IPod with 350Z Bose Sound System

From Nissan 350Z & 370Z Wiki

You can integrate your iPod directly with the standard 350Z Bose System (and non-Bose system, according to this thread), without having to resort to one of those FM-transmitter solutions. One option that works well is the [USA Spec PA11-NIS iPod interface]. The PA11-NIS plugs directly into your Bose system so the sound quality is as good as your original iPod music. The cost is around $125 online. I bought mine at [discountcarstereo.com].

[Froogle search for PA11-NIS]

From the website:

With this interface installed you can input the audio from any single auxiliary source (Sat radio, DVD Player, MP3 Player etc) directly into the radio without using an FM Modulator. The PA11-NIS is also an iPod interface and as such it will charge and control iPod products using the radio buttons and/or the iPod clickwheel. iPod controlling choices are: Direct Mode and Playlist Mode. When the PA11-NIS is set to Direct mode you can track up, track down, FF, REW using the radio buttons AND you hardcore iPod aficionados will be happy to find that the clickwheel operation on the iPod is retained. When the PA11-NIS is set to "PLAYLIST MODE" controlling the iPod is possible using the familiar CD and CD Changer control buttons on the radio. In this mode (unlike Direct Mode) the iPod screen and clickwheel are disabled allowing users to stow their iPod in a non-visible location and benefit from a safe driving experience. Going on a long journey? No problem, the PA11-NIS will also keep your iPod charged. Say good-bye to cumbersome Cassette Adapters, FM Transmitters, or Cigarette Lighter Chargers, the PA11-NIS will provide CD quality sound from you iPod and Auxiliary audio directly to the Nissan radio. The choice is yours, direct mode or Playlist mode..... you decide.

Compatibility & Notes: (These requirements must be met for this part to work)

1. Works with 2003-2006 350Z Bose system stereos [note, the website lists it as only working for 2004-2006 models, but it definitely works with the 2003]
2. The PA11-NIS does NOT interfere with the in-dash 6-CD Changer radio.
3. The Nissan/Infiniti radio MUST have a 12-pin Changer connector on the back of the radio AND the "CD" or "CD/CHG" button on the face. The USA Spec adapter works by emulating the trunk CD changer. [note: the CD6 button meets this requirement]
4. Vehicle cannot be equipped with an external CD Changer or factory Satellite Radio (you must disconnect them to use this interface).
5. Text and display information remain with the iPod (in Direct mode). The Nissan/Infiniti radio will NOT display Text. You will see playlist and track numbers only.

Requirement pictures:

1 and 2 are the plugs for the radio functions (power wires, speaker wires, etc - what an aftermarket HU would plug into with an adapter harness) 3 is the navigation 4 is the plug for an external CD changer or satellite radio.

4 is where the USAspec adapter plugs in, and in my case, there was another harness that connected inline with either number 1 or number 2, i can't remember now.

Installation

You have to remove the center console dash to plug the USA Spec iPod adapter into the back of your Bose system. The Head Unit Installation article has excellent step-by-step directions on how to do this, complete with photos. Just use this article and the USA Spec manual, and it should take you an hour or two to install it.

Car iPod holders

Once you have your iPod hooked up to your stereo, you'll want to put it somewhere where it won't slide around when you drive fast. One option is the [Belkin TuneDok (white)], also available [in black], these cost about $30. A cheaper option is the [iGrip iPod Sticky Pad], which I found at my local Best Buy store for about $6. I put mine in the empty spot where the NAV would go, and iPod just sits on top of it. The iGrip holds it there pretty well.