The Ultimate iPod Info Thread

Originally Posted by Oceans10

No, but i just bought the Mobridge iPod unit. Haven't installed yet but will post later.
http://www.mobridge.us/products/most-ipod-aux
Supposedly the best solution on the market. Not cheap, but neither is the Dension.

May I ask how much you paid for the MoBridge module? I've searched their site and their 'where to buy' link but I still have not found a price for the unit.

My ex-wife has a 2009 E60 w\o Nav and she would like to have her iPod intergrated into her stereo for ease of control. (She does not fancy the aux input jack in the armrest)

Around $450 or so. From Unexpected Creations in Edison, NJ. PM me if you have trouble locating.

Originally Posted by Oceans10

Around $450 or so. From Unexpected Creations in Edison, NJ. PM me if you have trouble locating.

Ohh, thank you for the reply & info......I'm currently working in Lakehurst on a project for a couple of months......although I work 7 days a week til' 17:30. I will find their number and contact them tomorrow or Monday.


It seems like this system work well with the iDrive E60 system.

Originally Posted by Garticus

Ohh, thank you for the reply & info......I'm currently working in Lakehurst on a project for a couple of months......although I work 7 days a week til' 17:30. I will find their number and contact them tomorrow or Monday.


It seems like this system work well with the iDrive E60 system.

Yes, it gets programmed to work with BMW iDrive.
The number to call is 732 572-1969. These guys can install it too.

Progress on my iDock install. You can see the tray between the instrument cluster and the iDrive screen. I took the iPhone out to take the picture.
Have another dock with better support in back, but requires some new cables I am waiting for. Will post pics later when it is all done.

i did not like the location of the SpecDock below the ashtray. This is more in line of sight and lets me see who is calling, mailing etc. I use BlueTooth, so the iDock is strictly for iTunes via Mobridge.

I've got a strange problem - hoping to find the answer.

So far I have tried 6 different iPod interface cables ( the Y cables) with my 2010 e60. 4 of the have not worked at all (cannot be recognized by the idrive,) and the 2 that work have a common problem - The audio quality is downright TERRIBLE.

When i listen to music using either my 4th gen ipod touch, or 4th gen nano it's as if I'm listening to music through blown speakers. Buzzing and static completely ruins the experience.

I've tested the aux jack (center console) independently - playing pandora via my Android phone - it works and sounds great.

So here's my question: Could it be the USB jack thats causing this (I didn't think that it would have anything to do with the audio considering the use of the aux jack?) Or could it be that I've just hit the lottery and can't seem to get a proper working cable?

If anyone has experienced this - and fixed it, I'd love to hear it. I've got a 2100 mile road trip coming up in 2 weeks, and I'd really like to have my ipod.

Thanks!

I dont know if this is relevant, but i had a problem (from the factory) with the cable that runs from the arm rest compartment to the iDrive on my 2010 535ix Sport Wagon, the symptom was that the iDrive could not detect the presence of the iPod,
while this is not the same as the symptoms you are experiencing you may want the dealer to examine and consider replacing this connector ... since it was the USB at fault.

One suggestion, why not try connecting the iPod via the USB in the glove box (and use a longer audio cable M/F to connect the analog audio jack to the one in the ctr console. If the quality is different (better) I would suggest that the connection from the
ctr console to the iDrive is at fault!

Good idea! Gonna try that now. I'll post progress.

Originally Posted by pmm21

Good idea! Gonna try that now. I'll post progress.

I *think* it should work, although the USB in the glove box does have different function(s) ...

at least it will tell you if the connection is bad or not ...

good luck!

Originally Posted by pmm21

I've got a strange problem - hoping to find the answer.

So far I have tried 6 different iPod interface cables ( the Y cables) with my 2010 e60. 4 of the have not worked at all (cannot be recognized by the idrive,) and the 2 that work have a common problem - The audio quality is downright TERRIBLE.

When i listen to music using either my 4th gen ipod touch, or 4th gen nano it's as if I'm listening to music through blown speakers. Buzzing and static completely ruins the experience.

I've tested the aux jack (center console) independently - playing pandora via my Android phone - it works and sounds great.

So here's my question: Could it be the USB jack thats causing this (I didn't think that it would have anything to do with the audio considering the use of the aux jack?) Or could it be that I've just hit the lottery and can't seem to get a proper working cable?

If anyone has experienced this - and fixed it, I'd love to hear it. I've got a 2100 mile road trip coming up in 2 weeks, and I'd really like to have my ipod.

Thanks!

I can't play iTunes off my Apple iPhone 4S via aux in either of our 535s. Causes a buzzing noise. I have tried myriad cables. A ground loop isolator kills the buzz, but it also distorts the signal, doesn't sound as crisp. Especially bass suffers.
No problem with an iPod or iPhone 4.

The mobridge is a bust so far. I can't get the car to connect as it came without CD changer. Have even spent 3.5 hrs at BMW and they can't fix it either. Autologic was also a bust. Now trying NCS Expert as last desperate stab at it, then looking elsewhere for solution.

I think there was a problem with the internal cables connecting the iDrive to the iPod adapter in the ctr console on the E60/61's ... you may want to speak to your dealer about it.

I purchased a BMW last week and I'm trying to figure out how the USB system works with an iPOD/iPhone.

I have a 2009 328i with the USB and AUX port in the arm rest. No iDrive system; just the base radio.

When I plug my iphone into the USB using an Apple USB to iphone cable, it doesn't let me control the iphone with the radio or steering wheel controls. I also tried to throw some mp3s on a thumb drive and plug it into the USB port, but it isn't being recognized. It just says "insert" on the radio face when I select USB as the input then after about 10 seconds it times out and goes back to whatever the last input source was (radio, aux).

So, how do I play mp3s through the USB?

How do I get my USB to be able to control my iphone/ipod?

You don't, as far as I know. Connect your iPod to the aux input.

for any of you interested bMW 5 series with the fiber optic platform for your audio I have access to a module made by MoBridge that will allow several different options for you to install yourself, Im sure you have heard of them. They allow you to integrate your Bluetooth/audio, IPOD direct connect through your factory radio, as well as an Auxiliary in if anyone is interested just PM me for the info.

Guys,
I have been searching a lot, however, not been able to find the answer. Any of you have knowledge of Dension VS mObridge VS OEM iPod integration kit (functionality, DIY, and Cost). I was moving towards Dension, however; some people have really bad experience with aftermarket installations.
I have 2006, 530i, with mp3, cd changer, and bluetooth, and without Navi. Different dealers gave me different part numbers for the OEM kit .
Will really appreciate your help.
Thanks.

Go to modmynav.com. It will have exactly what you need for your vehicle.

Sent from my SPH-D710 using Bimmer App

I just had the ipod interface installed in my 05 545i and the idrive knob kicks back at me when i am trying to scroll through song lists. Is this something I am going to have to live with or is it a programiong issue? It also does the same thing on my contacts list when my iphone is connected to bluetooth. If you force the knob it will scroll but it feels like it is going to screw something up.

Same thing on my 2007 550i. I had the OEM interface installed 2 years ago and have not had any problems with it other than it does not charge, in my case, the ipod.

So is it absolutely necessary to use that stupid Y-cable to be able to use an ipod with the iDrive? Seems like such a waste of a port. I'd like to be able to have the iPod connected to the USB and have the Aux available for another audio source if i want. I tried the regular white ipod cable and my iDrive recognized my ipod but I couldn't get to any songs. The same cable was used with an iTouch and the iDrive didn't even recognize it. I think maybe my iDrive needs a software update. 2010 528ix btw....

This is awesome. Thanks!

I know this is an older post but my 2007 5 series has an aux jack in the rear console and sounds amazing actually better then a cd quality. So if you have a o7 or later e 60 look on the rear console its right there with the power outlets i jut use my iphone and leve it lay on the set to skip past the songs im tired of listening to

So I read through the latter third of this thread because my car is a 2008 so anything before then seemed irrelevant but I came to some conclusions and still have an unanswered question. My car is a 2008 535i with iDrive, no NAV, no CD changer. I wanted to add the 6FL option to it but I found out the following:
1. The 6FL retrofit parts I need are now discontinued. Is this correct?
2. Even if I did find the correct parts, I need NAV in order for the iDrive to control the iPod through 6FL. Is this correct?
Thanks.

Originally Posted by 88irocvert

So I read through the latter third of this thread because my car is a 2008 so anything before then seemed irrelevant but I came to some conclusions and still have an unanswered question. My car is a 2008 535i with iDrive, no NAV, no CD changer. I wanted to add the 6FL option to it but I found out the following:
1. The 6FL retrofit parts I need are now discontinued. Is this correct?
2. Even if I did find the correct parts, I need NAV in order for the iDrive to control the iPod through 6FL. Is this correct?
Thanks.

So...I may have answered my own question or rather, Patryk did. I contacted him about getting the 6FL retrofit for my car. He assured me he has it available for $699 + 3.5% Paypal fee and a $300 reimbursable deposit for the programming cable. He mentioned it would work with my non-nav setup and be compatible with my iPhone 4S. I'll be ordering in the next few days and reporting back.

Sorry if this has been answered through one of the other 973 post.

I just picked up a CPO 2010 BMW 535. No Nav package in it.

I see in the console there are USB/AUX ports. Currently I use a AUX cable to connect my iPhone to play music. And connect a USB cable to charge. I've read about this Y cable. Basically the Y cable lets you do both charge and play at the same time with one cable correct?

Also, the Y cable will allow you to control the music controls on iPhone on your iDrive? (even without nav package?). Correct?

I have an iPhone 5, so the typical Y cable will not work right now due to the new 8 pin dock. I see there are adapters out there that connect a 30 pin cable (all other iPhones) to a 8 pin cable so you can plug in the iPhone 5. If I purchase the adapter, can I use the Y cable still on the iPhone 5? Will I be able to control music controls via my car controls?


Can you control pandora via car controls with Y cable?

Everthing seems to be clear but the issue that I am having is how you get to the place and how to put the cable for the AUX. I have the cable now but I dont know where I can find the other panel the I am going to plug the cable in?? Can anyone help me please? with simple steps...