[torzeck]

How long do we think it will take for BMW to offer the new snap-in adapter?
Or, has anyone inside BMW heard anything?

[sfax]

Judging by the media adaptor for the iPhone 4: about 1 year. Let's hope they improve on that

[slam]

Apple will offer a plug pin converter to allow using the existing wires or any other existing IPOD units for $29. This won't help with the Snap-on unit as there is little space for the extension.

[PAMidge]

What additional features do you have with the snap in adapter as opposed to the regular cable?

I really can't justify $250 for one of those adapters

[nonagon]

Originally Posted by PAMidge

What additional features do you have with the snap in adapter as opposed to the regular cable?

I really can't justify $250 for one of those adapters

Supposedly better reception on calls, and a better UI for iTunes.

[MattUK]

You can get the better UI with the normal white cable..

When I had my 3GS on the cradle, I *never* got better signal, so I've remained unconvinced of its use.

[sfax]

Originally Posted by MattUK

You can get the better UI with the normal white cable..

When I had my 3GS on the cradle, I *never* got better signal, so I've remained unconvinced of its use.

I couldn't find any evidence that the signal is boosted. See this post for my little experiment. I also showed this to my dealer who did a test and also could find no improvement.

http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showpo...4&postcount=13

[sfax]

Originally Posted by PAMidge

What additional features do you have with the snap in adapter as opposed to the regular cable?

I really can't justify $250 for one of those adapters

I think you only lose video (media adaptor) but for me it also frees up the USB for music or anything that needs charging and is neater than having a cable flapping around which gets trapped in the arm rest. Shame it's not smaller.

[nonagon]

Originally Posted by MattUK

You can get the better UI with the normal white cable..

When I had my 3GS on the cradle, I *never* got better signal, so I've remained unconvinced of its use.

You could be right but how do you get to the better player? I only have the white cable.

[sfax]

Originally Posted by nonagon

You could be right but how do you get to the better player? I only have the white cable.

BMW Connected - Activate plug in

[nonagon]

This is with the iTunes player running on my iPhone 4S...no matter what order I start it (before or after clicking "Start Plug In") I get this screen. Am I doing something wrong? I read a while back that the Plug In screen only works with the Media Adapter...

[nonagon]

According to BMW (emphasis mine):

7. PlugIn

What is BMW Apps PlugIn?
PlugIn enables BMW Apps to display the familiar iPod navigation menu in the vehicle’s display screen. It also
allows control of the music playback features with an iPhone, iPod touch or the latest-generation iPod nano, using
the vehicle’s controls. In addition, the display screen gives direct access to the latest iPod functions, such as a
custom playlist and Genius Mixes, which lets you automatically create playlists from songs in your music library
that go great together.

What is needed for the feature BMW Apps PlugIn?
For PlugIn a BMW with option SA 6NR (BMW Apps) and an iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 or iPod touch
(second and third generation) with at least iOS 4.2.1 is required.
PlugIn can only be used via the Snap-In-Adapter, not via the BMW USB port.

[sfax]

Originally Posted by nonagon

According to BMW (emphasis mine):

7. PlugIn

What is BMW Apps PlugIn?
PlugIn enables BMW Apps to display the familiar iPod navigation menu in the vehicle’s display screen. It also
allows control of the music playback features with an iPhone, iPod touch or the latest-generation iPod nano, using
the vehicle’s controls. In addition, the display screen gives direct access to the latest iPod functions, such as a
custom playlist and Genius Mixes, which lets you automatically create playlists from songs in your music library
that go great together.

What is needed for the feature BMW Apps PlugIn?
For PlugIn a BMW with option SA 6NR (BMW Apps) and an iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 or iPod touch
(second and third generation) with at least iOS 4.2.1 is required.
PlugIn can only be used via the Snap-In-Adapter, not via the BMW USB port.

You might be right but MattUK has posted that he could use the plug-in via the USB so I'm not sure how he can but you can't? Looking at that info I'd have to agree with you that it shouldn't be possible.

My 6NR is a retrofit and I can't use a snap-in adaptor as I have no 6NF option - I do get the full plug-in functionality and video via a USB and AV cable though. Will be getting an iPhone 5 soon so will be interested to see if any of it still works with an adaptor

[nonagon]

Originally Posted by sfax

You might be right but MattUK has posted that he could use the plug-in via the USB so I'm not sure how he can but you can't? Looking at that info I'd have to agree with you that it shouldn't be possible.

My 6NR is a retrofit and I can't use a snap-in adaptor as I have no 6NF option - I do get the full plug-in functionality and video via a USB and AV cable though. Will be getting an iPhone 5 soon so will be interested to see if any of it still works with an adaptor

Since your 6NR is a retrofit, it's possible you got some functionality that people who got it installed factory don't have. I'd love to hear MattUK's take. Does anyone else have PlugIn functionality with just the USB cable (without the Snap-In Adapter)?

[sfax]

Matt, post a picture showing an empty cradle and an iDrive screen showing the activated plug-in or we won't believe you!

[Agent Orange]

Interesting info:

The new iPhone 5 has a new "Lightning Connector" that replaces the existing 30-pin connector. There will be an adapter to go from old 30 pin to new lightning connector. That adapter will support analog audio..but it will not support iPod out mode.

The ability to use iPod out mode began with iOS4, and BMW was the first to jump on it:

http://www.macrumors.com/2010/07/12/...ture-in-ios-4/

But until the is some sort of native Lightning connector to handle this (and not sure if it's even possible), then you cannot plug your iPhone 5 into your BMW (even with the Lightning/30pin adapter) and use the "Plug In" features.

http://www.tuaw.com/2012/09/13/light...-ipod-out-doe/

Edited to add..

Article from cNet saying that new connector might be a problem in cars:

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7...compatibility/

My guess is that there will need to be an iDrive software update to ensure compatibility.

[PAMidge]

I'll have the iPhone 5 on the 21st and will be happy to test its compatibility

[nonagon]

Just an update, MattUK says he does NOT have PlugIn functionality with just the white cable. So as I originally posted, what the Snap-In media adapter gives you over the white USB cable are supposedly better antenna reception (which some people are saying doesn't really happen) and BMW Apps PlugIn functionality.

[PAMidge]

New connector works fine in X3s. Just use the white cable.

[MattUK]

Maybe I misunderstood.. I mean with the white cable, you get the album art displayed on the screen.. nothing more than that..

[Redbhuna]

PAMidge, can you describe exactly what 'works'? I need to know a bit more in detail and hopefully find someone who has an iPhone 5 and 6NR BMW Apps.

[PAMidge]

Neither you nor I are mind readers. Gimme some questions and ill answer them