I've searched through A LOT of posts on here, but I am still a little confused. I'll just state what I want to do and I hope someone can answer if the Dension Ice Link is the correct solution.

First of all, I have the standard stereo in my '05 MCS. I want to be able to have the Nano connected to a cradle that will:
-charge
-have a direct connection to the stereo (no earphone plugs)
-only have 1 or 2 wires coming from it

I would also like to be able to see the names of the MP3's scroll across the stereo and be able to use the MFSW to control the Nano. IF POSSIBLE, i'd like to be able to use the Nano to control everything as well while it is still hooked up to the cradle.

Now, will the Dension Ice Link Plus do this for me??? I believe it will, but when you get in a thread, people start talking about the AUX adapter, the Mini iPod hookup (OEM), and then the HK thing, and just going out and buying a while new deck for the car!!!

I'd like to keep the controls and reliability as simple as possible since my wife uses the car and hates when I make modifications to them if they don't work out 100%!!!

If this is the correct solution, where would be the best place to find the Dension Ice link??

Thank in advance!!
Dennis

 

Dennis,

I only have one question for you. Do you have a factory NAV in the car? If no, then yes, the Dension Icelink will do everything that you want. If yes, then it will do everything except the ID3 tags on the H/U as the IceLink uses the phone channel to do the ID3 Tags and that overrides your nav.

The only issue that you will have is that if you have the IPOD interface turned on, you will only be able to use the IPOD to change tracks. If you have it turned off, then the MFSW will control it and the IPOD is locked out. It is either one or the other, but not both.

As for buying one, Best Buy carries them but you could order it directly from Dension. Installation is pretty easy (took me 15 min for the H/U version).

Hope this helps a little.

 

I've also read through a bunch of threads on the icelink & have some questions...

1) How do you switch between the MFSW-control mode and the iPod-control mode?

2) It seems like the H/U version is the better way to go rather than the CD changer version? (i.e. sounds like CD changer version is easier to install except for hiding the wire to the front, which sounds like it's a pain to do?)

3) Are there DIY install instruction anywhere on the web or in these forums, for installing the H/U version? (did search through several threads, wasn't able to find any)

Thanks!!

 

Nope, no NAV for me, so i'll get the scrolling onthe HU!!

Perfect, that was what I was looking to hear. SOunds like the Ice Link is the way to go.

I didn't realize that there were 2 versions??? One for the CD changer input (I don't have a CD changer) and one for the plug into the back of the head unit. Which way is better? I assume there is a 'box' or something that needs to be hidden. If you go with the plug into the back of the head unit, where do you hide the box (I assume in the glove box)?? Seems like it might be worth it to get the trunk one so that you can hide the box under the rear carpet (if it fits). It isn't too hard in the mini to hide the wire coming up to the front of the car. Nothing inthe car seems to be bolted down, just fit into place (I noticed that the a-pillar, b-pillar, and sunroof surround have no clips or bolts on them, they just sit in place!!!)

 

It looks like i need part number I20_BMW with the radio end connector on it. And then i'll need to purchase a mount for it. Does that seem right? When I went to best buys website, they don't show the ice link on there...I might have to go to the local one and see what they have there.

There is nothing special needed in order to get it to play the ID3 tags through the head unit, right??

 

Just another data point for you...
I popped out a cover plate that is in the back left side of the 06 glove box (for aux-in jack mount?). The ice-link ipod connector comes out there and my nano just sits in the glove box. I have it set so that the mp3 tag data is displayed on the H/U and the MFSW controls are used to control it. It takes several menus to navigate through to switch control over from the H/U MFSW to the nano controls and vice versa, so I would decide on one usage style. I personally like that the nano is tucked away and I don't need to see it, yet I can still easily select from ~20 some odd playlists on a whim while motoring. While parked, there is no mounting system that advertise that an ipod is under a sun visor or under the seat or in the glove box (yeah, if you don't take it with you, we all know where you hide it! )

If you have a NAV system, see my last post to this thread for a work around of tag display on H/U:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=58827

I installed an ice link in my 04 330 w/ NAV and it has worked out great. Dension gave me great tips for a PITA installation (convertible) and were responsive post installation too. My Mini however has been plagued with terrible support from Dension. Dension has been either impossible to contact or useless when you've finally can talk to someone. There is a very bad alternator whine with my trunk CD changer setup they sold me that is driving me insane. I have very mixed feelings about their product which could probably be fixed by better support. As always, YMMV!

Cheers!

 

<Copy from another post that's relevant here>