[RhoXS]

I expect to take delivery this week of a low mileage CPO 2011 X3 with, among other good toys, Nav(609), Smartphone Integration (6NF), and BMW Assist (6NL).

There are a ton of articles about connecting an iPhone but I never have been able to clearly determine what functional differences exist between using the snap in adapter or just using the USB port.

I have an iPhone 5 and my wife has an iPhone 4s that will be upgraded to whatever succeeds the 5 when it becomes available.

I saw some references to a "Y" cable that has both USB and audio connectors. Why is it necessary to use an Aux input connection if a USB connection is used since the USB connection carries the audio digitally?

[sfiermon]

Just use the standard USB cable. No need for any y adaptor these days. As far as the cradle, id say skip it.

[RhoXS]

Originally Posted by sfiermon

Just use the standard USB cable. No need for any y adaptor these days. As far as the cradle, id say skip it.

Thanks for the response.

So, just to verify, a standard USB cable will give all the functionality the snap in cradle will. There will be no feature or function, including charging, that will not be available. Is this correct?

I did read somewhere the cradle provides a connection to an external antenna located in the rear window. I have no clue how the antenna connects to the iPhone via the cradle so I am very skeptical this feature exists.

[02420X3]

If you have an iPhone 4S or earlier, and you have a 2011-2013 X3, then you can get video through the snap-in adapter. You cannot get video with an iPhone 5, a 2014 X3, or the white cable.

There is also a different music interface through the snap-in adapter, but I don't bother with it. I'm fine with the white cable interface, which gives me both music and album art, while charging my iPhone at the same time.

[richard in NC]

Do you need the snap in adapter for BMW Apps?

[02420X3]

I use BMW Apps without the snap-in adapter. I mostly use the Internet Radio app.

[NordicBMW]

The snap-in adapter is supposed to provide better network connection through the aerial in the car but frankly I haven't noticed any difference. I would use the money for other features instead if I had put a new car on order today. Music and phone functions are accesible through BT or the std white cable. Just my opinion after one year's ownership.

[UKMS]

Originally Posted by NordicBMW

The snap-in adapter is supposed to provide better network connection through the aerial in the car but frankly I haven't noticed any difference. I would use the money for other features instead if I had put a new car on order today. Music and phone functions are accesible through BT or the std white cable. Just my opinion after one year's ownership.

Ive been searching this and other forums because Im sure I have read that the iPhone does not have any external connectivity for the aerial via the pins in the connector ...... as i understand the aerial connectivity does go to the snap in cradle but it depends on phone make/model as to whether its supported. Im sure someone will correct me.

Also depending on the snap in cradle that you purchase (I think there are 3 versions) will dictate what is supported .... I had a media cradle for my 5 Series which allowed me to play video from my iPhone 4s onto the screen, which I dont think you will get using the USB cable.

AFAIK even if you use a snap in cradle the phone aspect still connects via bluetooth, again someone will correct me if thats incorrect

MS