Second Easiest Icelink install
 

If there is anyone out there who is looking at putting an iPod and an Icelink (or Ice-link or Ice link or Ice>link) in their x5, let me make a suggestion: The center console.

I can post pictures when I have finished, but aside from leaving it in the trunk, the center console is a very easy install. FYI, this was done on my 2000 4.4.

I started by trying to run the cable under the carpet. That seemed like the way other people were suggesting it, although it was kind hard to tell since few people seemed to go this route. I wanted this for the stealth and convenience, but since I am not a big modder, I was a bit intimidated about pulling up everything. Turns out that it is INCREDIBLY easy to get the harness from the connection at the CD-changer to the front of the truck. There is already a path that the main electrical line passes through so it comes out right along the door behind the driver.

This is where I went astray for a while. If you try to get the line under the carpet and through the bottom of the center console, you are in for a fair amount of frustration and disassembly. It is much easier to pull the panels along the floor and wall to tuck the harness out of sight and along the door side of the drivers seat. Once you get it up there, you will be able to feed the wire under the tracks for the seat. It is a bit easier to get the 12-pin connector through there if you loosen the bolts for the seat a little bit. With my black interior, the black harness covering is barely noticeable and actually looks like it should be there.

Now all that remains is to get the connector into the center console. The main compartment under the armrest should pull out easily (at least on mine it did.) Also remove the side panel that is mostly hidden by the drivers seat. This comes off fairly easily with a wide putty knife and a cloth (to protect the finish.) Now you should be able to feed the cable through to an area where you can stash the icelink adapter and 8-pin cable. The only thing that remains is getting the cable through the plastic compartment mold.

In my case, I have a crappy little 6 cd holder sitting in there. It is exactly like a cd-changer, except it is just a place to store 6 cds in individual trays. After much prodding, I was able to get that unit removed from the rest of the bin, leaving me with ample area for passing through the cable. (If you have this same annoying configuration, beware that there are 6 tabs that need to be held open to get the cd-holder to separate from the rest of it. I suggest shoving pennies or dimes into each one to hold it open. Then it pulls apart rather easily, and also sends all the change flying. I suggest doing it in the driveway, and not inside the car.)

Now, that is where I am upto now, I will post the Ultra-Stealth picture when I complete it, but my plan is convert the 6-disc holder into a hidden compartment for my iPod. Since I have lost over 300 cds out of various cars over my life, I am very concerned about losing my iPod as well. That is the main reason I chose to put the iPod in the console, because I believe I will be able to take the individual trays, glue them together, then dremel the crap out of them to make room for the Ice-Link cradle and iPod. Then leave 3 of the 6 buttons intact so that you have to press the correct 3 to get the top to open, thereby revealing the iPod. Very James Bond, if you ask me. But, that is my task for the rest of the weekend. We will see if it comes to pass.

In the meantime, the Ice-Link works perfectly and is so easy to get into the X5, it just matters where you want it to end up.

I will take pictures of my progress with the Ultra-Stealth Project and post it in this thread when completed.

I hope you found this helpful and encouraging for anyone thinking about putting in the Ice-link but too nervous to commit to taking apart your X5.

Rock On!

Martin
2000 X5 4.4
(now with iPod)

:xoutpost:

Please post pics when you can...

Stealth Project on new thread
 

I put the guide on its own thread for ease and since they can be different projects.

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...ed=1#post99262

Martin