iPod Classic problems

There is a car software update out for the F10/F11 - there are rumours its fixed the problem.... But onlky a rumour because BMW never admit there have been problems - they just bring out software upgrades for fun

To be fair, if you check the phone compatibility tables, they admit to loads of issues (or is that because they are so bad they just have to fess up?)

Anyway, will keep you posted if it fixes it.

It's a 3 hour upload at the dealer and updates the entire engine management and everything - not the use one you can do for phone interface. Not been aware of any downsides yet, and if anything the gearchanges are better. It does reset a few things like unlock preferences and day-time running lights, but not everything (like audio equaliser for example, or favourite buttons)

By the way, it was suggested I try the iPod white lead, rather than the BMW Y-cable at one point in the process.

Given that the Y cable is so pricey, I'd suggest you don't bother wasting your money on it, as there is now clearly no benefit in having it. They have quietly made the interface compatible with the std iPod cable (I was told by the dealer), but will happily take £45 off you for theirs if you choose. It is nice and chunky and short so its tidier in there, but really, its worth about a fiver if there is no technical reason to have it, which there appears not to be, and even when there was it was a rip off.

Luckily I got mine free, for reasons I won't bore you with.

Had the latest generation nano in the car using a non-apple branded connector for 14 months without a problem. I wanted my entire collection for a long trip so bouGht the classic. Worked for about a week then started experiencing the random shut downs. Tried all the tricks same problem. I am wondering if the problem is not that of all the iPods, this is still the only one with a hard rive. Going back to my nano for now.

Mine had the car software upgrade - no problems for 3 weeks. Just when I thought it was fixed, crash!

More or less fixed itself this time too.

So the software update probably helped, but not enough - come on BMW

Best I can say is that at this frequency of failure its tolerable, but err I paid for the car and £700 for the pro-audio - really it should work 100%.

And I may be starting another thread - audio system "crackles" during quiet moments - perhaps its the vinyl mimicking function , but I never had a vinyl mobile phone!! (Yes the problem is present with music and phone, so I know it aint my ipod or my music collection). Oh dear BMW/Harmon, do you know how to build an audio system that works?

Originally Posted by JT 550i SD

Ive had the same issues with my iPod classic.

This seems to occur most frequently when my entire song list is selected (6000+ songs) and I have selected random in iDrive. iPod will ususally work fine for a while, but for no apparent reason will freeze. iDrive screen will show iPod not connceted, but face of iPod will show BMW logo appearing connected and indicating song that is "playing".

Resetting iPod willl fix it, but I find that the car must be shut down, car must cycle off - computers shut down, then when restarted iPod will then reconnect and work.

Ive also noticed when trouble shooting this after Ive unfrozen the ipod that the settings have changed, the replay whole Ipod is selected to yes.....somehow the BMW Combox or iPod made this change . I always then turn it off, but its on again when I check.

So what the heck is gong on? is this a BMW or Apple issue?

seems like this is still a problem- is with mine too.

as i suggested above this solution works every time ( but somehow BMW combox changes the settings):

go to settings on iPod - switch both shuffle and repeat to OFF. iPod will now work.

The combox can make these changes - I know that was possible by an aftermarket kit I had on my last car (which cost £100 and worked ....), so it will be possible for the BMW to do this too - it fact it has to to enable shuffle I presume.

So I think the issues is with BMW, especially as the software upgrade to the car reduced the problem for me.

I also have >6000 songs and if I had to suggest a time when it was most a problem, I think I would agree its when you play the entire collection on shuffle.

I do get other odd anomolous behaviour from time to time - playing the previous search list of songs for example, but if you reselect the search again (whihc is still remembered) its all fine. A niggle that I can live with (not even reported it to BMW once - you have to pick your fights)

Mine was my USB cable was damaged. Had to used an OEM one. Now no issues at all

I also have issues, bought a y cable from Amazon £7.99 worked but no control via the steering wheel, with either 160gb and 80gb iPod classics, so I have just purchased a BMW cable at £43.00 got home same situation.