(G) Ipod connection kit

Has anyone bought the ipod connection kit for non blue&me equipped 500s?

What does it consist of? The picture on the Fiat website is of an ipod which isn't very helpful. Does it include a holder? I see there is a holder sold separately for another 21 quid! How does it attach? Is it controlled through the radio/cd?

Checked with my dealer this morning and they wanted £76 fitting - is it that complicated? Or am I just out of touch with modern labour rates?

I Should have asked all my questions at the time but they also said they've never fitted one which didn't inspire confidence

Cheers

i just use my normal lead which plugs into my computers usb

but remember to format all them songs to mp3 or it dont work 4000 songs later

He doesnt have B&M, so wont have a USB port to plug one into!

Im guessing its a similar setup to the Dension ICE Link. Direct connection to the head unit in some shape or other. Try calling another Fiat dealer for the specifics if yours isn't sure.

Does £76 include the device itself? My local Ford garage charges £90 per hour for labour

I don't have Blue&Me so no USB. The connection kit is for non B&M equipped cars.

£90 an hour?!! Makes £76 sound cheap.... That was just for the installation. Another £70+VAT for the kit. Whatever it consists of.

whoops didnt read that bit

I'd imagine it would be some sort of interface kit which allows it to run via the H/U. Something similar to what is used on the GP

I have bought one and I fitted it myself. It took me around 90mins to fit - less if i did another. It does work well but a few comments:-
It completely takes over the ipod, changing tracks via the < > buttons on the car audio unit. The ipod is now tucked away in the hidden compartment behind the dash on the passenger side. You can use playlists but selecting tracks by name is hard
The ipod unit uses the CD changer connections in the back of the audio unit.
The fitting instructions are in English but refer to an LHD car so you must mirror them.
I think £76 is a fair price - say an hours work for a garage, but you can do it yourself.
If you want more info on little snags you meet, mainly due to the LHD/RHD bit I can list them.