BMW Ipod Adaptor
 

I searched the board and there is not a lot of topics on the BMW version ipod adaptor. Anyone using? Big difference over Icelink. I see you have to create BMW specific playlists but since I can't do the install myself, and I am not comfortable letting Best Buy do it, I might spring for the BMW version (cost is $149 for the unit and about 1 hr labor). Thoughts? Suggestions? Comments on the BMW unit?

I had my ipod adaptor installed at bmw on my 05 X5...it was around $500 with labor and all....Works great, but does not show any track info on the display. it only allows you to create 5 playlists that appear as 5 different CD's (like a cd changer)...you can change, tracks, random mode and all...You have to create these playlists in Itunes as BMW1, BMW2, ect....I just wish it would give track/artist info as you listened..but its worth the price in my opinion..its better then a cd changer.

In my opinion the BMW IpodYourBMW kit is better than a CD changer but not as good as Dension's IceLink plus.

Everything the BMW kit can do the Dension kit can also do. But unlike the BMW kit, the Dension kit gives you song tag display (title and artist) or you can setup play by artist or album, etc.

Plus, the BMW kit only works in vehicles that do not have navigation and do not have DSP. The Dension kit works in all vehicles, regardless of what options you may or may not have.

Just my 2 cents.

Does BMW sell and install the icelink? I had not heard of it before I joined this forum.

No, not unless you have a "progressive" dealer that is willing to sell/install non-OEM parts and accessories.

The IceLink is made by Dension (http://densionusa.com) and is an aftermarket product.

I would have liked the Icelink too but it wasn't an option for me. I'm too new to the Maui BMW community to trust anyone outside of the dealer store. For now, anyway.

To answer your question, I am enjoying my iPod music with the BMW adapter. The limited number of playlist is more than enough for me. I update and change the contents of the 5 playlists frequently anyway which now include podcasts. I hardly listen to the radio and the CD at all.

you can do the same exact with the icelink but you get more features such as ID3 tag and can sort through the artists and albums

the ipod adapter is great, but mine actually skips. Been back to the dealer and they replaced it twice. Tried other ipods and they skip on adapter too. You can be parked and it will happen.. Anyone else have this problem?

I believe that Long Beach BMW is the only ones that installs Icelink, but not with the ones that have DSP.

That would be Crevier BMW, we offer the kits as well.