Just bought a 2005 X5 3.0. Looking for an install location for my iPod.

I'm having a professional do the install, and going with the Icelink adapter from Dension. A tad more expensive than some other solutions, but I prefer it because:

- Unlike the Aux Input method, it charges the unit and allows steering wheel controls.
- Unlike the "iPod Your BMW" rig, it requires no special playlists to be created just for your car.
- Unlike Monster's iCruze, it's available now and has already gotten positive real-world reviews.

Anyone have thoughts on having the connecting cable installed inside the cupholder compartment? I notice my iPod just fits if I lay it on top of the cupholder holes and close the rolltop lid. My thought: route the connector cable in near the rear of the compartment. That makes at least one of the cupholders usable (a must) and provides a quick way to store the iPod out of sight -- just close the cupholder door.

Thoughts?

Have an 01 X5 4.4 and would love for you to post pics when you get it installed. The cup holder might be expensive as you have to pull all the trim around the transmission housing up. I had cup holder replaced under warranty as some of the springs had broken and it took a good bit of time to fix. I have the ipod in the M3 via a sony tape adapter not pretty but works.

Talked to Tom at Dension and ordered the Icelink kit today. He says it should be a fairly painless install (I'm having it done by a local pro shop). Will post a few snaps if I manage to get any during the install.

Tom says an Icelink that will allow the BMW radio to actually display artist/song info (not just track numbers) is in the works. He wasn't specific about a timeframe, but said current Icelinks will be upgradable when the product is ready.

Something I Didn't Know Department: Tom says the factory AUX input kit IS compatible with Icelink, so if you want to be rilly flexible, you can have both. And there apparently is a Dension cable that allows you to add aftermarket XM Satellite Radio kits to the system too. I've been eyeing a compact little gizmo called the XM Commander that looks like it might fit into the ashtray slot. (Man -- this upgrade thing never ends...)