USB, iPod and i-tunes

[13eastie]

Originally Posted by apw2607

Give it a bit of time. When used with the standard ipod usb cable, the idrive sees your ipod as FAT32 file system (when formatted this way). What happens is, the idrive will search through your ipod, building the artist, album, track, genre, etc info from the MP3 meta data on your ipod.

I would buy the special bmw ipod interface cable though (its supplied for free in the USA when you order 6FL). When used with this cable, you wont have to wait for the idrive to build this database, and you will be able to playback protected itunes downloaded songs as well.

Thanks for the first sensible explanation of this that I have heard! Having looked into this a little further, I agree that this seems to be the way to go. I can't say I'm at all impressed that BMW does not supply a compatible cable (they have actually fitted an iPod-shaped pouch into the armrest of my M3, so why don't they go that extra inch and make the damn thing work?).

My second doubt about this is that this system diverts the audio down an analogue cable. This really seems to be some sort of kludge: when using a USB stick the on-board decoder is used.

Can anyone direct me to a good online retailer that sells these cables?

Cheers,

13eastie

EDIT:

I visited the Apple Store on Regent Street today - a fool's errand - they have never heard of the cable. BMW's implementation of iPod integration is a POS.