Completed the installation of the Ice Link Plus
 

I've had the Ice Link Plus installed in my 2001 X5 (with nav and without DSP) for a few weeks now, but it wasn't a permanent install as I was still mulling where to mount the unit. Dension gives you several options that maximize the flexibility and choices.

One of the options, which is what I've been using the last few weeks, is basically what they call their docking cable. It's basically a pigtail cable with an iPod interface jack on the end and you can use the cable to put the iPod wherever you choose. This is what you would use if you decided that you wanted it mounted in the cup holder area, for example.

Another option is a docking cradle. The docking cradle could be mounted next to the radio/nav screen if you wanted visibility to the iPod itself. Personally, I like the stealth approach. Noone but you knows its there, which keeps it from being a target for thieves. So what I did was mount the cradle in the console bin that is below the armrest. I had previously replaced my bin that had the cassette holder with the empty bin, so there is more than enough space to mount the iPod there and still have plenty of storage for other things. Here's a couple pictures of the mounting approach that I used:

http://www.xoutpost.com/images/articles/211/icelink1.jpg

http://www.xoutpost.com/images/articles/211/icelink2.jpg

http://www.xoutpost.com/images/articles/211/icelink3.jpg

The Dension software configurations give you three options for displaying song tag information. One is to have no song tag information displayed at all. A second choice is to have the information displayed in the dash OBD area, which looks like this:

http://www.xoutpost.com/images/articles/211/icelink4.jpg

A third choice is to have the information displayed on the Nav screen (or on the radio MID if you don't have nav) , which looks like this.

http://www.xoutpost.com/images/articles/211/icelink5.jpg

Personally I have been running with the song tag information displayed in the dash OBD display area. If you display it on the nav screen then it more or less overrides anything else displayed in that area of the screen, which I didn't care for since I prefer to see the nav map displayed during normal driving situations. It only takes a minute to change the configuration, though, so that's convenient.

As for the install, it really is a simple DIY. All you need to do is remove the CD changer and plug the Ice Link connectors into the cables you removed from the back of the CD changer. Then just fish the cables to the front and you are all set. If you have a 2000 to 2002 with DSP then you will also need to wire in an additional component so that the audio works properly. Those with DSP on a 2003 and newer don't have to worry about this since BMW changed over from a digital DSP system to an analog DSP system starting with MY2003 (that's what 2003 and newer don't have the coax cable to the CD changer, BTW).

http://www.xoutpost.com/images/articles/211/icelink7.jpg

Finally, here's another picture of the iPod in it's final home. It's very easy to take it in and out of the cradle, and where it's mounted gives me the stealth look I was going for.

http://www.xoutpost.com/images/articles/211/icelink6.jpg

Enjoy!!

Jeff

Cool Jeff! I thought about putting my Audiovox Sirius unit in the storage bin but there'd be nowhere to show the display. I agree the OBD is the way to go with the Denison unit. On my last trip to Dallas I set the StealthOne only to display there and it worked better for me than using the Nav or both.

I will take pics of my new set up with the Starmate and the Zen PMC to post here, probably next week.

Awesome review - thanks Jeff! :thumbup:

Awesome Jeff!! Great idea!!

Hmmm.....Ice Link..... :thumbup:

Excellent review jeff!!

UCrew,

What firmware do you have, 2.B1?? I ask because my IceLink will not send to the nav and Dension is telling me to downgrade the firmware to 2.7???

I have to admit that I am not being blown away by Dension tech support so far. :mad:

At this time, ID3 will not send to the nav unless you downgrade to v2.07. By downgraging, you run the risk of the ice>Link Plus "dropping off" if your X5 uses the Becker BM53 radio unit since firmware AB2 addresses this issue.

We are working on getting ID3 text back on the NAV screen, but keep in mind you can write ID3 text to the OBC screen below your gauges in the meantime.

I am running firmware AB2 at the moment.

Prior to loading the AB2 firmware I was experiencing the dropping back to radio mode several times an hour. I loaded the AB2 firmware last week and it markedly improved the drops that I was having. We took a trip to Akron, Ohio for the weekend, which is about 3 hours from home. So I had about 7 hours of drive time this past weekend and during that time I only experienced a drop back to the radio twice. So it's not perfect, but it's a lot better than it was.

As Tom referenced, with the AB2 firmware you cannot display to the nav screen. However, I didn't care for that mode anyway and prefered having the ID3 tag information displayed in the OBD in the dash. So that was no big deal to me. The AB2 firmware isn't quite as stable as the original firmware that I had when it comes to ID3 tag display, though. When I first start the vehicle it displays the song tags just fine. However, if I do anything that disrupts the i-bus traffic (such as changing modes from CD to radio and back to CD, or changing to "random" mode, or changing playlists) then I lose the ID3 display until the car is turned off and then back on. I've communicated with Dension's tech support and they are working on this.

I just installed the Ice Link plus FW 2B1 in my 2005 X5 with DSP and Nave. Can someone tell me how to enable OBD text? The executable on Dension’s website says it's only good with FW 2.07 or earlier.

Plus I'm encountering the drop off to radio issue. Is there a fix?

I think the Ice Link is a good idea, but it appears that Dension needs to get their act together. When I placed my order via their website I was billed for $70 for the Radio Shack DSP converter even though the 2005 radio with DSP no longer requires this hardware.

Very nice, Jeff! I agree with your choice for a stealth mount. I wish I had an iPod, I got a freebie Creative Zen from work so I use that as my mp3 player, and they have no decent in-car options that I'm aware of.

JV

I have to agree with Chicago, while I like the overall concept, I am very disappointed with the overall stability/operation of the Ice Link. I sell software and hardware for a living and would not tell a customer that I could display to Nav and OBD if this was a beta feature and had known severity one (effects primary operation) bugs.

I don't drive a Ford Escape, I drive a BMW X5 and expect things in my ride to work continually with German precision. If it were not for Tom G (he is awesome) I would have returned the kit for a refund... but my patience is wearing thin, and my refund finger is gettin' itchy.

i just called the dension tech support today they will send me RMA # to return the old one and they will send the new modified hardwarew and software compatable with my 2005 x5 with navigation.

will uptade you

for the text part:
you need to download the OBC_TEXT PATCH from dension website and transfere it to your ipod to any play list then play it while the patch playing place it on the dension cradle


Plus I'm encountering the drop off to radio issue. Is there a fix?
there is no fix but the have new hardware and software contact them get RMA# and they will send you new one

Cool install Jeff, don't know how I missed this thread. :dunno: :D

I find the most interesting part to be the fact that you actually use that change holder thing. Amazing. :thumbup:

Is it possible to upgrade built-in iPod connection?

I can't believe that BMW doesn't have technology(rather they don't want to) to display names.

Thanks.

If you are referring to BMW's iPodYourBMW system, it does not currently support ID3 song tag display.

Thanks :D

I do you use the change holder, although usually it's stocked with bridge tokens (for the Grosse Ile toll bridge) rather than quarters/dimes/nickles/pennys

Yeah, I have an iPodYourBMW system. I thought it should support ID3 song tag display; it's BMW. Even low cost audio system support song tag.

Well, I hope they will come up with a patch.

Another problem has appeared since my last post. The volume reduces momentarily during the first couple of seconds of playing a new track.

Based on your suggestions I sent Tom @ Dension an email asking for his assistance, but he has yet to respond. I guess my next line of action will be to call tech support or customer service to get a replacement.

Thanks to all for your assistance.

Cheers!

UCrew -

Great write up. I hadn't thought about using the crap holder bin for a really stealth install.

Did you disconnect your battery for the install per the instructions? If so, does the car need to idle or do anything special for the computer to "re learn" engine/trans settings? My previous vehicle ran like crap for the first 5 minutes or so after a battery disconnect, and I wanted a heads up just in case.

Matt

Matt - no, I didn't disconnect the battery. However, I've disconnected it several times over the years (including last fall when I replaced the battery) and haven't had any problems with the vehicle having to relearn settings. This long story was the one issue I did have, but it was more related to jump starting the vehicle versus disconnecting the battery - http://www.xoutpost.com/articles.php?...icle&artid=133

I know you guys are big fans of the ice>Link Plus, but this system has been nothing but a nightmare for me. Maybe these issues are specific to the unit I have FW BB2 (upgraded from 2B1) or my X5 (2005 w/ Nav and DSP) but I have been unimpressed. I’m not sure if it’s worth it over the BMW/Apple iPOD connection. At least that option doesn’t promise text display and under deliver. I’ve experienced everything from the radio drop off issue, to reduced volume when a song starts to no access to the set up menu which means no way to turn on the text display.

Tom at Dension appears to be concerned when he responds to my emails. He responds to every other email I send for assistance and Dension tech support seems to uninterested – offering only canned responses to my requests for assistance.

It’d been nothing, but an ordeal since I ordered the ice>Link. I was charged for the RadioShack DSP converter when I ordered the ice>Link even though it was not required for my 2005 X5. Tom helped me return the part for a refund, but I was never offered a return shipping refund.

Tom is now shipping me a replacement unit of the ice>Link to hopefully rectify the problems I’m having. Hopefully this unit will work and Dension will reimburse me for my shipping on the Radio Shack DSP unit and on the old ice>Link.

I’m really surprised at how much slack you guys are cutting Dension as you guys seem to be perfectionist like myself and expect only the best of or for your BMW’s. I feel Dension is using us as guinea pigs.

:dunno: i just recieved a replacement from dension as well .. very important to update your ipod first. and you still to download the obc_text patch in order to display song on OBC display

so far its working but the droping the song while playing still there but only happened once im still monitoring it closely. will see

according to denstion the replacment is updated firmware to BMW for the isues above :dunno:

Mine still has the drop out issue as well. It seems better (happens less often), but still occuring.

Also, I cannot get the text to OBC working with the new firmware. worked before, but will not work now. How did you get it into text mode... use the option in the firmware, or play the "text to obc" config mp3 from the music list? neither seem to work for me, but just not sure which one I should be trying.

cjett

I've heard that Dension has released another firmware update called vBB2. I sent an email to Tom over the weekend requesting a download link. Like others above, the prior firmware update reduced the frequency of drop outs for me but it didn't eliminate them. I'm hoping the version BB2 firmware is an improvement.

I'm running FW BB2 and the issues still persist. Tom emailed me instructions on how to enable text mode and made it clear not to download or run the OBD text patch with this FW. I was instructed that this FW allowed radios with Nav to access and enable text display via the setup menu on the Nav screen and that the Info button on the radio/Nav would toggle it on and off. Unfortunately, no such option exists in the set up menu. However, text periodically appears in the OBD but disappears when a new cd is selected or some other text appears on the display.

Not to beat a dead horse, but I’m really frustrated with Dension.

I am not touching this beta product. :tsk:

Well, let's see what can be done - what year is your X5?

We're noticing issues with 2004+ X5s running the BB2 Firmware, I am going to have to ask not to update the firmware to those with those model years.

Until the issues are ironed out - it will be consided beta.

After reading all the good things on here about the ice link I tried to buy one today but all sold out,not sure it is such a good idea as my X5 is a 05 with Nav and DSP is it just one person that seems to be having real trouble on here are you all struggling ?

Which is the best version to get with or without the cradle ?

Many thanks

At this time, we are rewriting the code to display text on the NAV screens, it seems to only affect the 2004+ models - no need to worry, there will be a solution soon for text. In the meantime, the text can always be placed on the OBC screen below the gauges.

I say get the dock cable version - there is no reason to display the ipod in plain view any longer.

I have an 05 with NAV/DSP.

I took the ICELink as delivered without an OS upgrade and simply added the file to display text on my OBC. I still get a drop off every couple of hours or so but all I have to do it turn off the radio and turn it back on and ICELink is active again.

Even though I get a cut out every once in a while I still love the product while they work out the tiny bugs. It was a great investment - and it's upgradable when they create new code.

Check out my install. Completely stealth and done by a novice. :thumbup:
http://www.xoutpost.com/showthread.php?t=2686

This is a brilliant Ipod solution interface.

I see theres a video interface coming soon....

What will that do then ?

I took the plunge today and got the Ice Link I also went for the attive cradle because I liked UCrewsX5 install.

Having had a look at the kit the wire which connects the cradle is way to short doi have some thing missing out of my kit or do I have to buy another lead?

many thanks

Unless they changed it, the pigtail on my cradle is plenty long. I ran the long cable from the CD changer interface point in the left rear up to the center console, attached the IceLink module, and then attached the cable that goes to the cradle.

No I was supplied the wrong kit :-( and dont have the right one in stock !!! Just one more question does the I pod turn off when the ignition is turned off? or do you have to turn it off manualy?

Many Thanks

Just did my install last night and installed the 2B1 firmware. I had about 6 ft extra cable from the cargo area, and decided to mount in the junk bucket like UCrew. I tried the console mount, but couldn't get the angle like I needed it. Besides with 2B1, there isn't anything to see on the iPod display anyway. All the menus are transferred to the MID or OBC.

To answer the question about turning off - I've cycled it 3 or 4 times, and it has turned off each time. It puts the song on pause, and the iPod goes to sleep after the specified time ~5 min or so, just as if you paused it manually and left it alone. Same thing happens when you switch from CD changer to another mode.

Thanks for the reply !! I was thinking that I would not bother with the ice link if it did not turn off automaticly,because I do a lot of short journeys, so would be a real pain to turn off all the time.

Hey Matrix I just start to have a similar problem as yours, when I start my Ipod it start in pause and it gets stuck. I unplug it and then play a song to replug and see if it plays and it automatically puts it in Pause. How were you able to resolve your issue? Or if this has happened to anyone else, please help!!!

Thank you Much.

Is this ice>Link Plus or DICE?