[EricFother]

I ordered a U.S. spec car while I'm stationed here in the U.K. It arrived with the new USB/Ipod modifications that are done at the factory. My only problem is that they (BMW nor my dealer) supplied the proper cable to fully hook up my IPod. Anyone in the U.K. have this new factory (NOT dealership add on) installed option? If you do....did you get the proper Ipod cable? I'm trying to track one down and get it before I have to send my car to the states. My local dealership (Carrs of Bury St. Edmunds) tells me it will be 2 weeks before they can "order" one. God only knows how long before I get it in my hands. I'd hate to think that BMW released the industry first feature in their cars and failed to get the one and only cable to make it work into the dealerships before the cars started to roll off the factory floor.

[NFS]

Originally Posted by EricFother

I ordered a U.S. spec car while I'm stationed here in the U.K. It arrived with the new USB/Ipod modifications that are done at the factory. My only problem is that they (BMW nor my dealer) supplied the proper cable to fully hook up my IPod. Anyone in the U.K. have this new factory (NOT dealership add on) installed option? If you do....did you get the proper Ipod cable? I'm trying to track one down and get it before I have to send my car to the states. My local dealership (Carrs of Bury St. Edmunds) tells me it will be 2 weeks before they can "order" one. God only knows how long before I get it in my hands. I'd hate to think that BMW released the industry first feature in their cars and failed to get the one and only cable to make it work into the dealerships before the cars started to roll off the factory floor.

It's a USB connection isn't it?

So surely the USB cable that comes with the later gen ipods will do the job?

Something like this?

http://www.digitalmediastore.co.uk/p...roducts_id=868

[rjs]

there does seem to be a cable. see http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...99#post8659599

it's seems to use the aux input for audio & the usb for control. i dont see whe a normal ipod cable & a normal 3.5mm phono jack wont work though?

i'm def getting this when i order

[NFS]

Originally Posted by rjs

there does seem to be a cable. see http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...99#post8659599

it's seems to use the aux input for audio & the usb for control. i dont see whe a normal ipod cable & a normal 3.5mm phono jack wont work though?

i'm def getting this when i order

Got it ... the thread you posted links back to an e90post.com thread and this pdf ....

http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...9&d=1171573641

So there is a specific cable which connects the dock connector to USB and 3.5mm male connection for the aux input.

So the USB is control only and the audio is via the aux input, but all through the dock connector so it will be true line out.

This is a pretty besboke little cable though. It's also really short so you won't be able to pull the ipod out of the armrest if it is connected.

I also wonder if the connection will disable the clickwheel on the ipod. I suspect it will because it will effectively go into hard disc mode.

For me personally this would be a big frustration because I doubt very much that the idrive functionallity will be as good as the clickwheel navigation.

On a non idrive car this would be even worse.

I think this looks really dissapointing.

[NFS]

Originally Posted by EricFother

I ordered a U.S. spec car while I'm stationed here in the U.K. It arrived with the new USB/Ipod modifications that are done at the factory. My only problem is that they (BMW nor my dealer) supplied the proper cable to fully hook up my IPod. Anyone in the U.K. have this new factory (NOT dealership add on) installed option? If you do....did you get the proper Ipod cable? I'm trying to track one down and get it before I have to send my car to the states. My local dealership (Carrs of Bury St. Edmunds) tells me it will be 2 weeks before they can "order" one. God only knows how long before I get it in my hands. I'd hate to think that BMW released the industry first feature in their cars and failed to get the one and only cable to make it work into the dealerships before the cars started to roll off the factory floor.

If you can't get the BMW cable, then I believe this will probably do the same thing:

http://www.sendstation.com/us/produc...neout-usb.html

You would also have to buy a 3.5mm male to male phono lead and a usb lead.

[silverbmwz3]

So was it a mistake or should the car have come with a cable? I have ordered that option and was expecting it to arrive with one otherwise it isn't particularly useful!

[skansa]

i agree that they should provide connectivity, but its bmw, so lets be honest they will charge you £35 for a cable which you can buy from www.maplin.co.uk for £5.

[rjs]

i'll like it less if it disables the clickwheel will still get it though

[NFS]

Originally Posted by skansa

i agree that they should provide connectivity, but its bmw, so lets be honest they will charge you £35 for a cable which you can buy from www.maplin.co.uk for £5.

I doubt you will get that cable from Maplin - I've never seen one like it before (i.e. dock connector to USB and 3.5mm phono).

Looking at the pdf the cable should be included - at least in North America.

I think the problem is that it is included in the option, but 'supplied at a dealer level'. Basically this means that they would have to order them separately.

[silverbmwz3]

It sounds like I should drop my dealer an email to make sure! Would be most dissapointed having rocked up at the dealer with my ipod not to be able to try it. Will let you know what they say.

[NFS]

Originally Posted by rjs

i'll like it less if it disables the clickwheel will still get it though

Even if it doesn't disable the clickwheel the cable is so short you won't be able to pull out the ipod and use it.

On the plus side that means no cables in the way - on the down side it means that you are going to be totally reliant on the interface.

[rjs]

i guess temp. disconnecting it is an option if i want something in particular. i usually listen to playlists on random or albums so it's not going to be a big issue.

I've got a fair few tracks though (10,000+) so just dont fancy scrolling though the artist list with the idrive!

[silverbmwz3]

Is the cable in the glove box?

Stealer response (Stealer nil points):

"You will need a jack plug lead, which can be purchased from somewhere like Dixon’s. I think they are about £20.00."

I wrote back as I think he is confusing it with the older model where there is just the Aux socket needed from the Ipod headphone out. Will post his response.

[NFS]

Originally Posted by silverbmwz3

Is the cable in the glove box?

Stealer response (Stealer nil points):

"You will need a jack plug lead, which can be purchased from somewhere like Dixon’s. I think they are about £20.00."

I wrote back as I think he is confusing it with the older model where there is just the Aux socket needed from the Ipod headphone out. Will post his response.

Send him the pdf

[silverbmwz3]

Oops - missed the PDF. Ta. Very handy - was wondering if it supported playlist etc.

So where does it sit? I was hoping for glove box so I wouldn't have to have wire's dangling everywhere.

[rjs]

Originally Posted by silverbmwz3

So where does it sit? I was hoping for glove box so I wouldn't have to have wire's dangling everywhere.

The old one was in the glovebox i think.

I thought the new one was under the arm rest? That's where the aux input is isn't it?

[NFS]

Originally Posted by rjs

The old one was in the glovebox i think.

I thought the new one was under the arm rest? That's where the aux input is isn't it?

The pdf says it is 'located above the AUX IN interface' which is in the armrest.

[silverbmwz3]

Don't spose anyone has a pic showing where? Side of armrest? Underneath?

[rjs]

Originally Posted by silverbmwz3

Don't spose anyone has a pic showing where? Side of armrest? Underneath?

the armrest lifts up to reveal a compartment, it's at the back of that

[silverbmwz3]

Excellent, liking the sound of that.

[NFS]

Here is a picture of the aux input in the armrest:



If you have the phone cradle then the ipod can be dropped down into the slot cut into the drinks holder (where the cables are in this photo) and fits perfectly.

[rjs]

looks nice to me. with the 6FL, the ipod gets power via the USB as well doesn't it?