Well, I got my iPod today

[Curious Joel]

I finally saved enough money to get myself an iPod... I got a blue iPod mini, but it's charging so I haven't tried putting songs on it or anything. I decided on the mini because I think 1000 songs is plenty enough, and I payed for it with my own money so I decided to save $50. I'm excited. I'm still undecided about whether I should get the Icelink or the BMW adaptor, but I'm leaning towards the BMW one. Any opinions on either from those who have either?

[LCC]

I finally saved enough money to get myself an iPod... I got a blue iPod mini, but it's charging so I haven't tried putting songs on it or anything. I decided on the mini because I think 1000 songs is plenty enough, and I payed for it with my own money so I decided to save $50. I'm excited. I'm still undecided about whether I should get the Icelink or the BMW adaptor, but I'm leaning towards the BMW one. Any opinions on either from those who have either?

Congratulations. You will love it. I have a 4g 20GB and I have the IceLink Plus and love it. I did not even entertain the BMW version. My wife has a regular IceLink in her 325CiC. As soon as the firmware is more stable on the plus, I am updating hers. Should be one more firmware release I am thinking. I just put the latest firmware and the ID3v2 tags on mine and it's pretty cool.

Let us know what you get!

[dsheli]

Go with the BMW one.

[santiago]

I've been studying the options between Ice-Link+ and the BMW one, and my vote presently is for the IceLink. However, there was word at the last Macworld that there is going to be a Version 2 of Ipod your BMW. Might be worth to see what that is and compare that to the IceLink.

At this present time though, the IceLink+ wins on functionality.

[Curious Joel]

Does the Icelink do anything to your warranty? That's one thing that is sending me in the other direction.. Also, how the heck do I find a shop to install it?

[santiago]

Does the Icelink do anything to your warranty? That's one thing that is sending me in the other direction.. Also, how the heck do I find a shop to install it?

No problems with warranty, it plugs into your CD changer adapter. I would check regarding compatibility for your X5. I was shopping for my E46. It's a straightforward DIY especially if your CD changer adapter is in a handy place. My undertanding is that the X-vehicles have the CD changer adapter under the center console. Couldn't get easier than that. Mine is in the rear trunk and I would have to snake a wire to the front so that the iPod would be handy.

[Curious Joel]

No problems with warranty, it plugs into your CD changer adapter. I would check regarding compatibility for your X5. I was shopping for my E46. It's a straightforward DIY especially if your CD changer adapter is in a handy place. My undertanding is that the X-vehicles have the CD changer adapter under the center console. Couldn't get easier than that. Mine is in the rear trunk and I would have to snake a wire to the front so that the iPod would be handy.
I've got an E46 now, so I'd be shopping for that. So I'd have to have the ipod in the trunk? Can all the functions be controlled through the head unit?

[santiago]

I've got an E46 now, so I'd be shopping for that. So I'd have to have the ipod in the trunk? Can all the functions be controlled through the head unit?

Head unit and steering wheel controls. Go ahead, take the time to read about it:
http://www.densionusa.com/x/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=407&Itemid=109

Then read about what you get from the OEM iPod implementation and you'll see why the IceLink Plus is tons better.

[tom@densionusa]

Does the Icelink do anything to your warranty? That's one thing that is sending me in the other direction.. Also, how the heck do I find a shop to install it?

The Magnuson Moss Warranty Act (15 USCA § 2301 – 15 USCA § 2312) prohibits a dealer from voiding your warranty simply because you have modifications to your vehicle. The dealer must prove, without the shadow of a doubt, that the specific aftermarket item caused damage to the vehicle in order to deny your warranty.

Feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions.

[Kaefer]

I have the BMW iPod connector, and I am very happy with it. The only drawback is that it does not display song names, but it is OEM equipment, per se. No need to add a different HU that simply (IMP) looks out of place. Steve Jobs did announce a couple of weeks ago at MacWorld that Apple and BMW were working on version 2 of the iPod connector. They did not say when it was going to be available, though.

Juan

[santiago]

I have the BMW iPod connector, and I am very happy with it. The only drawback is that it does not display song names, but it is OEM equipment, per se. No need to add a different HU that simply (IMP) looks out of place. Steve Jobs did announce a couple of weeks ago at MacWorld that Apple and BMW were working on version 2 of the iPod connector. They did not say when it was going to be available, though.

Juan

I think the OEM implementation is one of the few (only?) cases where OEM just doesn't cut it. I find the restrictions and limitations of the BMW to be second rate to what is offered after-market. The IceLink+ is light years ahead in features, compatibility and functionality. You retain the stock HU with this one as the IceLink+ plugs into your CD-changer adapter or into the back of your HU.

I am not an owner of the IceLink+ nor do I don't sell them. I'm just super anal when it comes to selecting something for me/my car and really take the time to do research.

As you stated, the Apple/BMW announcement at MacWorld of a version 2 may prove to be interesting but my belief is that Dension is more pro-active, puts a lot into R&D and offers firmware upgrades readily for both bug fixes and for added features. If you get the BMW version, you get what you get and nothing more.

[Curious Joel]

With the Icelink do I have to have a holder on the dash? I really don't want one. I konw that the BMW one is in the glove box or something, and I think that's a better place.

[Kaefer]

I find the restrictions and limitations of the BMW to be second rate to what is offered after-market. The IceLink+ is light years ahead in features, compatibility and functionality. You retain the stock HU with this one as the IceLink+ plugs into your CD-changer adapter or into the back of your HU.

As far as I can tell the only "restriction" of the BMW integration is that it does not show track names. It IS FULLY integrated. I should know -- I have it. Oh yeah, the BMW solution also allows you to retain your HU and it takes the place of your CD changer.

my belief is that Dension is more pro-active, puts a lot into R&D and offers firmware upgrades readily for both bug fixes and for added features. If you get the BMW version, you get what you get and nothing more.

As opposed to two companies (Apple and BMW) that do NO R&D, I suppose? :rolleyes:
(And, when did Apple or BMW stop releasing firmware updates?)

To each his own, obviously. That's just my opinion.

Juan

[Kaefer]

With the Icelink do I have to have a holder on the dash? I really don't want one. I konw that the BMW one is in the glove box or something, and I think that's a better place.

Yup. You put it your glove compartment. No ugly-ass holders, no wires hanging out. AND it charges your iPod, too.

Juan

[Curious Joel]

I'm leaning BMW... Do you suppose that if I get it now, I would be able to upgrade when version 2 comes out?

[santiago]

With the Icelink do I have to have a holder on the dash? I really don't want one. I konw that the BMW one is in the glove box or something, and I think that's a better place.

Good question. This is another difference between the OEM offering and the Ice>Link+. Desnion offers both a cradle and a plug. The cradle is meant to be "displayed" or handy. The plug is meant more for plugging in the unit and forgetting it. I'm a little more partial to the plug because it is compatible with more than one iPod. The cradle must be ordered for the model you have (Mini, 4th Gen, etc.).

The common places I've seen it installed is in the center armrest, the sunglass tray and the EuroTray.

This thread at E46Fanatics is just on how people installed their iPods http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=218673&highlight=ipod+center+armrest. These are my favourites although I am partial to the Eurotray and the Center Armrest.

http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/4752DSCF0013.JPG
http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/17098105_0546s.jpg

EDIT: The Eurotray pic isn't coming up. Hit this link to see it: http://photos.e46fanatics.com/showphoto.php/photo/27671/size/big/sort/1/cat/500

[santiago]

As far as I can tell the only "restriction" of the BMW integration is that it does not show track names. It IS FULLY integrated. I should know -- I have it. Oh yeah, the BMW solution also allows you to retain your HU and it takes the place of your CD changer.



As opposed to two companies (Apple and BMW) that do NO R&D, I suppose? :rolleyes:
(And, when did Apple or BMW stop releasing firmware updates?)

To each his own, obviously. That's just my opinion.

Juan


The "restriction" I am referring to is the Playlist limitation of BMW1, BMW2, ..., BMW5. I'm also referring to the small print "Not available on vehicles with navigation system, CD changer, DSP cassette player or satellite radio. (http://www.apple.com/ipod/bmw/) " Those restrictions, both the playlist and compatibility issues, do not come into play with the Dension unit.

I know that Apple/BMW do R&D but they have a primary market that sustains them (iPods/computers & vehicles). They have the luxury of taking their time to come out with improvements to Ipod your BMW. Since Ipod your BMW came out, what new features have been added? None I am aware of. Their offering still isn't compatible with Nav, for example. Meanwhile, Dension serves the aftermarket ICE crowd and they have no choice but to offer stuff above and beyond what is OEM. Besides, Tom@Dension is always around to offer help.

I'm not saying the IceLink+ doesn't have its problems. This last version is brand new and is getting worked out but the company is there taking care of it. This is why I'm taking my time before I pull the trigger and place my order. I've looked at all the options and I'm leaning heavily towards the IceLink+. In the end it comes down to what we each need and want. I believe the IceLink+ fulfills my needs and wants more than the OEM version. You obviously are happy with the OEM version (and saved $50).

Oh yeah, the IceLink also charges the iPod.

[Kaefer]

I'll give you the vehicle restriction part. The playlist thing, however is another story. I have well over 150 songs in each BMW playlist. I don't know what the limit is for each playlist... will have to research that.

When I iPodded my X, BMW was the only offering, so I got it installed. I am sure the IceLink has its advantages, but I am happy with my set up.... so far. :D

Juan

[tom@densionusa]

With the Icelink do I have to have a holder on the dash? I really don't want one. I konw that the BMW one is in the glove box or something, and I think that's a better place.

We have a docking cable as well for "stealth" mounting or for those that use an iPod case.

[UCrewX5]

Congratulations. You will love it. I have a 4g 20GB and I have the IceLink Plus and love it. I did not even entertain the BMW version. My wife has a regular IceLink in her 325CiC. As soon as the firmware is more stable on the plus, I am updating hers. Should be one more firmware release I am thinking. I just put the latest firmware and the ID3v2 tags on mine and it's pretty cool.

Let us know what you get!
I'd love to see some pics!! Do you have nav??

[tom@densionusa]

I'd love to see some pics!! Do you have nav??

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v415/RRmarks/DSCN4370.jpg

Here is an image from another user that let us use his M3 last week for development - we were sending all sorts of ID3 text to his NAV unit.

The text "M3Forum" and "prvtartnet" were commands sent from the ice>Link Plus.