nav, dsp, NO cd changer - question about icelink
 

I am about to buy a '03 3.0 that has the nav system, dsp, but no cd changer - will the cables be there for me to just 'plug and play' an icelink system for my ipod?
thanks in advance for any help
Paul

Yes, the vehicle is pre-wired for a CD changer, which is all you need to install the IceLink Plus system and it is plug-n-play. The only thing you may need to do is update the IceLink firmware, depending on what version yours comes with. It's a simple 10 minute process to do so.

:welcome: to X5world :D

thanks for the quick response! that sounds pretty straightforward -in a way I guess it's even easier not having the cd changer there in the first place. Then I suppose have to run the wires up front for the ipod connection itself, yes?

Yes, or you can do what several others here have done and just leave the iPod back in the compartment where the CD changer would normally be mounted.

I ran mine up to the center console and mounted the iPod there. See http://www.xoutpost.com/showpost.php?p=20961&postcount=1

that link was really helpful - thanks! i am a bit of a novice when it comes to this stuff, and i was tempted to let the dealer install the aux setup for me (as they offered), but the icelink seems like a better setup to me
thanks again for answering all my basic questions so quickly!
Paul

was there any trick to running the wire up to the driver's compartment? i'm not terribly handy, but can do basic stuff - i guess what i'm asking is would that be simple enough for me to do so i don't have wires everywhere? i'm certainly willing to dive in and try, but also don't want to create a major headache for myself!

It's not that difficult. What you want to do is pop off the padded cushion that would be up against your left shoulder if you were sitting in the back seat behind the driver. Once that is off you can easily fish the wire from the back to the front. Pull it upward and out with some gentle force and it should come right off.

You can also just pop off the rear door sill cover to run the wires down that channel.

It's not difficult and everything should just pop back on when you are done.

That sounds easy enough - again, thanks for all you help and especially your rapid replies - it is SO nice to have immediate answers like this! You have convinced me to not bother with the dealer's aux installation - i'll just get the icelink+ and give it a shot myself..... i get the x5 next saturday, so i'll visit bestbuy the same day!
thanks so much
Paul

Inspect your connections before getting the ice>Link Plus from Best Buy - you still may have the digital DSP (While it's not common, I've seen it on MY2004 models as well).

Also, the Best Buy kits come with only the Active Cradle - if this is what you are looking for, the Best Buy kit is fine. Most people nowadays want the docking cable which Best Buy doesn't offer.

Let me know if you have any further questions! I'll be happy to assist in determining exactly what you need. :thumbup:

Thanks for the reply Tom

what is the difference between the active cradle and the docking? Is docking the one that allows charging as well? Sorry for the simple questions, but it's all new to me.

Also, I pick up the x5 on Saturday, so won't be able to tell the connections until then, but i'll definitely inspect them before getting the icelink.

thanks
paul