The IPOD. Worth it as an alternative?

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by X5Ghost

Great reference by UCrewX5 response. Option 5 seems attractive @ $120. It seems to mimic the IceLink from what I'm reading @ $80 less. Call me ignorant but what does 6 playlists mean? can you only hear your Ipod if you select (in the case of a CD changer) CD #6? Does each playlist 1-6 mimic CD 1-6 if you had a changer attached? Once you select playlist 1, 2, or ... will it play enerything under that list or can you still control (from the Ipod probably) which song to play? Sorry, I don't have an IPod so I'm not that familiar! Great thread ike301. Thx

Mimic is quite an understatement, the USA Spec more or less mimics the iPod kit from BMW. There are quite a few differences:

1. The USA Spec and BMW kits only offer 6 playlists, the ice>Link offers unlimited playlists, all controllable from the steering wheel or radio.

2. ID3 text on the radio/NAV screen - only the ice>Link Plus is going to offer this. Peroid.

3. Charging Control - ice>Link Plus offers 3 modes of charging control: Charge while in play, Never charge, or charge when connected and up for 2 hours after ignition is turned off.

4. Gain control - ice>Link Plus offers 4 adjustable gain settings, USA Spec and the BMW Kit do not offer this option.

5. Navigation-vehicles - If your X5 has navigation, neither the USA Spec or BMW kits are applicable. You have to go with the ice>Link Plus kit.

One option I do like about the USA Spec kit is that it can skip songs in groups of 10. That's it.

The comparison list can go on, it depends on what you want and what your budget allows. A $120 kit such as the kit from BMW or the USA Spec kit will offer less features than the ice>Link, and I would expect less features to reflect a lesser price as well.

The ice>link simply offers more, simply ask anyone on the forum with the ice>Link Plus