So, I figure it's probably a common question, but a quick search didn't turn up much...

Besides reading ID3 tags from the IceLink, what's different about the post 02/05 head units? Is there a sound difference? Do the 2004 head units display song titles from radio stations, or do you have to have ID3 capability for that?

Thanks!

 

Only difference I know is that it plays MP3s. 2004 definitely displays radio stations/artist/song title.

 

All '02-'06 factory stereo head units (Std and H/K) support and display RDS text broadcasts.

'02 headunits do not support AUX input connections.

There are no sound quality differences between the '02-'04 stereos and the '05-'06.

The main differences between the '02-'04 and the '05-'06 factory stereos (std and H/K) are as follows:

* MP3 CD playback capability
* ID tags/text display from MP3 devices (iPod's, etc)
* Bigger power/volume rotary ****.

Also with the '05+ MINIs the roof antenna base is different and it already comes pre-wired for satellite radio. The shark fin antenna offered in the '02-'04 MINIs with NAV is no longer available.

 

Awesome info! Just to clarify, the 04 units won't play MP3 CDs, but are compatible with the OEM iPod adapter that I have on my 05 MCS?

 

Correct. The '04 HU won't be able to play MP3 CDs but will still support the OEM iPod adaptor connection.

 

Can anyone expand on the above? Under what conditions are the ID tags recognized? i.e. only with Dennison Ice-link? ID tags are not supported with the OEM ipod adapter, correct?
TIA

 

ID3 tags will show up using the Dension IceLink+ but not using the current OEM iPod adapter. But there are two conditions: The headunit must be post-January '05 build, and the IceLink+ must be running the beta BMW firmware version 2.B2. It works fine on my August '05 build MCS but not on my wife's October '04 build MCC.

 

My '05 MCS was built February 2005, so I have the updated stereo headunit (H/K)