Ipod for 3 Series

Hi All, I just picked up my first BMW 330i with ZHP and I had the Ipod adapter installed. However, when I took it home and plugged in the ipod, nothing happened. I also created the BMW# playlists like it says. Does anybody know of any troubleshooting tips for getting it to work before I call the dealer and have to bring the car back in? I'd hate to do that with only 40 miles on it

you need a version 3 or later ipod

Read here

"Using the CD-Mode on the radio you can access 5 different playlists created through iTunes. These playlists must be named BMW1 BMW2 BMW3 BMW4 BMW5. Each playlist is accessed by pressing the corresponding radio preset button on the radio. The playlist number and track number are shown on the radio display. Preset button number 6 on the radio will play the entire contents of the iPod starting from the beginning of the music collection. Random mode can also be selected to shuffle a play list or the entire music collection on the iPod for hours of music enjoyment. Important: Only 3rd generation iPods with software 2.2 and the new iPod mini with iPod software 1.1 or greater can be used with the interface adapter. These devices are equipped with the Apple Dock Connector. This device cannot be used in conjunction with the 6 Disc CD Changer or Sirius Satellite Radio."

Yeah.. I created those playlists and my ipod is the 4th generation. I guess I have to look underneath to make sure everything has been plugged in

Make sure you follow the right order? I think I had the same problem as you yesterday when I had mine installed- the tech guy came over and said I need to first turn the radio on, then plug the iPod in. He said the car wouldn't recognize it otherwise. Also, Mine won't work without the key in the ignition turned to position 1. Hope this helps! I love mine so far.

~Jon

What's position 1? I had the key turned all the way without starting the car. And yes, I did turn the radio on first and then plugged in the ipod.

Originally Posted by mazachan

What's position 1?

I really meant with the key in and turned to any position- I said this because I was fooling with mine and it didn't work when you have the radio turned on without putting the key in yet. It immediately worked after I turned the key.

It seems like you're following all the right steps, yet there's something else wrong. My dealer asked me to bring the iPod with me so they could test it after installation. They also made sure before I even had the appt. that my car was spec'd right- meaning to make sure I had the right model car and iPod, and that I didn't have nav, or sirius because it won't work in conjunction with those. I'd suggest you take yours back to the dealer. Maybe they plugged it in wrong? I don't think you can get behind your radio face, but I'm sure they could fix it quickly while you wait. Good luck

~Jon

What gen ipod do you have? Mine is a gen 4. I think they may have plugged something wrong because it wasn't even charging the ipod.

Originally Posted by mazachan

What gen ipod do you have? Mine is a gen 4. I think they may have plugged something wrong because it wasn't even charging the ipod.

If you look at the iPod while plugging it into the interface, you should see the firmware recognition and the LCD displays something like, "BMW Ipod, okay to disconnect." Does your ipod-radio even recognize each other?

Usually once that happens, I hit Mode until it says CDC, then I have to hit 1-6.

yeah.. that's the thing.. it doesn't even seem to recognize each other. I don't get that message.

It sounds like yours isn't even connected- mine gives a check mark breifly on the iPod screen and then says BMW on the top etc, and starts charging. At the very least yours should be charging- tell your dealer the adaptor wasn't installed correctly.

Edit: To answer your question, I have a gen. 3 iPod (scroll wheel not click)

Originally Posted by mazachan

yeah.. that's the thing.. it doesn't even seem to recognize each other. I don't get that message.

You have to have your Ipod and stereo off when you make the connection. Then you turn on your radio and select the mode till you see CD -01. If your following the instruction exactly and its not working maybe they made a bad connection.

Originally Posted by mazachan

Hi All, I just picked up my first BMW 330i with ZHP and I had the Ipod adapter installed. However, when I took it home and plugged in the ipod, nothing happened. I also created the BMW# playlists like it says. Does anybody know of any troubleshooting tips for getting it to work before I call the dealer and have to bring the car back in? I'd hate to do that with only 40 miles on it

Hey you paid for the installation. If you have everything in place, playlist and the correct iPod version then of course
take it back and let them show you how to work it. That's what they are there for. Get your moneys worth.