As title suggests,I'm considering having an mdi fitted so I can control my iPod through steering wheel. Would an SD card allow same controls ?

I believe music would have to be in MP3 format for the SD card to work.

Given the poor implementation of Podcasts by Apple since the introduction of iOS8 (and above), I'd say go with the SD card.

 

However, if you don;t use Podcasts, then I'd say go with the MDI for simplicity of syncing tracks, etc. (if you like changing music frequently).

 

If you have a large capacity iPod, then that doesn't matter and a SD card would be cheaper and far easier.

Given the poor implementation of Podcasts by Apple since the introduction of iOS8 (and above), I'd say go with the SD card.

 

However, if you don;t use Podcasts, then I'd say go with the MDI for simplicity of syncing tracks, etc. (if you like changing music frequently).

 

If you have a large capacity iPod, then that doesn't matter and a SD card would be cheaper and far easier.

Will the SD card work with the steering wheel controls?

Not fully. Neither does MDI.

You'll get skip / repeat track on both, but that's about it.

Biggest disappointment with MFSW is not being able to navigate the Columbus file structure let alone MDI or SD card.

At least voice control allowed some form of file structure navigation even though it was clunky.

Have both...never use MDI. Of course you can also transfer the library to the HDD. I keep music on HDD and use SD card for BBC podcasts, audio books etc..

How do you get your podcasts onto SD card?

I listen to quite a few but have become despondent with Apple's implementation on the iPhone recently and could do with a way around this.

Have both...never use MDI. Of course you can also transfer the library to the HDD. I keep music on HDD and use SD card for BBC podcasts, audio books etc..

on hdd do you get to see track names etc search random mix

Yes.

Think I will put mdi on hold and give hdd a try first. What capacity does hdd have please?

Depends upon the age but either 30Gb (older) or 40Gb (newer).

However, some of this is taken up with map partition and POI partitions. I think the 30Gb drive leaves you with about 16Gb for music.

Have a quick Google and you'll find out.