I called the local Acura service shop wanting to get the iPod link installed in my 06 RL. I was hesitant to do so after reading about all the grips with it, but figured it was better than nothing. Anyway, the service rep told me to wait 2-3 weeks, as acura/honda is coming out with a new version. He mentioned that the current models would NOT upgradable to the new version. I was curious if anybody can verify this and/or has more details on exactly what it is.

Thanks,
Matt

 

Well crap! I just had one installed in my 3.5 week old RL. Nothing was mentioned to me when I asked if an upgrade was in the works.

 

I am hoping this is not yet another episode of my favorite show.... "Dealers. Know. Nothing.". If true, and if there is improvement, I might pay to change out. The current incarnation is buggier than I ever imagined it would be. I wanted to like it, but other than the sound quality, it is a pile of poop.

 

I would be VERY interested to hear about this. I am going to demand they remove mine and replace it. It's just horrible.

 

I also feel like they should replace the older version with the newer one, especially since the original gets so many complaints. Lets keep this thread going with updates as theyu happen.

 

I am going to the dealership to purchase my RL today, which already has the existing MusicLink installed. I will let you know if they know anything. I'd be PISSED if I am paying to have this thing installed now and then a week or two later they come out with a better solution.
Chuck

 

I called my dealer yesterday after reading this post and asked if they knew or heard of any updates to the iPod MusicLink on the way. They have heard nothing.

mpiermar, is possible for you get any additional details from your dealer relative to timing and content of this proposed update? It appears that your dealer is the only one aware of it right now.

 

My dealer told me that Apple is releasing a new software that will be available November 1.

 

I think Apple has nothing to do with the problems Musiclink has. It's entirely owned and driven by Honda/Acura.

 

But Apple is involved in its engineering, at least from the software side, from what I've read. I'll try to find a supporting link.

 

My car was in for service today, and I complained about my iPod link's constantly picking the wrong songs and artists.

My service writer confirmed that my iPod link is hosed, but said that Acura is coming out with a new one in mid-November. Rather than replace the one I have, he is going to order me one of the revised models and will call me when it's available.

 

I just spoke to Acura Cus Service and the nw improved hook up will be out in December, she knew nothing else.

 

Just spoke with Acura CS also. Verified the new TTS software (to work with iTunes 7) will be available in Dec. Was told the software would be a 'free' upgrade covered under the manufacturers warranty- if installed at dealer the warranty is for 4 yrs/50000 miles. If self-installed warranty is for 1 yr only. Not sure is new software is an improvement; as explained to me the update is so it will work with iTunes 7.

 

So it sounds like the "new" musiclink for ipod is just a software update for TTS and not a new box and interface?

If that's the case than you should be able to use the musiclink box without the TTS software with no problems right? You just won't be able to navigate playlists and artists and albums, but you can shuffle the entire contents of the ipod.

I thought part of the problem was that quite a few people had musiclink hardware that was dying on them.

 

I was in for 15k service last weekend and asked my dealer about the Ipod musiclink. He told me the dealership is no longer installing the adapters because they've had to tear so many out. All he would say was that Acura was aware of the problem and was actively "working on it". He thought the next version would include nav controls but couldn't offer more than speculation.

 

I got my 06RL last weekand wanted to get MusicLink installed... This did not happen as they did not have stock. Spoke with the Parts Manager and he told me that a new version of the Music Link will be out Mid-November / early December and they would install it at that time. He also clarified that the new version was a software update...

Lets wait and see...

 

I hope he meant "firmware" update, as software isn't going to help us. The firmware in the adapter CAN be upgraded to do a LOT more, like allow native control of the Ipod, etc. and possibly to display artist/album/title info on the car screen.

 

I also called Client Services today and spoke with them about the new Music Link... They told me that the software is being upgraded to work with iTunes 7 and that they do not have a release date as yet...

My guess is that no one really knows what the updates to MusicLink will be and we will know only when the "new" Music Link is released by acura...

 

There is a new version of TTS software already posted The zip file has a 7 in it which leads one to believe it was developed for itunes 7, but the version of TTS software in the zip file is version 1.1, up from 1.02 last week....

 

Nevermind, I'm all screwed up. It isn't a new version, and it is version 1.2 same as was up there last week. Sorry!

 

Just bought a 2006 rl today. dealer would not put ipod link in the car. I was told to many problems they are working on it? Anybody have any more information on this Thank you

 

I bought my 06 this week and was told the same thing. Wait for a month before getting the Apple iPod link. The salesman said a new revision was coming out to rectify current issues.

 

We just bought an '07 RL and they told us they couldn't get the iPod link in until mid-December because of a new hardware revision. They were having a bunch of issues with the updated iTunes, iPod, and interface link.

 

Forget about Acura's Musiclink for iPod and go with the neo ipod adapter. Much much better product for one simple reason, you can navigate the ipod from the ipod as well as use the steering wheel controls and headunit. No more of that horrible TTS software!

See review here:

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=686

 

The new version of Musiclink was promised for November then December. Wonder when this is ever going to arrive? I want them to rip out my musiclink and replace it.

 

I am with you on that; Acura CS told me mine would be replaced with the newer version once it was released. I bought mine on Oct. 1, 2006 an immediately complained about the TTS software. That is when they told me to hold out until December and hardware would be replaced and software updated.

 

I just spoke with my service guy, and according to him, they should be out "sometime in the next week or so." FWIW.

 

Sounds to me like there is a better system out there. Check it out. They have a video showing how easy it installs .

 

Can someone who has the Acura Musiclink check this new Neo Ipod out above. Does it do the same things or is the Neo Ipod better. I know Acura is suppose to update the new Musiclink, but it sounds like this Neo does it all. Thanks for your help

 

I also have the Musiclink, and i can tell you exactly how they compare. Functionally they are identical, except that the Neo doesn't lock you out of the ipod controls. Of course conversely, you can't use TTS software with the Neo, but who would wwant to use that software anyway. Now this comparison is assuming that your musiclink is working in every other way. Mine was, but I still chose to go with the Neo. I wasn't experiencing any of the problems that alot of people were with musiclink. I just didn't like the TTS software navigation.

And from what I have heard, the "new" musiclink is still going to use the TTS software.....

 

The new iPod MusicLink is fially out!!! Received word from my dealer today... I will post an update after the install...

 

Does anyone have the installation instructions for the Acura Music Link in an RL? I found the instructions for an RDX. Although the electrical connections will be similar, it is more the taking apart the dash correctly issue that I am concerned with. I am actually planning to install a Neo but want to make sure I don't damage the console/dash in the process. Thanks in advance.

 

Do let us know. I am trying to decide between the new MusicLink and the Neo iPod.

 

Please keep us posted. I was at my dealer today and asked about the MusicLink. They told me that all of their instock units were returned to Acura to get updated to work with iTunes 7. Sure would like to know if that is all there is to the update.

 

Alright guys, I just got an e-mail offer (estore via owner link) from the dealership I bought my 06 RL from. The offer is on the Music Link. I am assuming this is the new version you guys are talking about...I would confirm on Monday. Here's the deal:

MSRP $214
Without Installation $179 (16% discount)
With Installation $326 (it looks like labor cost about $147)

I'm not sure what people paid to get their Music Link installed but is this a decent offer?

Thoughts anyone?

I would like to get this for my own Christmas present

Thanks!

 

Better than my dealer at $341 (Pohanka, Chantilly, VA--web quote), $8 cheaper than Radley in Falls Church, VA. 5% tax not included.

 

I had mine installed with the car purchase (BIG mistake, should've gone for the rear camera ). I am hopeful I can have mine replaced with the new one under warranty. If I actually have to pay for it, I will definitely go aftermarket. Will find out from dealer tomorrow.

 

Any update yet, I am anxiously awaiting to buy and install one?

 

I just got off the phone with the parts manager at our local dealership and it is confirmed, the Music Link is indeed the newest version. It was just released last week.

The estore special is $326 installed. Is this a good offer?

Thanks!

 

We will have to wait and see if it works?