ice link usage / mounting questions
 

I'd like to hear from folks who have lived with the ice-link regarding daily usage. I have a lot of music on my iPod (40+ GB) split across many different genre. The beauty of the iPod is the fact that the UI does such a good job of navigating a big collection of music... I have not played with an icelink so I'm hoping someone can comment on how I *think* it works

1) It seems like the best way to navigate from the icelink is from playlists. The first 5 are quick.. is it clumsy to support many (50+) playlists?
2) I have the standard radio, browsing by artists / album seems to require use of the radio controls since you need to push the M button to get the FF / REW functions. Is this difficult for a lot of music?
3) Can the iPod be hidden away or do you need access to the display.. again think of a large collection
4) Has anyone tried the icelink mount that goes next to the shifter?
5) I seem to remember someone installing the dock in the ash tray.. not sure I can see how that would work... if you want to still see the display..
6) Does a cupholder mount work well? .. as long as you don't spill

hi,,

well i have 60 gb photo loaded with 9656 songs(44gb) and i nstalled the icelink a few days ago so,,
1)u can choose only between 5 playlists at one time
2)the browse through artists is the best i like because i have so many songs and does not require much effort except for looking at the screen to see where u are(so many letters)but u`ll get used to it and will become great
3)u need to access the ipod only for the first time to configure the icelink then u can leave it(i glues mine on the table beside the a/c control and looks great

How about posting some photos? I have just bought the 60Gb for the little lady and I too am wondering whether to go for the cradle or cable ie location to mount......

Actually, you can have as many playlists as you wish - the first 5 are available via the 1-5 buttons on the radio. There is a seperate Playlist subdirectory in which ALL of your playlists can be utilized.

I need to know the Model Year of your X5 to determine your options. I do have a BMW Supplement that will explain most of the features of the ice>Link Plus - feel free to email me directly and I will get you a copy.

I have had one in for almost 2 weeks with standard radio as well.

1. the 1st 5 playlists are easiest due to the memory buttons, but push memory 6 to enter the menu, use the up/dwn buttons on the wheel to access playlists/artists/albums menu, then select which list you want. With 50+ playlists it might be too much, with 10-15 it is quite manageable.

2. The up/dwn arrows work as navigation up/down through lists when you tap them, and as enter/escape buttons when you hold them down for a second. The only problem I encounter is a delay on the display when you tap repeatedly. If your looking for a specific song, the display lags a bit.

3. Once it's hooked up, you have to use the radio/steering contols. Mine is currently inside the panel where the CD changer would be. I plan to move it to the center consol when I get the chance. Haven't touched it or seen the ipod in more than a week.

4-6. I haven't used any mounts but I doubt a standard ipod would fit in the ashtray. I could be wrong. The center bin looks to be the best idea for easy access if you want to take it and go. Since you don't need to see it, it does not need to be easily accessable imo.

Good product imo, not perfect but fairly easy to use after just a short time.

yep thats right,sorry for the false info about the playlists i learned about them yesterday,sorry again

Thanks for the information.. This clarifies it a bit. I would like to keep it out of site and the armrest bin seems like the idea location.

Tom G. I have a 2005 X5 3.0. I have the standard stereo, no nav, no DSP, with an aftermarket sub. Have the kinks been work out with the 60G photo ipod? I have bluetooth.. can I still use the radio interface cable?

Thanks
Bruce

There never were any kinks w/ the 5G iPod - everything works perfectly.

here is a pic for the mount at my car