I've got the IceLink Plus, with text tag software installed for song titles and artists.

I looked at UCrew's options 1 through 4, and decided that I wanted steering wheel controls (not just volume), plus text tags. I wasn't sure how fast the IPod your BMW kit would be developed, and when I looked at the IceLink (V1) it was not upgradeable to the Plus (same cables, different computer interface). So, I wasn't sure that the BMW upgrade would be cheap and easy, when it happened. Just my guess, could be wrong.

I installed it myself, which took a few hours, not difficult. Upgraded the Dension software, added the text tag software, and then had to rip approx 200 CDs. I went at 192 kBPS, which is as good as my ears are, or as good as the X5 speakers are, not sure which.

The IceLink Plus also has only 5 playlists, which I sorted by genre. 2000 songs now loaded, and my 20 gB G4 IPod is half full, more or less. You can have unlimited playlists, but only by turning off the IceLink interface, and then you are back to squinting at the IPod screen, using the click-wheel. Not road safe, IMO.

I don't think the IPod in a car is really the ticket for finding a single song (unless you are parked....). Having said that, on random mode it is wonderful. Just like a perfect radio station where you design the playlist. There is also an album play button; hear a song you like, press album play, and it plays the rest of that specific album.

Other benefit is that you can always take the music with you, out of the vehicle. Not that I do very often, but I can.

BTW, recommend you stay away from the FM modulator. I used two of them very successfully with Pioneer CD changers in two former cars, but that was in an area with only 1 FM radio station. Too much interference for me in the city, always searching for a clear frequency.

Overall, very happy with my install, and thinking about putting one the Z4 (premium sound, DSP, would sound great).

Jeff

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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue