[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

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

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Apple recently introduced the new iPhone 5. There are three key differences between it and earlier iPhone models that affect its integration in BMW vehicles. First, the physical dimensions of the body of the new phone are thinner and longer compared to the iPhone 4/4S. Second, the iPhone uses a new 8-pin connector in place of the traditional 30-pin connector used on all other iPhone variants as well as iPod touch and iPod nano. The third is the elimination of the analog video signal.

Taken together, the result is:

1. iPhone 5 is not compatible with any of the current snap-in adapters available through BMW.

2. The PlugIn feature as a means of accessing one’s music library is not available on the iPhone 5. (Owners are still able to access their music library using a USB cable, see details under “Will I need an adapter to use my iPhone5?”.)

3. Also, watching videos stored on the device, on the car’s screen while parked is no longer possible.

FAQ

Below is an FAQ regarding the use of iPhone 5 and iOS6, as answered by BMW:

Can I connect my phone via Bluetooth to make phones calls, see my contacts and play music?

• Yes.

Can I still play music from my iPhone 5 in my BMW?

• Yes, via the External Devices menu in iDrive.

Will I need an adapter to use my iPhone 5?

• This depends on the options in the vehicle:

◦ No, if you currently use an Apple "white cable" to connect your iPhone to your vehicle. In this case, all you need is the new Apple Lightning cable, included with your iPhone 5. (See our member's DIY guide for creating a cradle and integrating the lightning cable)

◦ Yes, if you currently use a Y-Cable to connect your phone. In this case, you will need a "Lightning adapter" to connect your iPhone 5 to the Y-cable. (See "USB vs. Y-cable" on below to determine when a Y-cable is needed for MY 13 vehicles.)

◦ The "Lightning adapter" is an adapter available via Apple to convert the old 30-pin plug to the new 8-pin connector or "Lightning cable". It is already on sale by Apple and retails for $29.99 (for the adapter) or $39.99 for the adapter cable.

Can I use PlugIn and/or play videos from my iPhone 5?

• No, the iPhone 5 Lightning connector does not support analog video, therefore making the PlugIn feature and video playback incompatible.

• PlugIn and video playback are still supported when using an iPhone 4/4S with iOS 6.

When will the iPhone 5 Snap-In Adapter be available?

• BMW's official word on this is that there is currently no timeline set for the release of the iPhone 5 Snap-In Adapter, but as we recently reported, our sources indicate that its currently in developemtn and to expect it sometime around June 2013.

Is "BMW apps" compatible with iPhone 5 / iOS 6?

• Yes, owners with iOS 6 (incl. iPhone 3GS/4/4S/5) and a "BMW apps" equipped vehicle can continue enjoying the same great app integrations, just as they did with iOS 5.1. This includes Pandora, MOG, Aupeo, Stitcher and BMW Connected.

• Pandora is still not compatible with the New Navigation Professional System (SA609) vehicles, but an update is expected from Pandora by November 30, 2012.)

Can I use Mobile Office with iPhone 5 / iOS 6?

• With the release of iOS 6 (incl. iPhone 3GS/4/4S/5), Mobile Office is now supported for Text Messages and iMessages. This is available in cars with option code 639 / 6NL "BMW Assist with Enhanced Bluetooth". Owners will be able to see their text messages / iMessages on the screen,
and can have them read aloud. (Read-out of messages also requires Navigation.)

• Not all of the Text Messages / iMessages on the phone will be displayed in the vehicle. Only new messages received while the phone is connected to the vehicle will be available in the vehicle.

• Owners will have to configure their phone as follows to activate this feature:

1. Pair the phone to the vehicle as normal.

2. Under "Settings" and "Bluetooth", press the blue arrow to the right of the paired vehicle:

3. Then turn on "Show Notifications":

4. Also,notifications must be turned on for "Messages" as well:

5. Owners then have to reconnect their phone to the vehicle. This is done by scrolling over the paired phone in the vehicle’s “Bluetooth” menu and pushing the iDrive controller.

6. Returning a phone call via the displayed text message / iMessage is not possible. Owners should either dial the number directly or select a contact from their address book using iDrive.

Y-CABLE / BLUETOOTH

USB vs. Y-cable:

USB is offered standard on all 2013 BMW models, but the available functions differ based on vehicle equipment. Audio playback through the USB port is always included, but may require the Y-cable accessory in combination with an iPhone / iPod. The BMW Apps features are only available in combination with option 6NR "BMW apps". Some of the app features are accessible using the Apple cable, but video playback is only possible with Smartphone Integration (6NF) in combination with the appropriate snap-in adapter.

* Plug-In is not currently compatible with the new Navigation Professional system (SA609); a fix is expected later this year.

The Y-cable is needed unless the vehicle is equipped with 639 or 6NL "BMW Assist with Enhanced Bluetooth and USB", which is standard equipment on all MY 13 5 Series, 5 Series GT, 6 Series, 7 Series, X5 and X6 models. On most other MY 13 models, 639/6NL is offered in combination with 609 "Navigation system" and/or in the Technology Package and/or as an option. See the chart below for more details about each model’s Y-cable dependency.

Bluetooth:

Bluetooth comes standard on all 2013 BMW models, but again, the available functions are dependent on vehicle equipment. Please refer to each vehicle’s ordering guide to determine which options are available.

[d1ma5]

Jason, I apologize if this is not the proper venue to place this question but I read through this sticky and it wasn't clear to me if I (as an '09 e90 sedan owner) if I will be able to use the steering wheel playback controls with an iPhone 5 connected with a lightning adapter and the BMW y cable.

[alexwhittemore]

Originally Posted by d1ma5

Jason, I apologize if this is not the proper venue to place this question but I read through this sticky and it wasn't clear to me if I (as an '09 e90 sedan owner) if I will be able to use the steering wheel playback controls with an iPhone 5 connected with a lightning adapter and the BMW y cable.

You will. Adapter+Y cable=full monte.

[d1ma5]

Thanks!

[Zero23]

Very helpful FAQ. Off to buy a Y Cable now. THANKS!

[NH335i]

What are my options, if any, to have my iPhone music controled through idrive in an 07' e92?

[alexwhittemore]

Originally Posted by NH335i

What are my options, if any, to have my iPhone music controled through idrive in an 07' e92?

Y cable. Plus lightning adapter, if you have an iPhone 5. Please read.

[NH335i]

Originally Posted by alexwhittemore

Y cable. Plus lightning adapter, if you have an iPhone 5. Please read.

Sorry. I realize now it was quite clear what i need.
I just want to fully understand.
So with a Y cable and a lightning cable am I able to control my music through my idrive off my iphone 5 in an 07'.
Is this just plugging the Y cable into the aux port?

[joebiron]

This is a great post that cleared up a lot of confusion for me. I'm negotiating on a 2009 328i withOUT iDrive or BMW Assist/Bluetooth.

This post clearly explains that I will need the Y-cable.

Question: was this infamous y-cable provided with the vehicle? Should I be expecting that it is stuffed in the glovebox somewhere on this CPO vehicle I'm looking to buy?

If not, then I guess I'll buy one, but on ShowBMWUsa all I see is
http://www.shopbmwusa.com/ProductDet...ProductId=3241

Which is an even more confusing monstrosity, and it's $100! Moreover it does not look at all like what I expected to see. Why the power adapter when it should be able to charge through USB? Where's the Apple connector cable part? See what I mean...confusing.

I see some on Amazon but with dubious reviews. http://www.amazon.com/iDRIVE-ADAPTER.../dp/B003P6DGMK

At least that one looks like what I expected to see.

Any ideas?

[zivyn]

Originally Posted by joebiron

Question: was this infamous y-cable provided with the vehicle? Should I be expecting that it is stuffed in the glovebox somewhere on this CPO vehicle I'm looking to buy?

My first CPO didn't come with a Y-cable, but I didn't realize I needed it until about two weeks later and the manager got me one gratis; however I was under the 50k new warranty at that time so it may have helped.

My thinking is that if it comes with the new car, it should come with the CPO car. If they don't have it, make them give you one.

[alexwhittemore]

Originally Posted by zivyn

My first CPO didn't come with a Y-cable, but I didn't realize I needed it until about two weeks later and the manager got me one gratis; however I was under the 50k new warranty at that time so it may have helped.

My thinking is that if it comes with the new car, it should come with the CPO car. If they don't have it, make them give you one.

Same situation and I feel the same way, though I didn't push the making them give me one thing - I realized pretty soon after they were like $20 on amazon, whatever!

[kgemz]

Does the Y-cable + lightning port adapter work on a non-idrive e92 335i? Or is the Y-cable just for the idrive?

[alexwhittemore]

Originally Posted by kgemz

Does the Y-cable + lightning port adapter work on a non-idrive e92 335i? Or is the Y-cable just for the idrive?

Year is more helpful to know than chassis number, but anyway yes. The opposite, in fact - some newer iDrives don't require the Y cable.

In your case, a Y cable is in order, though.

[kgemz]

Originally Posted by alexwhittemore

Year is more helpful to know than chassis number, but anyway yes. The opposite, in fact - some newer iDrives don't require the Y cable.

In your case, a Y cable is in order, though.

Sorry, it's a 2007. So I'll be able to use the usb interface with a Y-cable and lightning adapter? Just recently purchased my E92, the usb/aux interface is still confusing to me. Thanks!

[alexwhittemore]

Originally Posted by kgemz

Sorry, it's a 2007. So I'll be able to use the usb interface with a Y-cable and lightning adapter? Just recently purchased my E92, the usb/aux interface is still confusing to me. Thanks!

Yep!

[RainKing]

I just bought a 7th generation iPod Nano... looks like I will need a 30 to 8 pin adapter for my Y cable too...

[Low_Rumble]

It seems that the above instructions for Mobile Office are for Bluetooth, does Mobile Office also work when using an 8-pin USB connection? I generally prefer to plug it in rather than use bluetooth.

e90 2011 335i (late model) w/ iDrive iPhone 5. Do not have Mobile Apps feature.

[alexwhittemore]

Originally Posted by Low_Rumble

It seems that the above instructions for Mobile Office are for Bluetooth, does Mobile Office also work when using an 8-pin USB connection? I generally prefer to plug it in rather than use bluetooth.

e90 2011 335i (late model) w/ iDrive iPhone 5. Do not have Mobile Apps feature.

As far as I'm aware, it doesn't, bluetooth only. But if you mean you prefer to be plugged in for music, you should be able to select the iphone over wire source separately from the iPhone over bluetooth source. So you can be connected to bluetooth and the wire at the same time, while audio goes over the wire.

[Low_Rumble]

Ah, that makes sense, perhaps the Mobile Office information goes over the "voice" bluetooth connection instead of the "music" bluetooth connection. I'll check this out tomorrow.

Also, has anyone figured out if there's a way to stop getting the error when previously connecting via the "Music" bluetooth connection, then plugging into USB? It always gives an error and shuts down the "Music" bluetooth connection since it cannot handle Bluetooth and USB music at the same time. It's annoying to re-pair the "Music" bluetooth connection every time though...

[alexwhittemore]

Originally Posted by Low_Rumble

Ah, that makes sense, perhaps the Mobile Office information goes over the "voice" bluetooth connection instead of the "music" bluetooth connection. I'll check this out tomorrow.

Also, has anyone figured out if there's a way to stop getting the error when previously connecting via the "Music" bluetooth connection, then plugging into USB? It always gives an error and shuts down the "Music" bluetooth connection since it cannot handle Bluetooth and USB music at the same time. It's annoying to re-pair the "Music" bluetooth connection every time though...

With bluetooth there's only one connection, but there are gazillions of profiles that can run over that connection. One is A2DP, stereo streaming audio. One is handsfree, which includes one audio channel in both directions and a call button. Then there's one for contacts syncing, and another for this, and another for that. Point being, the fact that your phone is paired and supports A2DP doesn't imply that the car has to actively use that for audio. It can choose to behave however it likes (in this case taking audio from the wire, which is a whole different thing).

That said, you're saying the car unpairs your phone whenever you plug in the cable? I wouldn't know anything about that. It certainly could, but there's no reason it has to. If it does, that's just a silly design by BMW.

[stocky]

Hi guys! Unfortunately my first post here is about a problem. I have an E92 LCI manufactured in march 2010. I have an iPhone 5 with the latest iOS 6.1.4. I cannot connect it via bluetooth with the iDrive and i cannot use the Office features (Emails, SMS, Calendar). Bluetooth calls work just fine though. After pairing the phone with the car, there is no Office option in the iDrive bluetooth submenu for the iPhone, just calls and audio. In the iPhone settings i cannot turn on "show notifications" in bluetooth settings for the BMW 50677 connection (my car). I have downloaded the UPD01006.bin update package, but the only update i get from it is MX-1.12.00. HELP!

[LargecarBen]

Nice message