Q re ipod connectivity

[SPQR M3]

Just a quick one for the Aussie M3 owners from a soon-to-be M3 owner.

How and where do you connect an ipod to the E92 M3? I have read reports of either in the glove box or in the centre console, and some people have said that you can't actually control the ipod from the iDrive knob, rather, you need to download the content onto the iDrive HDD.

Can someone please tell me how it all hooks up.

Thanks

[LuKe450]

Hi mate

It's under the centre console. In my experience it's very easy to hook up so long as you buy the correct iPod BMW Cable. Everything is accessable via the iDrive 'wheel'

[SPQR M3]

Originally Posted by LuKe450

Hi mate

It's under the centre console. In my experience it's very easy to hook up so long as you buy the correct iPod BMW Cable. Everything is accessable via the iDrive 'wheel'

Thanks mate - so you're saying the standard white USB cable won't work? Will I need to order the BMW cable separately from my dealer?

[M3E92Junkie]

SPQR - you will need a BMW cable. The centre console has 1 AUX and 1 USB port. Data is transfered to iDrive via the USB port and is also an iPod Charger.

The AUX Cable channels the audio. THe rest is via the wheel.

Check out the iDrive information on this CNET CarTech video:
http://cnettv.cnet.com/

Search for 2009 M3

[SPQR M3]

Originally Posted by M3E92Junkie

SPQR - you will need a BMW cable. The centre console has 1 AUX and 1 USB port. Data is transfered to iDrive via the USB port and is also an iPod Charger.

The AUX Cable channels the audio. THe rest is via the wheel.

Check out the iDrive information on this CNET CarTech video:
http://cnettv.cnet.com/

Search for 2009 M3

OK thanks....I checked that video.

So I've established that you need an ipod cable - my next question is, does it come with the car or is it something I need to arrange before delivery?

[M3E92Junkie]

Dealers have tonnes of it in stock.

I would encourage them to throw it in given the significance of your purchase. $150k plus vehicle.

[Androo]

I just used the white cable that came with my ipod, it works fine and charges the ipod too. Am i missing something here?

[LuKe450]

Originally Posted by Androo

I just used the white cable that came with my ipod, it works fine and charges the ipod too. Am i missing something here?

Hi Androo

If it works don't mess with it & save the hundred+ dollars for the BMW iPod cable.

My standard iPod cable wouldn't allow me to see nor play my total play list, only a few songs. I called up my dealer & they said to get the cable - trouble free since.

[OzStriker]

I seem to recall the BMW iPod cable allows the playing of digitally copy protected music downloaded through itunes...Other music will play fine.

The easiest option in my opinion is just to grab a large capacity USB stick and store your music on there...Keeps it all digital and gives you your iPod back!

[LuKe450]

Originally Posted by OzStriker

I seem to recall the BMW iPod cable allows the playing of digitally copy protected music downloaded through itunes...Other music will play fine.

The easiest option in my opinion is just to grab a large capacity USB stick and store your music on there...Keeps it all digital and gives you your iPod back!

Sounds spot on!

Thanks for the tip with the USB.

[Dntlvet]

The IPod cable I got from the dealer has the connection to the ipod and the other cable end has both USB and audio jack. Do I plug both in and go to i drive multimedia???

[amk2912]

Originally Posted by Dntlvet

The IPod cable I got from the dealer has the connection to the ipod and the other cable end has both USB and audio jack. Do I plug both in and go to i drive multimedia???

Plug both USB and 3.5mm plug into their respective sockets under the armrest. It should also charge your iPod.