Hi all!

I apologize if this has been asked and and answered before, but I could not find it. So here goes...

Can I have the factory sirius and icelink ipod connection. I sounds like there is some bimmer pass through that might make it work, but the threads were unclear

Thanks

Beth

 

Absolutely you can.

I just got done hooking my ice>Link: Plus up in my MCS, with factory Sirius and H/K.

In order to make it work, you have a couple of options.

1. Order the ice>Link: Plus directly from Dension. There is an extra cable that you have to purchase from them in order to hook the ice>Link: Plus up. The extra cable that you have to purchase connects to the Sirius receiver in the boot.

2. Purchase your ice>Link: Plus from a place like Best Buy. You will still have to call Dension to order the extra cable.


Just make sure that when you order the extra cable from Dension, that you let them know that you have Sirius Satellite in your MINI. It took Dension 3 tries to get me the right cable, but I did get the correct cable finally.

It works quite well, and now I can enjoy my iPod in my MINI as well.

 

If I'm not mistaken, the "extra cable" is actually a BMW part, listed in the ice>Link:Plus installation manual. It is part number 84 11 0 150 532, also known as "1.5m CDC Extension Cable" in the OEM Sirius installation instructions. It is designed to passthrough from the OEM Sirius reciever on to the CD changer, but since the ice>Link:Plus replaces the CD changer in functionality, you use the same cable to allow the connection.

The point I'm making is, once again unless I am mistaken, you can buy this cable from any MINI dealership, and save yourself the hassle of getting the cable from Dension.

MINIGolfer1, please correct me if I am wrong, because I am not 100% sure... but it definitely makes sense, since the purpose of that cable is to re-enable CD Changer capability.

 

wait....I have the non-HK head unit, Sat-Nav and the BMW/Mini iPOD adaptor... can I add Sir-Sat-Radio as well?

 

Edge, you are effectively correct, however neither of the MINI dealerships in my area had them, and said that they wouldn't be getting them in stock. This it had to do with the fact that so many people were wanting to use them for that same exact purpose that you have stated, and they weren't getting any money for selling or installing the OEM iPod Adapter.

Just my 2 cents worth. The real key is to make sure that you have the correct cables to hook it all up. Get the right cables, hook-up is a snap, takes about 5 minutes to actually hook it up, but takes longer to run the cabling from the boot to the front end. Haven't gotten to the point of actually running the cable from the boot yet, not really a priority right now since I am usually the only in the MINI anyway.

 

So does this setup allow you to see Song Titles, etc. on the OEM headunit? I thought I read on Motoringfile that the Ice-Link Plus doesn't show ID3 info.

When I order my Mini, I would get the Sirius factory install and then order the IceLink (and necessary parts) separately, correct?

Thanks for this info. I've been looking for definitive answers to the Sirius/iPod problem everywhere.

 

Sounds like selfish dealers to me. Out of curiosity, I inquired at my MINI dealership this morning (I was there for another purpose), and they had the cable, in stock, for $15.95. I went ahead and bought it, just in case. I may add the ice>Link:Plus at some point soon.

As I understand it, you can get song titles now on the OEM headunit, via a more recent firmware update. What is spotty is utilization of the Nav screen - that's the "grey area". You'll probably get a better answer from someone who actually HAS the ice>Link:Plus in their MINI, since I don't have it yet.

Correct, except that there is no such thing as "SIRIUS factory install", it's a dealer-installed option, unless you buy the parts and DIY.

 

Using the latest version of the firmware that is available on the Dension website, I was able to update the firmware, and am able to receive the Artist and Song titles on my OEM headunit.

I can't speak to the fact as to how it works in conjunction with Nav, as I don't have it in my MCS.

The thing that I like about the ice>Link: Plus over the OEM iPod adapter is that I can play any playlist on my iPod that I want, not just the ones labeled MINI1, MINI2, etc.. I have about 25 different playlists on my iPod, and enjoy being able to listen to any of them when I want.

The one thing that I still need to do is properly conceal the cable from the boot to the front area. As it is right now, I just have the cable running between the 2 backseats and then up between the 2 front seats. The other reason that I haven't permanently concealed the cable is that I am trying to decide whether I want to get one of the new video iPods and just mount my current one in the boot and not worry about running the cable.

 

Wait! IS this update for the stock headunit? Does it work with the MINI/BMW iPOD adapter?

 

No, this update is for use with the ice>Link: Plus made by Dension. It does work with the stock headunit, but not with the MINI/BMW iPod Adapter.

 

Thanx... I wonder if we will see it in the future for the MINI link?