*Official* 6FL iPod/USB Thread

Doc T · 04-24-2008, 03:15 PM

I´ve tried a lot of different car´s iPod solutions and even put some money on aftermarket solutions like Dension IceLink. Like 6 months ago i got some great info in this tread from LEDZEP and J Spira. I´m a true iPod fanatic and finally satisfied. Many thanks to you guys because this is the best solution i´ve seen so far. Now using an Touch with adapter 61 120 440 812
Connects with no upload time
I can search for playlist, genre, artist, song
It loads and it starts where i left it.
PERFECT ! LOVE 6FL

Carrera RSR · 04-29-2008, 08:37 AM

Hi

I want to use iPhone for music with USB + Y cable and use the iPhone with Bluetooth for making and receiving calls. I have recieved the following from a BMW Dealer. It seems that I can use the iPhone for music or phone for calls but not both at the same time. The iPhone can handle switching between listening to music and making and receiving calls but can the i-Drive handle this. Can anyone confirm what I can expect when my new car arrives this Summer.

'Apple iPhone
The Apple iPhone has been approved for use with all models from September 2007 production with either Bluetooth telephone preparation, or with the USB/audio interface.

Bluetooth telephone preparation (option 633 or 644)

When the iPhone is paired with the Bluetooth telephone system, the phone book will transfer into the vehicle and hands-free calls can be made and received. For this purpose the handset has been given a full compatibility status.

USB/audio interface (option 6FL)

Providing it is connected with the Aftersales USB iPod Cable, the Apple iPhone is approved as a compatible audio player with the USB/audio interface.

NOTE: The Apple iPhone has not been tested and approved as a device that can perform both operations simultaneously. This means we do not currently support the pairing and use of the phone, whilst the device is also being used as an audio player with the USB/audio interface.'

Having trawled forums and asked BMW I cannot find the answer. All is not lost if I can't as I have a 5G Video ipod as well to connect for music. The iPhone can then sit in the cradle for phone only use. However I would prefer to use just the iPhone for both duties. I understand the iPhone cannot sit in the cradle when connected to the USB/Y Cable, but is charging when used with this option. Surely the iPhone will end music when a call comes in and switch to Bluetooth for the call. Answering the call via the iDrive system?

Any current iPhone + iDrive users advice on this.

gravediggingaditch · 04-29-2008, 09:27 AM

They love them some Destiny's Child in Sweeden huh . . .

nik-328xi · 04-29-2008, 01:23 PM

I use my iPhone connected with the standard Y-cable to play music and make calls with no problems so far (knock on wood), well no problems after the software upgrade and new Y-cable before that had the random switching issue and the old cable wouldn't charge the iPhone.

But even before the upgrade I was still able to use the iPhone as both a phone via Bluetooth and player with the Y-cable hookup. When a call comes in the player pauses and switches to phone mode then back player when I end the call.

Nik

Carrera RSR · 04-29-2008, 03:16 PM

Thanks Nik

I know the iphone can cope but it was looking like the idrive may not according to BMW. Just about to finalise my order and the dealer was no help in confirming if all options I was about to pay good money for was going to work.

If anyone else has some experience please post.

faston · 04-29-2008, 05:16 PM

Doc T, I see that you list your 6FL cable as part no. 61 120 440 812, but the part no. I previously got from this site (and have told the dealer they must supply me when my car comes in) is no. 61 12 0 440 796.

That number I had was mentioned on this very thread as the 'new, improved, officially working' cable. Is there now an even newer one? I have an ipod Touch as well, if that has any bearing on the situation.

Thanks

I-Won-Today · 04-30-2008, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faston

Doc T, I see that you list your 6FL cable as part no. 61 120 440 812, but the part no. I previously got from this site (and have told the dealer they must supply me when my car comes in) is no. 61 12 0 440 796.

That number I had was mentioned on this very thread as the 'new, improved, officially working' cable. Is there now an even newer one? I have an ipod Touch as well, if that has any bearing on the situation.

Thanks

Any old part # should supersede to the new one when they go to order it.

I-Won-Today · 04-30-2008, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carrerarsr

Hi

I want to use iPhone for music with USB + Y cable and use the iPhone with Bluetooth for making and receiving calls. I have recieved the following from a BMW Dealer. It seems that I can use the iPhone for music or phone for calls but not both at the same time. The iPhone can handle switching between listening to music and making and receiving calls but can the i-Drive handle this. Can anyone confirm what I can expect when my new car arrives this Summer.

'Apple iPhone
The Apple iPhone has been approved for use with all models from September 2007 production with either Bluetooth telephone preparation, or with the USB/audio interface.

Bluetooth telephone preparation (option 633 or 644)

When the iPhone is paired with the Bluetooth telephone system, the phone book will transfer into the vehicle and hands-free calls can be made and received. For this purpose the handset has been given a full compatibility status.

USB/audio interface (option 6FL)

Providing it is connected with the Aftersales USB iPod Cable, the Apple iPhone is approved as a compatible audio player with the USB/audio interface.

NOTE: The Apple iPhone has not been tested and approved as a device that can perform both operations simultaneously. This means we do not currently support the pairing and use of the phone, whilst the device is also being used as an audio player with the USB/audio interface.'

Having trawled forums and asked BMW I cannot find the answer. All is not lost if I can't as I have a 5G Video ipod as well to connect for music. The iPhone can then sit in the cradle for phone only use. However I would prefer to use just the iPhone for both duties. I understand the iPhone cannot sit in the cradle when connected to the USB/Y Cable, but is charging when used with this option. Surely the iPhone will end music when a call comes in and switch to Bluetooth for the call. Answering the call via the iDrive system?

Any current iPhone + iDrive users advice on this.

Should work. One thing to make sure is that when you first connect the iphone to the y-cable, it asks a question about going into airplane mode (or something to that effect). You need to click no, and that will allow the iphone to perform both duties. If you click yes, it will turn off the phone function of the iphone as it thinks you are just wanting to use it for music at that point.

Hope that helps,

nik-328xi · 05-01-2008, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by I-Won-Today

Should work. One thing to make sure is that when you first connect the iphone to the y-cable, it asks a question about going into airplane mode (or something to that effect). You need to click no, and that will allow the iphone to perform both duties. If you click yes, it will turn off the phone function of the iphone as it thinks you are just wanting to use it for music at that point.

Hope that helps,

That's one thing i forgot to mention in my earlier post.

Other than that iPhone works fine was phone and player w/ iDrive and I suspect even without it.

Nik

Carrera RSR · 05-02-2008, 05:29 PM

Thanks for the help and comments. Can't wait to try it all out when the new car arrives.

bimr_fan · 05-14-2008, 11:54 AM

When you first start the car, the radio is supposed to pick up
where it left off, right? For example, if the ipod was playing before,
it would start in the ipod mode on the last track.

Every now and then, when I start the car, it goes to radio mode
(instead of ipod) and tunes to a channel I never listen to!

Other times it will be in ipod mode, but start at
the first song of the playlist or album rather than continue
where it left off.

Anyone had similar experiences?

Wires · 05-14-2008, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimr_fan

When you first start the car, the radio is supposed to pick up
where it left off, right? For example, if the ipod was playing before,
it would start in the ipod mode on the last track.

Every now and then, when I start the car, it goes to radio mode
(instead of ipod) and tunes to a channel I never listen to!

Other times it will be in ipod mode, but start at
the first song of the playlist or album rather than continue
where it left off.

Anyone had similar experiences?

Nope, mine seems to work pretty slick. I do leave it on random, but even then, the first track would still play as the random never happens until the second track.

Could it be the playlist ended? And since it wasn't playing anything, popped back to the radio? I set up my ipod to repeat all songs, so it just keeps going, so that has never happened to me.

elzar · 05-14-2008, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimr_fan

When you first start the car, the radio is supposed to pick up
where it left off, right? For example, if the ipod was playing before,
it would start in the ipod mode on the last track.

Every now and then, when I start the car, it goes to radio mode
(instead of ipod) and tunes to a channel I never listen to!

Other times it will be in ipod mode, but start at
the first song of the playlist or album rather than continue
where it left off.

Anyone had similar experiences?

Are you switching keys? The car picks up on the last thing the key you start with was doing.

bimr_fan · 05-14-2008, 01:52 PM

That's the funny thing...I'm not switching keys
nor coming to the end of a playlist. I'm wondering if
there are some cases where the controller doesn't
recognize the ipod is connected for a split second,
then goes to radio mode?

Wires · 05-14-2008, 02:38 PM

Could be something flakey with the interface cable. Can you access it right after it goes into radio mode?

eekthecat · 05-14-2008, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimr_fan

When you first start the car, the radio is supposed to pick up
where it left off, right? For example, if the ipod was playing before,
it would start in the ipod mode on the last track.

Every now and then, when I start the car, it goes to radio mode
(instead of ipod) and tunes to a channel I never listen to!

Other times it will be in ipod mode, but start at
the first song of the playlist or album rather than continue
where it left off.

Anyone had similar experiences?

Similar stuff seems to be happening to me... When playing of of my usb thumbdrive, it'll suddenly switch to FM and the thumbdrive ceases to be recognized. I have to take it out and reinsert it, then explicitly select it in the AUX menu to get it to work again. This wasn't the case before my recent 29.2 progman update.

bimr_fan · 05-15-2008, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wires

Could be something flakey with the interface cable. Can you access it right after it goes into radio mode?

Yes, indeed I can. So far, I did not have to remove and re-attach
the ipod (see the post above this one where eekthecat indicates
this had to be done for a USB drive).

Wires · 05-16-2008, 11:51 AM

Hmmm that is odd. Of course posting to this thread jinked me. After I said that never happened, I was driving out of the dealership yesterday, and a WTF, the radio is on. Turns out the IPOD locked up (which is different from your issue).

Stupid question, you're not bumping the audio selection button on the steering wheel (next to the volume)? That would make it jump sources.

bimr_fan · 05-17-2008, 06:50 PM

I don't think so, but I'll have to make sure next time.

Here is a new one. It used to be that there was a tick
mark next to the ALB indicator. When I clicked on ALB,
there would be an option called CURR (current), and
if I clicked that, I would see the track names of the current
album (non-iDrive system).

Now, I put a few new songs in the ipod and the tick
mark is no longer available. And if I hit ALB, it'll
show the name of the first album on the ipod instead
of the one I'm listening to. The CURR option is no longer
available!

Is there a user's manual for 6FL?

LEDZEP · 05-19-2008, 08:05 AM

Can anyone confirm that the latest software update will stop the audio system from switching from iPod to FM when you shut the car off and turn it back on?

Aldwyn · 05-19-2008, 11:41 AM

Not sure of that, by I just took delivery on my E90 on Wed (assuming I have the latest software), and so far it always comes back to IPOD when I shut off my car, and turn it back on again.

gordi749 · 05-22-2008, 10:47 PM

Ok, I am a little lost. Does anyone know the part number for the most up to date Ipod Y connection cable, is it 61 120 440 812 or 61 12 0 440 796, or another number?
I am expecting delivery of E93 320d M Sport in July and the dealer has agreed to supply the Ipod/Ycable but I just want to make sure I do not end up with an old stock item.

04-24-2008, 03:15 PM	#1057
Doc T Private First Class 10 Rep 124 Posts Drives: E92 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Sweden iTrader: (0)	I´ve tried a lot of different car´s iPod solutions and even put some money on aftermarket solutions like Dension IceLink. Like 6 months ago i got some great info in this tread from LEDZEP and J Spira. I´m a true iPod fanatic and finally satisfied. Many thanks to you guys because this is the best solution i´ve seen so far. Now using an Touch with adapter 61 120 440 812 Connects with no upload time I can search for playlist, genre, artist, song It loads and it starts where i left it. PERFECT ! LOVE 6FL Attached Images __________________ 2008 335i Coupe /// Space Gray / Saddle Brown / Light Poplar Wood / 6MT / 19” 230 rims / Comfort Pkg / Dynamic Pkg / M steering wheel + shift knob / PDC f & r / Bluetooth / Logic 7 / Navi Pro / 6 FL iPod / Rear sunshade / Sun roof / Antracite headliner / Highgloss shadowline trim
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-29-2008, 08:37 AM	#1058
Carrera RSR Colonel 76 Rep 2,937 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Location: Location: iTrader: (1)	Hi I want to use iPhone for music with USB + Y cable and use the iPhone with Bluetooth for making and receiving calls. I have recieved the following from a BMW Dealer. It seems that I can use the iPhone for music or phone for calls but not both at the same time. The iPhone can handle switching between listening to music and making and receiving calls but can the i-Drive handle this. Can anyone confirm what I can expect when my new car arrives this Summer. 'Apple iPhone The Apple iPhone has been approved for use with all models from September 2007 production with either Bluetooth telephone preparation, or with the USB/audio interface. Bluetooth telephone preparation (option 633 or 644) When the iPhone is paired with the Bluetooth telephone system, the phone book will transfer into the vehicle and hands-free calls can be made and received. For this purpose the handset has been given a full compatibility status. USB/audio interface (option 6FL) Providing it is connected with the Aftersales USB iPod Cable, the Apple iPhone is approved as a compatible audio player with the USB/audio interface. NOTE: The Apple iPhone has not been tested and approved as a device that can perform both operations simultaneously. This means we do not currently support the pairing and use of the phone, whilst the device is also being used as an audio player with the USB/audio interface.' Having trawled forums and asked BMW I cannot find the answer. All is not lost if I can't as I have a 5G Video ipod as well to connect for music. The iPhone can then sit in the cradle for phone only use. However I would prefer to use just the iPhone for both duties. I understand the iPhone cannot sit in the cradle when connected to the USB/Y Cable, but is charging when used with this option. Surely the iPhone will end music when a call comes in and switch to Bluetooth for the call. Answering the call via the iDrive system? Any current iPhone + iDrive users advice on this.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-29-2008, 09:27 AM	#1059
gravediggingaditch Lieutenant 21 Rep 425 Posts Drives: '08 e92 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Miami iTrader: (0)	They love them some Destiny's Child in Sweeden huh . . .
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-29-2008, 01:23 PM	#1060
nik-328xi Private 4 Rep 90 Posts Drives: Alpine White 2007 e92 328xi Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Johnstown, PA iTrader: (0)	I use my iPhone connected with the standard Y-cable to play music and make calls with no problems so far (knock on wood), well no problems after the software upgrade and new Y-cable before that had the random switching issue and the old cable wouldn't charge the iPhone. But even before the upgrade I was still able to use the iPhone as both a phone via Bluetooth and player with the Y-cable hookup. When a call comes in the player pauses and switches to phone mode then back player when I end the call. Nik __________________ 328xi E92 Alpine White over Saddle with dark burl walnut STEP\|ZPP\|ZSP\|Heated Seats\|CA\|6FL\|PDC\|iDrive\|Logic7 Ordered: 4/12/07 Production started: 6/19/07 completed 6/23/07 arrived NY 7/12/07 Otello EA726-OTL Arrived dealer: 7/14 Delivered: 7/20/07
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-29-2008, 03:16 PM	#1061
Carrera RSR Colonel 76 Rep 2,937 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Location: Location: iTrader: (1)	Thanks Nik I know the iphone can cope but it was looking like the idrive may not according to BMW. Just about to finalise my order and the dealer was no help in confirming if all options I was about to pay good money for was going to work. If anyone else has some experience please post.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-29-2008, 05:16 PM	#1062
faston Private First Class 5 Rep 126 Posts Drives: 2018 440i Gran Coupe xDrive Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Vancouver,BC iTrader: (0)	Doc T, I see that you list your 6FL cable as part no. 61 120 440 812, but the part no. I previously got from this site (and have told the dealer they must supply me when my car comes in) is no. 61 12 0 440 796. That number I had was mentioned on this very thread as the 'new, improved, officially working' cable. Is there now an even newer one? I have an ipod Touch as well, if that has any bearing on the situation. Thanks
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-02-2008, 05:29 PM	#1066
Carrera RSR Colonel 76 Rep 2,937 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Location: Location: iTrader: (1)	Thanks for the help and comments. Can't wait to try it all out when the new car arrives.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-14-2008, 11:54 AM	#1067
bimr_fan Enlisted Member 2 Rep 34 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	ipod mode when car starts When you first start the car, the radio is supposed to pick up where it left off, right? For example, if the ipod was playing before, it would start in the ipod mode on the last track. Every now and then, when I start the car, it goes to radio mode (instead of ipod) and tunes to a channel I never listen to! Other times it will be in ipod mode, but start at the first song of the playlist or album rather than continue where it left off. Anyone had similar experiences?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-14-2008, 01:52 PM	#1070
bimr_fan Enlisted Member 2 Rep 34 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	That's the funny thing...I'm not switching keys nor coming to the end of a playlist. I'm wondering if there are some cases where the controller doesn't recognize the ipod is connected for a split second, then goes to radio mode?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-14-2008, 02:38 PM	#1071
Wires Major General 1995 Rep 5,435 Posts Drives: 2016 340i xDrive Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	Could be something flakey with the interface cable. Can you access it right after it goes into radio mode?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-16-2008, 11:51 AM	#1074
Wires Major General 1995 Rep 5,435 Posts Drives: 2016 340i xDrive Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	Hmmm that is odd. Of course posting to this thread jinked me. After I said that never happened, I was driving out of the dealership yesterday, and a WTF, the radio is on. Turns out the IPOD locked up (which is different from your issue). Stupid question, you're not bumping the audio selection button on the steering wheel (next to the volume)? That would make it jump sources.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-17-2008, 06:50 PM	#1075
bimr_fan Enlisted Member 2 Rep 34 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	I don't think so, but I'll have to make sure next time. Here is a new one. It used to be that there was a tick mark next to the ALB indicator. When I clicked on ALB, there would be an option called CURR (current), and if I clicked that, I would see the track names of the current album (non-iDrive system). Now, I put a few new songs in the ipod and the tick mark is no longer available. And if I hit ALB, it'll show the name of the first album on the ipod instead of the one I'm listening to. The CURR option is no longer available! Is there a user's manual for 6FL?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-19-2008, 08:05 AM	#1076
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 438 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	Can anyone confirm that the latest software update will stop the audio system from switching from iPod to FM when you shut the car off and turn it back on? __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-19-2008, 11:41 AM	#1077
Aldwyn Private 1 Rep 59 Posts Drives: 2008 328xi Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Columbia, Maryland iTrader: (0) Garage List 1976 Triumph TR6 [0.00] 2011 BMW 750LI XDrive [0.00]	Not sure of that, by I just took delivery on my E90 on Wed (assuming I have the latest software), and so far it always comes back to IPOD when I shut off my car, and turn it back on again.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-22-2008, 10:47 PM	#1078
gordi749 Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: E93 Black 320D m sport Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Tullow Ireland iTrader: (0)	Ok, I am a little lost. Does anyone know the part number for the most up to date Ipod Y connection cable, is it 61 120 440 812 or 61 12 0 440 796, or another number? I am expecting delivery of E93 320d M Sport in July and the dealer has agreed to supply the Ipod/Ycable but I just want to make sure I do not end up with an old stock item.
	Appreciate 0 Quote