my iPod. Using the method Boon posted in a subsequent thread.I wanted to do something with the useless ashtray in my car and thought that the Harman Kardon Drive + Play screen would fit nicely in there and add some stealth. I had to modify the Drive + Play screen to get it to fit in the ashtray while keeping functionality. I removed the back cover to the screen, which allowed the necessary clearance.I drilled a hole in the bottom of the ashtray and thread the screen's wire throughI used double sided tape to secure the screen to the trayI mounted the Drive + Play's control unit behind the ashtray assembly and under the radioI put my iPod in the lower armrest console and ran the necessary wires. I also installed the joystick with 2 sided tape on the shifter plate

Here it is hidden with the ashtray closed.

I'm very pleased with the overall outcome.
Modified by Bag302 at 3:38 PM 2/9/2009

[szh]

Very nice information and post! Thanks,

Z

[buhdda]

i'm trying this same mod this weekend...does anyone know how the wood plates come off? Brute force or are there hidden screws/latches. I dont want to pull to hard and break somethign off.

[buhdda]

never mind i figured it out.

This is a great Mod, i would highly recommend to others

[Mhotep]

I wouldn't mind trying this this weekend. Any one know how to remove the trim pieces or have pics?Henry

[Bag302]

I wouldn't mind trying this this weekend. Any one know how to remove the trim pieces or have pics?Henry

Check out the link to my other post in the first line of this thread.

[buhdda]

it is very easy just held in by clips. As you pull on it you can feel it and yank it out.

[Bag302]

Bump for new guys

[DashingMax]

Looks very nice!

[Bag302]

Annual bump

[psychodiagnostik]

Thanks for the write-up, I ordered a new DnP from Amazon and did the whole install after finding this with the forum search. I haven't had good luck with the DnP however. It powers up, then powers off, and it gives an error code that I've researched to mean the controller knob isn't communicating with the "brain" of the unit. It does this with the system hardwired to the cigarette lighter as well as being plugged in to the socket in the center console.

However, now my ipod now plays thru the tape deck, which is mainly what I wanted to accomplish.Thanks!

[Bag302]

Make sure the connections are solid at the DNP module. If the plug ends move at all, you will interrupt the connection. Also check the connection at the ipod itself. I had this problem after I stuffed the ipod in the center console. Turns out I was bending the connector slightly.

Good Luck!

[Jeff Williams]

Joe, I jsut sent you an email about my iPod interface.