Which iPod for BMW?

NVP

NVP

NVP

Soldato
Joined
6 Sep 2007
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I have the built in USB & Aux socket in my armrest and was just wondering if people had suggestions as to which iPods were or were not compatible. Or if there are cheaper mp3 players which work just as well with the BMW as the iPod (playlist/album art... or any other functions)

I have read that certain iPod models conflict with the BMW firmware so was hoping for some real world experience.

Also, will I actually be able to get the Album Art to be displayed in my car? I have an LCI E60 - not sure which iDrive version it is though :confused:

Cheers :)
 
They pretty much all work but you need the official BMW Ipod USB/Aux cable for it to work.

You will not get album art, this is only for MY2010 cars and newer.
 
I thought all iPods are compatible, but what you will need is an expensive BMW iPod cable for full integration, if it didn't come with the car. It's both USB and aux in one.
 
Oh ok that's good news then (except for the album art). I did read on the Apple support page that iPod Classics did not work due to new firmware but it looks like an old post so hopefully that has been fixed.

I was thinking of picking up a cheap 5th gen classic off ebay as it's just going to stay in the car but maybe I'll just get the latest one instead to be on the safe side.

Seeing as there is no album art functionality is there a need for me to get an iPod or could I get a cheapo mp3 player with playlists that will work exactly the same - or is it safer to get the iPod as it has known compatibility?

Does the cable have to be the official BMW one or can I use a third party USB/aux cable? Basically does the BMW cable add extra functionality/compatibility to an normal USB/Aux cable?
 
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Hmm... I tried using my phone as a USB drive but couldn't get the playlists to be recognised, will give it a try with my USB stick tonight and see if that works.
 
Indeed, only the very latest cars can use any USB cable to connect an iPod. Don't bother with USB sticks as they don't give you anywhere near the same control as an iPod (playlists, song/artist/genre search etc.)
 
Yeah you need the proper cable. On the day we were collecting a brand new LCI E60 from them the barstewards had the cheek to charge us the full £25 for it :p.

I've never had a problem with it, just shoved my old iPod Video in the armrest and forgotten about it! Did try to plug my iPhone into it once and it came up with some error message though.
 
My iPhone 4 works fine in mine although you get a warning on the phone saying an unsupported device or some such.
 
MacRS4 said:
160Gb iPod classic in mine, works just fine.

You do need the proper cable though!
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Cheers :) Do you know what edition iPod Classic it is?

OllyM said:
Indeed, only the very latest cars can use any USB cable to connect an iPod. Don't bother with USB sticks as they don't give you anywhere near the same control as an iPod (playlists, song/artist/genre search etc.)
Click to expand...

Oh OK, I thought as much. Will just stick with an iPod. Thanks :)

[TW]Fox;19626193 said:
Not easily, no.
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Is there a way I can tell what version or revision of the iDrive I have in my car? Just to know for reference.


Thanks for all the advice guys, appreciated.
 
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