Thanks everybody for the input.
I'm leaning towards the OEM Interface. As far as dash-mounted Ipod/Iphones, i'm not really a fan since the ipod is hidden away inside the armrest in my 08 550i and that works for me.

Yes, text is supported via NAV and cluster with the OEM.

OEM is just OK
 

Just had it added in my 06 E53 and sound is great but functionality is marginal at best. I have an 08 M3 and it works seamlessly. The X is difficult to navigate from song to song, artist to artist. Also when phone call comes in it does not pause the ipod. Also display is terrible. Just track 1, 10, 100 etc. Does not display anything else. Also when you turn car off shuffle shuts off and you have to restart it. It was part of my purchase negotiating so I did not pay but DO NOT like the way it works. I have I-Drive on the M3 so it does it all (display, pause when phone call comes in, etc) But can't look gift horse in mouth!
I do not have nav, and text does not work in cluster

Yeah, I have to agree that I-Drive is an awesome feature on my 550i.

But at least BMW offers the Interface for the older X5 model.
What I just can't seem to understand is a 2006 car coming with cassette.
That to me is pointless.

Don't get the BMW kit, it's seriously limited in features.

This is the kit you need:

DICE - SILVERLINE iPod Integration Kit for X5 00-06 (Trunk Interface)
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...oducts_id=1631

The DICE iPod Kit will integrate perfectly with your BMW and offer steering wheel control as well as ID3 text and charging of your iPod. Full CD Quality can be expected after installation. There's even an integrated AUX port for other devices.

New features of DICE SILVERLINE iPod Integration kit include:

- Direct integrated connection, without the need for FM transmitters or cassette adapters
- Full Text Display on your factory radio or Navigation screen
- Full control of your iPod via the radio buttons while in play
- Browse by Individual Song
- Browse by Individual Playlist
- Browse by Individual Albums
- Source Selector w/ Integrated AUX input
- Album Selection
- Full charging mode for iPods through included dock connector

The kit will come with everything needed w/ the docking cable. The iPod can be safely stored away in the glove compartment for 100% stealth installation and accessed completely from the steering wheel controls. The DICE comes with a 15-foot cable length to reach anywhere in the vehicle you like.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

:iagree:

I'm on my 3rd Silverline in my 2005 X5 w/Nav. In mine, you can hear digital noise (I assume the data transfer for the text display). I have routed and re-routed the wiring many times to try and eliminate the noise. Sometimes the text works and sometimes it doesn't. There is an option where you are "supposed" to be able to view text at 12-character resolution...doesn't work. Each unit I've received from Dice has gotten slightly better, none acceptable to date. With regard to the digital noise I can't say it is the Dice unit, all I can say is there no noise with the CD or Radio.

I installed the OEM first, sound quality seemed flawless. You have to set up 5 or 6 playlists in order access the songs (not very flexible). So I decided to try the Dice which I've had for over a year now, I'm not happy with it (although very easy to install). Had many phone calls and website tech support.

I can't seem to confirm that for the E53's. See post #13 on this thread. Can you post a link specifying text support with the OEM unit? Thanks.

Secure stated: "I installed the OEM first, sound quality seemed flawless. You have to set up 5 or 6 playlists in order access the songs (not very flexible). "

Does that answer your question, zerochief?
Kinda.

I've read a lot about the Intravee II. Yes, it is more expensive. But isn't it easier to install too?
Maybe it is just me, but I do not wanna see the ipod. I just need it to be somewhere in the car and being accessible from either the dash controls or the steering wheel controls.

You don't have to see the ipod with all the products mentioned in this thread. Intravee II, Dice and OEM all control the ipod via the HU or steering wheel. A dash mount is optional, depending on your preference.

Secure did not answer the question, however ctbmw1 did.
Dice is probably the easiest to install. Intravee II is also. OEM states "dealer install only" whatever that means...