MY 07 Audio Changes & iPod

[6gunner]

I understand that the 6 disk CD changer is no more. BMW will only offer premium sound and hopefully an mp3 interface. In the past there were compatability problems with Sirius and iPod. Has this been rectified for new production vehicles. It would seem pretty kooky to not have a changer but not allow mp3 interface but stranger things have happened! Anybody know?

[Gran Turismo]

A new BMW iPod interface for the 6-series has been released about a month ago. It's said to work well, just do an (advanced) search for ipod restricted to the 6-series forum for more details. Also, the dash CD drive is supposed to play mp3 files directly from a data disc.

This interface + a new iPod are somewhat more expensive than the old CD changer, but an iPod allows a much higher capacity of song data even if using uncompressed audio formats like WAV or AIFF (a 6 CD changer being equivalent to about 4GB of uncompressed audio data).

So the deal is fair and I've ordered that interface for my own 650i as well. Oh, and I need to start shopping for a 60GB iPod :)

[Boxboss]

Read this (http://internetaddictionhelp.com/files/07_6_Product.pdf) for info about the 07 music options (originally posted by Jon.) Reading the pdf for a second time, it appears contradictory. It states, "an auxillary input is standard which allows for the use of portable music devices." A few sentences later, is says, "A facory installed 6 CD changer is no longer offered. This will allow the customer the flexibility to buy and install either an acccessory cd changer or iPod adapter."

Which is it? Is the ability to use an iPod standard, or does one have to buy and install the adapter? Is the adapter only for holding and charging the iPod ? Anyone know?:dunno:

[Gran Turismo]

The iPod adapter is an option you need to buy like the CD changer. It basically plugs into the same glovebox socket where you would plug in the CD changer instead.

The aux adapter is completely separate from that. It's just an additional analogue line input (so no remote control functionality like with CD changer or iPod) and is supposed to be located in the center console compartment. Others might confirm the location of the latter, I'll be able in about a month when my car finally arrives.

[cobradav]

In summary for an e63/64 for MY07

Standard: Aux Input

Options: 6CDC or iPod Interface or none, but not both.

Beginning in March 07, according to BMW marketing, teh 6CDC will be capable of playing MP3

[6gunner]

Why is the iPod interface not listed as an ordering option (is it a dealership installed item)?

[gbelton]

With all this talk I am definately staying away from this iPod integration stuff. Maybe in the next 2 years BMW-Engineering & BMW-Marketing will get it right!

[6gunner]

[URL="http://internetaddictionhelp.com/files/07_6_Product.pdf"]

Which is it? Is the ability to use an iPod standard, or does one have to buy and install the adapter? Is the adapter only for holding and charging the iPod ? Anyone know?:dunno:

Thanks. I think you are right on the money. This is screwy.

I am guessing there will be a generic AUX input but have no idea whether this merely overides iDrive to play on the cars stereo system. It may be an input in name only but requires another add-on unit (which BMW will no doubt charge a handsome inflated price) which allows docking/charging function and integration with iDrive screen menus.

Sure would be nice to know. You can almost guarantee that your dealer wont have a clue.

Still haven't seen anything about potential incompatability with Sirius radio option.

[cobradav]

Thanks. I think you are right on the money. This is screwy.

I am guessing there will be a generic AUX input but have no idea whether this merely overides iDrive to play on the cars stereo system. It may be an input in name only but requires another add-on unit (which BMW will no doubt charge a handsome inflated price) which allows docking/charging function and integration with iDrive screen menus.

Sure would be nice to know. You can almost guarantee that your dealer wont have a clue.

Still haven't seen anything about potential incompatability with Sirius radio option.

Aux Input is a separate input now. Been available for over a year as a rerofit but now will be standard. That will not change. Has nothing to do with iPod integration.

Aux can and does co-exist with the 6CDC. If I were to replace the 6CDC with the Ipod MOST integration none of these displays would change. The iPod integration would simply look like CD1, CD2, CD3....CD6, with each CD having a special meaning in the iPod world (playlists, artists, etc).

[6gunner]

Aux Input is a separate input now. Been available for over a year as a rerofit but now will be standard. That will not change. Has nothing to do with iPod integration.

Aux can and does co-exist with the 6CDC. If I were to replace the 6CDC with the Ipod MOST integration none of these displays would change. The iPod integration would simply look like CD1, CD2, CD3....CD6, with each CD having a special meaning in the iPod world (playlists, artists, etc).

If I understand you correctly, the AUX input device is selected via iDrive, but it would appear that you cannot see content (titles/tracks). Do you have to hand-hold the iPod and select tunes manually to have specific tracks played over the auto's logic7 system?

I was hoping that any iPod integration would allow iDrive menu driven track selection (much the same as on the iPod screen).

[chuck92103]

If I understand you correctly, the AUX input device is selected via iDrive, but it would appear that you cannot see content (titles/tracks). Do you have to hand-hold the iPod and select tunes manually to have specific tracks played over the auto's logic7 system?

I was hoping that any iPod integration would allow iDrive menu driven track selection (much the same as on the iPod screen).

AUX input is selected via iDrive but that is it. Whatever device you plug into the mini jack is controlled through its own interface. The car only provides audio through your speakers and volume control.

To control the iPOD via the iDrive one needs the MOST bus adapter and removal of the CD changer is required.

You car should have an AUX jack already. If not, it should be now. Many cars are now coming with it standard.

[cobradav]

If I understand you correctly, the AUX input device is selected via iDrive, but it would appear that you cannot see content (titles/tracks). Do you have to hand-hold the iPod and select tunes manually to have specific tracks played over the auto's logic7 system?

I was hoping that any iPod integration would allow iDrive menu driven track selection (much the same as on the iPod screen).

Yep, that is why all the fuss and bother over the MOST Interface. That gives you control and charging and something to see. Ipod can be tucked out of site. The center picture is all the info you get with Aux input.

[6gunner]

Yep, that is why all the fuss and bother over the MOST Interface. That gives you control and charging and something to see. Ipod can be tucked out of site. The center picture is all the info you get with Aux input.

OK, now were getting somewhere. Sounds pretty primitive for an otherwise technologically advanced car.

How about for new 2007 models? Will the MOST and AUX interfaces be present and then merely require the purchase of an as yet unspecified part number for iPod module ? I would then assume that the iPod sits in glove box where CD changer used to be and all operations occur via iDrive.

Wonder how long it will be for the iPod module to be released. I hope this is not Bluetooth deja-vu all over again. Took 2 years to get that one right.

[DaveChapin]

My experience is that the iPod MOST integration is worth it. Blows the CD changer functionality away. Playlists (dozens of these) and Podcasts work great. Apple Lossless versions of ripped AIFF (by definition) and 256 kbs AAC sound just as good as the CDs they replaced.

On the other hand, it is not polished. Having to re-purpose CD1-6 items for various iPod top-level items screams hack. And in my case, my AUX input jack is no longer present in the iDrive audio menu. Now I'm not too worked up about it because I can't think of anything else I'd plug into that thing other than an iPod. Still lame though.

[chuck92103]

Beginning in March 07, according to BMW marketing, teh 6CDC will be capable of playing MP3

Too little to late. Who in their right mind would pay $600 for an MP3 capable changer when you can have the iPOD adapter installed for the same cost and don't have to deal with burning CDs and swapping them out constantly? :dunno:

The MP3 changer should have come out several years ago and is of little value now.