Customer Reviews

Dension iceLink Plus iPod Car Integration Kit for Cars with Select Sony Head Units (UniLink)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a cool product and *almost* ideal... but the model for Sony head units does NOT support CD-text input, which is one of the big features! I wound up returning mine. Otherwise worked well and was easy to install. But I would recommend waiting for refinement and more options.

I purchased the Ice>link plus for my '03 MINI Cooper.

There are two ways it can be connected(different hardware for each option): Directly to the back of the head unit (needs to be purchased directly from Dension) and into the plug intended for the factory optional CD Changer which is behind the right rear access panel in the boot. The first method requires removing the console pillars and the head unit but the wiring is compact and only needs to be run a short distance. The connection in place of the CD Changer is easier but requires you to hide the wire from front to back. I got the CD Changer connection and had it connected (without hiding the cable) in three minutes. I used it this way until the weekend when I had time to run the cable behind the right rear panel, under the sill and into the glove compartment.

I can control things from the multi-function-steering wheel but I don't have the ID3 tags showing on my radio screen. I gather from the Northamericanmotoring site this is because enabling text doesn't work with pre-'05 head units.

I'm very happy with the Ice>link as none of the "FM" iPod devices would consistently work and the sound from them when they did was awful. The sound is a good as playing cd's directly on the stereo.

As per the previous comment, the unit DOES NOT provide track information on the Sony head unit. I purchased it because the marketing material said it would show ID3 tags on units that had this. Well my Sony unit has this feature and it did not show anything but erroneous track information. Dension support admitted this is the case. I also could not get the head unit to advance, start and stop the iPod - which may be a fault in my particular unit. So if you are looking to use your Sony head unit rather than the iPod for navigating tracks, you will have to look elsewhere. Not much value for money in my opinion and I am returning mine too.