BMW X3 Forum
BMW X3 Forum
Welcome to the ultimate BMW X3 community.
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      11-09-2013, 01:35 PM   #1
GenX3
Private First Class
27
Rep
159
Posts

Drives: 2012 X3 35i
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Colo Spgs

iTrader: (0)

iPhone 5S snap-in adapter, software updated needed?

I just got the iPhone 5 snap-in adapter recently released here in the US. Installing is "a snap" but the movies I have on my iPhone 5s, are not registering through the bmw interface.

Do I need to do a software update?

The old iPhone 4 snap-in adapter played with movies just fine, but this new adapter doesn't seem to be functioning as well.
__________________
2012 X3 35i | Space Gray | Sand Beige | Sienna

Packages | M-Sport | Cold I & II | Tech | Premium | Sound | BMW Apps, HUD, Net
Appreciate 0
      11-09-2013, 04:54 PM   #2
02420X3
Captain
62
Rep
983
Posts

Drives: 2011 X3 35i
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Boston

iTrader: (0)

Video is not supported on any of the 5's. It went away when the new connector was introduced.
Appreciate 0
      11-09-2013, 06:38 PM   #3
GenX3
Private First Class
27
Rep
159
Posts

Drives: 2012 X3 35i
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Colo Spgs

iTrader: (0)

That stinks!

Well, heck, that's a huge stinker... I don't use it that much, but it was nice to be sitting at the airport waiting and being able to watch a movie. To be honest, the iPhone screen is much better anyways, the old BMW interface shrunk the screen by about half compared to movies that play through the DVD player or navigation screen for example.

They should bring it back, it's no different from watching a DVD. But I have a feeling, they were under the gun having to get something out there for iPhone 5 users.
__________________
2012 X3 35i | Space Gray | Sand Beige | Sienna

Packages | M-Sport | Cold I & II | Tech | Premium | Sound | BMW Apps, HUD, Net
Appreciate 0
      11-10-2013, 08:03 AM   #4
liverman
Private
United_States
0
Rep
54
Posts

Drives: 2014 X3 35i
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Colorado, USA

iTrader: (0)

Oh this is fascinating...I just looked and there appear to be TWO adapters for the iPhone 5s. On one of them it advertises the ability to play videos.

Check it out:
http://www.shopbmwusa.com/PRODUCT/43...NAP-IN-ADAPTER

BMW Apple iPhone 5/5S Connect Version Snap In Adapter 84212351308 $250.00

The description says "For vehicles with BMW APPS, this adapter is required to fully utilize all features of this option. In addition to the great features noted for Smart Phone integration, it allows you to use the “PlugIn” as well as the “Video Playback” features. "

and

http://www.shopbmwusa.com/PRODUCT/26...AP-IN-ADAPTERS

BMW Apple iPhone 5/5S Snap-In Adapter 84212351307 $135

I guess the second one is meant for vehicles prior to 2014 and/or without the "Enhanced SmartPhone integration"?

GENX3, which part number did you get, what is the year of your vehicle and what options do you have on it?
__________________
Our Car: '14 X3 35i, Premium, Cold Weather, Nav, all the cameras, Deep Sea Blue over Black Nevada
RIP 16 Feb 13 - '05 X3 3.0i, Flamenco Red over Beige leather
Appreciate 0
      11-10-2013, 10:49 AM   #5
GenX3
Private First Class
27
Rep
159
Posts

Drives: 2012 X3 35i
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Colo Spgs

iTrader: (0)

I got the $250 one...

The one I purchased was the first one, $250. I double checked the part number to be sure. Although it does say video integration, I haven't been able to get any kind of video to work.

I went ahead and updated my software assuming them had to make some sort of coding change to accommodate the new iPhones, but that didn't change anything.

When ordering the part, I did notice that it was for vehicles produced prior to September 2010. "Only applicable to vehicles produced after 9/2010 and equipped with either Smart Phone Integration (option code 6NF), BMW APPS (option code 6NR) or NBT vehicles." - Still, nada.

Wouldn't it be funny if they were the identical part... Funny in a sad way for me.

I still prefer to have my phone in the "holster" rather than dangling on a tether. I haven't tried the music yet, but I think that was working okay.
__________________
2012 X3 35i | Space Gray | Sand Beige | Sienna

Packages | M-Sport | Cold I & II | Tech | Premium | Sound | BMW Apps, HUD, Net
Appreciate 0
      11-10-2013, 11:32 AM   #6
ReturnZero
First Lieutenant
United_States
45
Rep
323
Posts

Drives: 2013 X3 35i M-Sport
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Dallas, Texas

iTrader: (1)

For some technical background, the old 30-pin adapter had direct video output pins (as well as direct analog audio output pins) which BMW would just display on the screen, and that's how the video function worked. Now that the lightning cable has quite a few less pins, the direct audio and video feeds went away. Instead, the software in the car has to get the digital data from the audio or video source on the device and display it on its screen directly. This must be something BMW built in to the new 2014 iDrive, which is why the video function only works on the newer vehicles.

If you have a 5 or newer and you use the 30 pin converter to listen to audio, it actually has a built-in DAC to convert the phone's digital audio signal to an analog one for the vehicle to play. That's partially why those converters are so expensive, actually quite a bit of electronics in there.

It's annoying for sure, but overall a better way to do it and it forces manufacturers to use digital input and their higher quality DACs instead of the phone's built-in DAC which usually isn't as good.
Appreciate 0
      11-11-2013, 10:08 AM   #7
GenX3
Private First Class
27
Rep
159
Posts

Drives: 2012 X3 35i
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Colo Spgs

iTrader: (0)

Audio not working either...

That's a good technical explanation. So, is it a surprise that no audio comes through as well? I think through the bluetooth it does, but when I plug the phone into the adapter, it says that it is going to disable the bluetooth function, which then appears to kill the audio as well...

So far, it's not much more than a glorified car charger.
__________________
2012 X3 35i | Space Gray | Sand Beige | Sienna

Packages | M-Sport | Cold I & II | Tech | Premium | Sound | BMW Apps, HUD, Net
Appreciate 0
      11-11-2013, 01:13 PM   #8
ReturnZero
First Lieutenant
United_States
45
Rep
323
Posts

Drives: 2013 X3 35i M-Sport
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Dallas, Texas

iTrader: (1)

Yes, that is actually a surprise. It should be the same as a USB connection, which does work at least in my vehicle with a regular USB cable.

It is expected to shut off Bluetooth when you plug it in, it does that with USB as well. When you go to external devices does it show up in the list at all?
Appreciate 0
      11-12-2013, 07:27 PM   #9
GenX3
Private First Class
27
Rep
159
Posts

Drives: 2012 X3 35i
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Colo Spgs

iTrader: (0)

It looks as if it's playing, but no sound...

I noticed it does shut off the bluetooth, and it does appear to be playing, I just can't get any sound. I've turned it way up since I've noticed some of the iPhone music and movies played at a lower volume (I had to turn mine way up to hear it with the old iPhone 4). Even when I crank it up, no sound. But the songs are counting down (or up or something).
__________________
2012 X3 35i | Space Gray | Sand Beige | Sienna

Packages | M-Sport | Cold I & II | Tech | Premium | Sound | BMW Apps, HUD, Net
Appreciate 0
      11-13-2013, 09:46 AM   #10
liverman
Private
United_States
0
Rep
54
Posts

Drives: 2014 X3 35i
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Colorado, USA

iTrader: (0)

OK you have a '12 X3, which has the CIC headunit.

Mine is a '14 which has the NBT headunit, so my results may not apply to you. I also have all the following options:
6NH Hands-free Bluetooth and USB audio connection
609 Navigation system
6AK BMW Online
6AM Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information
6AP Remote Services
6NR BMW Apps
6NS Enhanced USB and Bluetooth plus Smartphone Integration
8SC TeleService Activation

I have a 5s and when I connect it to the USB port (I do not have a snap-in adapter), I get a message that it is disabling the Bluetooth connection. However, audio plays fine from the iPhone through the idrive/sound system and I can use the vehicle microphone and speakers to make calls via the iPhone.
__________________
Our Car: '14 X3 35i, Premium, Cold Weather, Nav, all the cameras, Deep Sea Blue over Black Nevada
RIP 16 Feb 13 - '05 X3 3.0i, Flamenco Red over Beige leather
Appreciate 0
      11-13-2013, 10:07 AM   #11
colson79
Second Lieutenant
7
Rep
221
Posts

Drives: 2012 X3 35i DSB
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Wisconsin

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by GenX3 View Post
The one I purchased was the first one, $250. I double checked the part number to be sure. Although it does say video integration, I haven't been able to get any kind of video to work.

I went ahead and updated my software assuming them had to make some sort of coding change to accommodate the new iPhones, but that didn't change anything.

When ordering the part, I did notice that it was for vehicles produced prior to September 2010. "Only applicable to vehicles produced after 9/2010 and equipped with either Smart Phone Integration (option code 6NF), BMW APPS (option code 6NR) or NBT vehicles." - Still, nada.

Wouldn't it be funny if they were the identical part... Funny in a sad way for me.

I still prefer to have my phone in the "holster" rather than dangling on a tether. I haven't tried the music yet, but I think that was working okay.
I found different information from

http://www.getbmwparts.com/partlocat...31&startrow=51

They state:

Connect version

Same function as the Media Snap-in Adapter.
Specific to NBT vehicles and support BMW APPS, these include many MY2013 SA 6NF 6NR optioned vehicles and most MY2014 SA 6NR 6NS vehicles. CIC vehicles with SA 6NR and 6NS will not support audio out with the Connect device. These will require the soon to be released Music/Media device which is expected early 2014.

So according to them for the 2011 and 2012 X3 the adapter we need won't be out until next year.
__________________
2012 X3 35i | Deep Sea Blue | Oyster |
Packages | Sports | Cold Weather | Cold Weather 2 | Premium | Technology | Premium Sound
Appreciate 0
      11-13-2013, 12:32 PM   #12
DonC
Lieutenant
United_States
29
Rep
427
Posts

Drives: 2013 X3 3.5i M sport, etc
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: near Seattle

iTrader: (0)

My 5 works the same as above - shows Bluetooth disabled then when I use blueto0oth I must establish the connection.
__________________
2013 X3 3.5i AW,Msprt,rear fogs,PS,CP, Tech, etc...
Other cars
2005 S2000
2018 i3S
Appreciate 0
      11-13-2013, 06:11 PM   #13
GenX3
Private First Class
27
Rep
159
Posts

Drives: 2012 X3 35i
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Colo Spgs

iTrader: (0)

Yup, that sounds about right...

Quote:
Originally Posted by colson79 View Post
I found different information from

http://www.getbmwparts.com/partlocat...31&startrow=51

They state:

Connect version

Same function as the Media Snap-in Adapter.
Specific to NBT vehicles and support BMW APPS, these include many MY2013 SA 6NF 6NR optioned vehicles and most MY2014 SA 6NR 6NS vehicles. CIC vehicles with SA 6NR and 6NS will not support audio out with the Connect device. These will require the soon to be released Music/Media device which is expected early 2014.

So according to them for the 2011 and 2012 X3 the adapter we need won't be out until next year.
That adds up based on what everyone else is writing. So, I paid $250 for the convenience of charging my phone in a cradle but not being able to play music or use the phone while doing so... Actually, I'm not sure, but I think I can use the phone while it's in there. Dog-gone-it BMW engineers, Dang-gone stupid fine print, and finally, blast you iPhone techys!
__________________
2012 X3 35i | Space Gray | Sand Beige | Sienna

Packages | M-Sport | Cold I & II | Tech | Premium | Sound | BMW Apps, HUD, Net
Appreciate 0
      11-15-2013, 01:45 PM   #14
colson79
Second Lieutenant
7
Rep
221
Posts

Drives: 2012 X3 35i DSB
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Wisconsin

iTrader: (0)

Maybe you can return it and get the correct version when it comes out.
__________________
2012 X3 35i | Deep Sea Blue | Oyster |
Packages | Sports | Cold Weather | Cold Weather 2 | Premium | Technology | Premium Sound
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:26 AM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST