The Ultimate iPod Info Thread

Doug999
Thank you so very much for your input. I thought iPOD is always on even if car is turned off. That is why I was disconnecting iPOD every time I leave car. With your good input, I don't have to bother disconnecting.

Originally Posted by jbcritch

Most if not all your questions will be answered by reading this thread, but you can either get an Aux input or the MOST adapter as OEM parts, and there are a lot of aftermarket options too.

Read.....

Thanks for the help, it sounds like the MOST adapter is the better way to go. Can I install that myself? ALso where do I buy it?

I have read about the first 5 pages of the this sticky and what I am getting is that I may need to do an update on my BMW sofware to get anything to work. is this true?

Originally Posted by Darktrader

Thanks for the help, it sounds like the MOST adapter is the better way to go. Can I install that myself? ALso where do I buy it?

I have read about the first 5 pages of the this sticky and what I am getting is that I may need to do an update on my BMW sofware to get anything to work. is this true?

You can install it yourself. Google the words "aftermarket bulbs shop" and you will find a web store by that name with install instruction and pictures. They also sell the kit there too.

I think if you have a CD changer installed and your CD drive can play MP3's you are ready to go without the software update.

UPDATE:

The price of the Ipod MOST integration kit has gone up. What was once going to cost me $294 + tax is now $316 + tax. I know its only $22, but it still hacks me off.

Anyhow, finally pulled the trigger and my kit is on order.

iPod dock was installed by BMW dealer in Irvine, CA in my 2008 528i just 2 weeks ago. My problem is that iPod does not turn off with engine off. Somebody here said, it will go off after 15 minutes but I find mine not to be the case. I went back to dealer and asked them. Their answer was that I have to disconnect if I want it to go off.
I had it connected all night just to check it out with engine off. Next morning I found that iPod did drain some battery Amps. So I recharged it with battery tender. In Lexus, iPod does turn off with engine but not so with BMW. I wish it would turn with engine!

Installed my OEM kit Saturday. Easy as pie and works like a charm. There are betters I am sure, but for now in this model Bimmer, this will do.

I'm looking to get the "add-on" BMW Ipod interface for my 07 550i. I have the premium sound setup with the 6 disc changer in the glovebox. I was just curious about the functionality of this adapter? Does it only let you select playlists from the idrive and are there any problems with it charging the ipod while plugged in? thanks.

*** crickets chirping ***

I have an 06' 525i with NO CD changer. How much does it cost to have the dealer enable that on the iDrive?

Thanks,

Balbs

Originally Posted by dwoodman

I'm looking to get the "add-on" BMW Ipod interface for my 07 550i. I have the premium sound setup with the 6 disc changer in the glovebox. I was just curious about the functionality of this adapter? Does it only let you select playlists from the idrive and are there any problems with it charging the ipod while plugged in? thanks.

you can diy with the kit. yes, it lets you select your playist from the idrive. for charging, ipod newer than 5th gen will not charge. you will need an adapter (ie scosche) to charge the newer ipod.

I am going to be picking my new to me CPO '07 530Xi in about a week while I use up the last of the miles on my '07 X3 lease. The car does NOT have a factory iPod interface,but only the aux input jack behind the armrest. I do not like using the aux input because it seems like the volume on the iPod has to be at 3/4 or greater and the volume on the radio is still relatively high. Having the volume on the iPod up also drains the battery faster. I am using the DICE unit in my X3 and am not too happy with it. I have to use it in unlocked mode and use the controls on the iPod. It does not charge, but I can get a different cable which will remedy that. The dealer is telling me that they can (and will) install the iPod inerface for MOST bus vehicles and that my iPod touch (OS 3) WILL charge. So will my iPod Touch charge or not?

I haven't tried an iPod in my 2010 528i, but I've connected a Sansa Clip+ to the AUX port and the volumen level is very low, y have to crank the volume button up and have to make sure I turn it down before I switch back to radio

Originally Posted by ptabaco

I haven't tried an iPod in my 2010 528i, but I've connected a Sansa Clip+ to the AUX port and the volumen level is very low, y have to crank the volume button up and have to make sure I turn it down before I switch back to radio

See that's my point. When you crank up the radio, you may hear noise from the amp. If you don't remember to lower the volume before switching sources,you will get a jolt.

Hey guys.. First time BMW owner.. I just purchased an 08' 528i and I have a question regarding the ipod/iphone integration. My car only has the auxiliary port which is located towards the rear of the center console. I wanted to pick your brains and see what were my alternatives in connecting my iphone to the car for music playback. I would like to view the tracks and playlists and search for music from the cars screen rather than the iphone.

I appreciate any feedback you may have to offer. Thanks!!!

Originally Posted by ptabaco

I haven't tried an iPod in my 2010 528i, but I've connected a Sansa Clip+ to the AUX port and the volumen level is very low, y have to crank the volume button up and have to make sure I turn it down before I switch back to radio

That is normal. They configured the Aux input with substantially lower gain than the radio and CD inputs, supposedly to keep people from clipping the head unit preamp with too strong signals.

I found a good line-level amplifier that I was able to install between the input and the head unit. I forget the brand name, but it is level adjustable and I have been able to use it to raise the Aux input level to equal the others. Getting behind the dashboard to install it is non-trivial, though.

Originally Posted by Booyah24

I wanted to pick your brains and see what were my alternatives in connecting my iphone to the car for music playback. I would like to view the tracks and playlists and search for music from the cars screen rather than the iphone.

Unfortunately, this is only possible using the iPod interface; you can't do it via the Aux input, which carries only audio.

There is plenty of info in this thread about the pros and cons, cost, and installation experience for both the Aux and iPod interface approaches. I recommend you set aside a few minutes and read it top to bottom, as the thread has gone on for a couple of years and the options and situation has evolved somewhat over that period of time. The short answer is that the BMW iPod interface is very costly to install aftermarket, not perfect in its use, and there are certain advantages to using the Aux input.

Best luck.

Originally Posted by WJGreer

That is normal. They configured the Aux input with substantially lower gain than the radio and CD inputs, supposedly to keep people from clipping the head unit preamp with too strong signals.

I found a good line-level amplifier that I was able to install between the input and the head unit. I forget the brand name, but it is level adjustable and I have been able to use it to raise the Aux input level to equal the others. Getting behind the dashboard to install it is non-trivial, though.

\

Does this configuration affects the iPods also, or just the MP3 players?

Originally Posted by ptabaco

\

Does this configuration affects the iPods also, or just the MP3 players?

Anything that you run into the Aux input.

I have no experience with the iPod interface in my car, so I can't say how the that input level matches the others.

Help!!!

So I got the adaptor coded for, and it works great with my little 4 gig nano, BUT it does not recognize my 5th gen 80 gig ipod Classic. Does anyone else have this problem, or is it something that I need to talk to the dealer about, or is it just the ipod that I have. if that is the case, what is the biggest ipod and generation that you have been able to make work with it?

Jay8s

Originally Posted by WJGreer

Anything that you run into the Aux input.

I have no experience with the iPod interface in my car, so I can't say how the that input level matches the others.

The volume level depends on the device connected to the AUX port, I have tested a Sansa Clip+, an iPod Nano 5th gen. and iPod Classic with very different results. The iPod Nano and Classic work great, the Sansa Clip+ produces very low audio.

Originally Posted by jbcritch

Installed my OEM kit Saturday. Easy as pie and works like a charm. There are betters I am sure, but for now in this model Bimmer, this will do.

How difficult was the installation? I may just purchase that kit and install it myself. I've already verified that I have the idrive update needed by testing it with a mp3 cd. Also, where did you get the kit? Thanks!!!

Originally Posted by ptabaco

The volume level depends on the device connected to the AUX port, I have tested a Sansa Clip+, an iPod Nano 5th gen. and iPod Classic with very different results. The iPod Nano and Classic work great, the Sansa Clip+ produces very low audio.

That is because your Sansa has low output. The aux input, in general, has a lower gain than the CD and FM channels. You will certainly find that some devices are louder than others when plugged into the aux input, but any of them is likely to sound quieter than a CD, at the same stereo volume level, because of the way BMW has configured their preamp.

I contacted BMW customer service regarding the options for my 550 and received an interesting reply:

"Thank you for contacting BMW of North America, LLC regarding your 2007 BMW 550i. We hope your BMW has been serving you well. The iPod adapter is not available for your vehicle because of the navigation and satellite radio in your vehicle.

We believe that we may have new information to share this summer, so we urge you to keep in contact with your local BMW center. If you prefer to remain in touch via the Internet, please visit www.ipodyourbmw.com for updates."

The first part contradicts what I have been led to believe, but seeing this reply, I no longer care. I think I am going to hold off for a while...

Originally Posted by dimaria

I contacted BMW customer service regarding the options for my 550 and received an interesting reply:

"Thank you for contacting BMW of North America, LLC regarding your 2007 BMW 550i. We hope your BMW has been serving you well. The iPod adapter is not available for your vehicle because of the navigation and satellite radio in your vehicle.

We believe that we may have new information to share this summer, so we urge you to keep in contact with your local BMW center. If you prefer to remain in touch via the Internet, please visit www.ipodyourbmw.com for updates."

The first part contradicts what I have been led to believe, but seeing this reply, I no longer care. I think I am going to hold off for a while...

This is nuts! Talk about one hand not knowing what the other is doing.

Originally Posted by dimaria

I contacted BMW customer service regarding the options for my 550 and received an interesting reply:

"Thank you for contacting BMW of North America, LLC regarding your 2007 BMW 550i. We hope your BMW has been serving you well. The iPod adapter is not available for your vehicle because of the navigation and satellite radio in your vehicle.

We believe that we may have new information to share this summer, so we urge you to keep in contact with your local BMW center. If you prefer to remain in touch via the Internet, please visit www.ipodyourbmw.com for updates."

The first part contradicts what I have been led to believe, but seeing this reply, I no longer care. I think I am going to hold off for a while...

That is 100% wrong. Ive got a 2007 550i with Nav and Sat and I added the ipod adapter myself! Took 5 minutes or less. Works great!