BMW iPhone 5 and iOS 6 Functions, Bluetooth and Y-Cable Overview and FAQ

rspring · 06-13-2015, 07:45 PM

I just bought a 2011 335d with navigation. I don't seem to be able to get it to stream music over bluetooth, but it does stream direction from google maps. Will a software update enable streaming music?

Do I need a Y cable to enable functionality (see songlists, etc) on the iDrive?

Thanks!

tfvdw2at · 06-18-2015, 11:26 AM

I have a 2008 E90 and use my iPhone 5S with an OEM Y-cable connected to the USB and headphone ports in the armrest. I use an Apple dock connector to Lightning adaptor. I will be riding along, listening to music from my phone and all of a sudden the radio comes on. When I hit the Source button, instead of having Radio, CD and iPod, I get Radio, CD, Aux and USB. I have to disconnect the iPhone and restart it for the iPod choice to come back on the head unit. The radio codes are S645A and S663A. Has anyone else seen this behavior and know of a cure? Thanks!

alexwhittemore · 06-18-2015, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tfvdw2at

I have a 2008 E90 and use my iPhone 5S with an OEM Y-cable connected to the USB and headphone ports in the armrest. I use an Apple dock connector to Lightning adaptor. I will be riding along, listening to music from my phone and all of a sudden the radio comes on. When I hit the Source button, instead of having Radio, CD and iPod, I get Radio, CD, Aux and USB. I have to disconnect the iPhone and restart it for the iPod choice to come back on the head unit. The radio codes are S645A and S663A. Has anyone else seen this behavior and know of a cure? Thanks!

I and many find it happens with low quality Y cables. They can be incredibly touchy, even when it seems like physical manipulation doesn't correlate.

tfvdw2at · 06-18-2015, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexwhittemore

I and many find it happens with low quality Y cables. They can be incredibly touchy, even when it seems like physical manipulation doesn't correlate.

Thanks alexwhittemore! The cable I am using is OEM, but I will swap it out for another one and see if I have any more luck. Cheers!

hellomyBMW · 06-30-2015, 08:28 AM

I am having trouble connecting to BMW Connected App (iPhone 5) via original Apple cable (white) to my 2012 X6 50i with CIC navigation. I can stream music off my iPhone no problem but BMW Connected App will not work...

Can anyone please assist me?

Jamesmccue · 07-04-2015, 04:22 PM

I have been using the Tune2air y cable in my 02/2010 e91. It has been working superbly, streaming Spotify from my iPhone. Thanks to all those who recommended it

However, since the iPhone OS update I have lost the ability to skip tracks using the wheel buttons. Still streams ok with iPhone controls. Also, the currently playing information does not work. Has anyone had this problem?

LHR · 07-04-2015, 04:46 PM

I have a 2010 335xi So if I'm understanding correctly I can NOT listen to music from iPhone 5s via bluetooth just phone calls only? Y cable is the only way to listen to music from iPhone?

Jamesmccue · 07-04-2015, 05:10 PM

That's right. That's why the Tune2air 3000 is such a good thing. Bluetooth streaming as long as you have the USB/aux in your armrest I believe.

neeko13 · 07-17-2015, 05:58 PM

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261914860500...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

3.5mm usb bluetooth convert.

Cost $3 and that was with shipping from china. Still uses the normal bluetooth phone controls and uses the music overbluetooth.

Seemlessly connects and switch back and forth.

FRIGGEN MONEY!

Side note I would recommend a 6 inch 3.5mm right angle male to male connector. Mine came with a long cable. This keeps it tight

POINT BEING = That Y cable sucks and is way overpriced.

Mycallways · 06-11-2016, 04:47 PM

So.
I have 2010 335i xdrive. Have the Tune2air bluetooth adapter. It works, however, I cannot skip tracks or see the track info on iDrive. I must use my phone to control.
What's up with that? Any useful fixes?

alexwhittemore · 06-12-2016, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mycallways

So.
I have 2010 335i xdrive. Have the Tune2air bluetooth adapter. It works, however, I cannot skip tracks or see the track info on iDrive. I must use my phone to control.
What's up with that? Any useful fixes?

When you plug in your phone directly with USB, does it work?

If so, you probably HAVE a WMA3000B, when you NEED a WMA2000.

tkong · 07-09-2016, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexwhittemore

When you plug in your phone directly with USB, does it work?

If so, you probably HAVE a WMA3000B, when you NEED a WMA2000.

According to the Viseeo website, WMA3000B is the correct one for a bmw for full steering controls. If I already have the bmw y-cable 30 pin, am i better off buying the WMA1000 from amazon or ebay, even though they dont make it anymore?

I am looking for a different method than my 30 pin y-cable and lightning cable adapter for my iphone 6 because I have been having issues with my CIC only registering the aux and not the presence of the USB as well.

nn42day · 08-08-2016, 07:45 PM

I have recently purchased a 2009 320d With iDrive and Bluetooth.
My iPhone 6 has connected OK for calls but I can't stream audio.

I have ready many posts about a Y cable that is used to connect to the aux and USB port located in the centre console, however I don't have a USB port, just a AUX.

Will this still work or do I need to buy a different adaptor?

There is a USB port in the glove box but I think this is for charging only as IDrive did not detect my phone when I plugged into nor an iPod 5th gen.

Many thanks

MikewhitE92 · 03-18-2017, 11:07 AM

Hi all, not sure how to start a new post so will try here first. I have a 2009 e92 with the aux and USB in the glovebox. I have an offices bmw lightning y cable, the music plays, however I cannot control it through iDrive. The music isn't displayed at all and you cannot change tracks with idrive nor the steering wheel buttons. Any help would be great.

Thanks

alexwhittemore · 03-20-2017, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikewhitE92

Hi all, not sure how to start a new post so will try here first. I have a 2009 e92 with the aux and USB in the glovebox. I have an offices bmw lightning y cable, the music plays, however I cannot control it through iDrive. The music isn't displayed at all and you cannot change tracks with idrive nor the steering wheel buttons. Any help would be great.

Thanks

Someone else with iDrive would know better, but I believe you don't actually have an iPod interface option in your car. The USB jack in the glovebox is for the iDrive system, not an iPod. You'd have to have one in the armrest for the iPod interface. Try putting your VIN in https://www.bmwvin.com/ and see which options come up. S6FL should be there if you've got the iPod interface option.

grandosegood · 09-18-2018, 05:04 PM

Hi everyone,

At the dealer, they wanted $100 to get the new Y-cable that has a lightning connector already built into it. I have an iphone 7 and my friend has an SE. Is there a cheaper alternative that will give us control from the car and audio as well? I have a 2009 328i. Thanks!

John Reed · 03-30-2019, 08:08 AM

Hello everyone, yes, I had a similar problem, it was very annoying for me, so I decided to replace all the wiring, speakers, control units, put a new amplifier, and a head unit. Yes, With Android no problem I spent a lot

but it was worth it.

Hazazzel · 09-03-2020, 03:00 PM

Hello everybody,

Recently i bought BMW E90 320D (2006) which has CIC unit (i suppose retrofitted because i couldn't find any E90 from that year with CIC).

The problem that i'm facing is the both aux ports (glovebox and armrest) are not working ( i tried to connect them with 3.5 to 3.5mm cable with iphone xs max, iphone 5S, ipad mini, huawei_ and nothing happens, when i select External devices -> AUX -> there is no sound. I checked volume, checked everything, but still no sound.

In the glovebox there is also an USB port, which is working fine for listening to music from usb (although i can't inport the songs, it gives me the message that there is no USB in the glovebox, but yet somehow i can listen to that music ?!)

While searching online i also found on terms like MULF2 and COMBOX, i checked my trunk below the carpet and there is none of them i cant find anything. I have option to connect my phone with bluetooth but only for calls, not for audio.

Could anyone help me solve this problem? My idea is to connect the phone with AUX and listen to some better radio online (via tunein for example)

Thank you in advance.

06-13-2015, 07:45 PM	#89
rspring Private 20 Rep 84 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 335d Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	I just bought a 2011 335d with navigation. I don't seem to be able to get it to stream music over bluetooth, but it does stream direction from google maps. Will a software update enable streaming music? Do I need a Y cable to enable functionality (see songlists, etc) on the iDrive? Thanks! Last edited by rspring; 06-13-2015 at 08:10 PM.. Reason: misspelling
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06-18-2015, 11:26 AM	#90
tfvdw2at Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Salisbury, NC iTrader: (0)	BMW Head Unit acting funky with iPhone 5S I have a 2008 E90 and use my iPhone 5S with an OEM Y-cable connected to the USB and headphone ports in the armrest. I use an Apple dock connector to Lightning adaptor. I will be riding along, listening to music from my phone and all of a sudden the radio comes on. When I hit the Source button, instead of having Radio, CD and iPod, I get Radio, CD, Aux and USB. I have to disconnect the iPhone and restart it for the iPod choice to come back on the head unit. The radio codes are S645A and S663A. Has anyone else seen this behavior and know of a cure? Thanks!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-30-2015, 08:28 AM	#93
hellomyBMW Private First Class 34 Rep 188 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW X6 50i Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW X5 4.8i (S ... [0.00] 2013 BMW 335is [10.00] 2012 BMW X6 50i [0.00]	I am having trouble connecting to BMW Connected App (iPhone 5) via original Apple cable (white) to my 2012 X6 50i with CIC navigation. I can stream music off my iPhone no problem but BMW Connected App will not work... Can anyone please assist me?
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07-04-2015, 04:22 PM	#94
Jamesmccue New Member 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: X3 F25 2012 Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Uk iTrader: (0)	I have been using the Tune2air y cable in my 02/2010 e91. It has been working superbly, streaming Spotify from my iPhone. Thanks to all those who recommended it However, since the iPhone OS update I have lost the ability to skip tracks using the wheel buttons. Still streams ok with iPhone controls. Also, the currently playing information does not work. Has anyone had this problem?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-04-2015, 04:46 PM	#95
LHR Private 5 Rep 57 Posts Drives: 2010 335xi E90 Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: The Garden State iTrader: (0)	I have a 2010 335xi So if I'm understanding correctly I can NOT listen to music from iPhone 5s via bluetooth just phone calls only? Y cable is the only way to listen to music from iPhone?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-04-2015, 05:10 PM	#96
Jamesmccue New Member 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: X3 F25 2012 Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Uk iTrader: (0)	That's right. That's why the Tune2air 3000 is such a good thing. Bluetooth streaming as long as you have the USB/aux in your armrest I believe.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-17-2015, 05:58 PM	#97
neeko13 New Member 1 Rep 17 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Tempe, AZ iTrader: (1)	SOLVED ALL YOUR BLUETOOTH PROBLEMSwARMREST JACKS $3 includes shipping http://www.ebay.com/itm/261914860500...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT 3.5mm usb bluetooth convert. Cost $3 and that was with shipping from china. Still uses the normal bluetooth phone controls and uses the music overbluetooth. Seemlessly connects and switch back and forth. FRIGGEN MONEY! Side note I would recommend a 6 inch 3.5mm right angle male to male connector. Mine came with a long cable. This keeps it tight POINT BEING = That Y cable sucks and is way overpriced.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-11-2016, 04:47 PM	#98
Mycallways New Member 2 Rep 27 Posts Drives: 2010 335xi Join Date: May 2014 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (0)	So. I have 2010 335i xdrive. Have the Tune2air bluetooth adapter. It works, however, I cannot skip tracks or see the track info on iDrive. I must use my phone to control. What's up with that? Any useful fixes?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-08-2016, 07:45 PM	#101
nn42day New Member 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: BMW 320d LCI Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Manchester UK iTrader: (0)	2009 LCI E90 Audio streaming I have recently purchased a 2009 320d With iDrive and Bluetooth. My iPhone 6 has connected OK for calls but I can't stream audio. I have ready many posts about a Y cable that is used to connect to the aux and USB port located in the centre console, however I don't have a USB port, just a AUX. Will this still work or do I need to buy a different adaptor? There is a USB port in the glove box but I think this is for charging only as IDrive did not detect my phone when I plugged into nor an iPod 5th gen. Many thanks
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-18-2017, 11:07 AM	#102
MikewhitE92 New Member 7 Rep 26 Posts Drives: M2 Competition Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Essex iTrader: (0)	Hi all, not sure how to start a new post so will try here first. I have a 2009 e92 with the aux and USB in the glovebox. I have an offices bmw lightning y cable, the music plays, however I cannot control it through iDrive. The music isn't displayed at all and you cannot change tracks with idrive nor the steering wheel buttons. Any help would be great. Thanks
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-18-2018, 05:04 PM	#104
grandosegood Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 2009 328i Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Hi everyone, At the dealer, they wanted $100 to get the new Y-cable that has a lightning connector already built into it. I have an iphone 7 and my friend has an SE. Is there a cheaper alternative that will give us control from the car and audio as well? I have a 2009 328i. Thanks!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-30-2019, 08:08 AM	#105
John Reed New Member 0 Rep 7 Posts Drives: x3 Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: miami iTrader: (0)	my small story Hello everyone, yes, I had a similar problem, it was very annoying for me, so I decided to replace all the wiring, speakers, control units, put a new amplifier, and a head unit. Yes, With Android no problem I spent a lot but it was worth it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-03-2020, 03:00 PM	#106
Hazazzel Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: BMW 320d E90 Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: Macedonia iTrader: (0)	Hello everybody, Recently i bought BMW E90 320D (2006) which has CIC unit (i suppose retrofitted because i couldn't find any E90 from that year with CIC). The problem that i'm facing is the both aux ports (glovebox and armrest) are not working ( i tried to connect them with 3.5 to 3.5mm cable with iphone xs max, iphone 5S, ipad mini, huawei_ and nothing happens, when i select External devices -> AUX -> there is no sound. I checked volume, checked everything, but still no sound. In the glovebox there is also an USB port, which is working fine for listening to music from usb (although i can't inport the songs, it gives me the message that there is no USB in the glovebox, but yet somehow i can listen to that music ?!) While searching online i also found on terms like MULF2 and COMBOX, i checked my trunk below the carpet and there is none of them i cant find anything. I have option to connect my phone with bluetooth but only for calls, not for audio. Could anyone help me solve this problem? My idea is to connect the phone with AUX and listen to some better radio online (via tunein for example) Thank you in advance.
	Appreciate 0 Quote