[baird1604]

Hi,

I am going to be getting a new X3 with my work and I am wondering if the basic model xDrive20 SE comes with a built in IPod connection?

I know it says mulitmedia connection but just want to make sure.

Thanks

[sfax]

Not 100% sure but I think you need 6NH which is a cost option giving you Bluetooth and a USB audio interface. You may get an AUX analog connection without this option.

Not sure what "multimedia connection" refers to but things may have changed since I ordered mine

[baird1604]

Just looked again and it says MP3 playback compatability. Which I assume means Ipod?

[baird1604]

ITs the professional radio with single CD player. As its a company car, I just wanted to double check. As there is another car option, but my preference is the X3

[sfax]

Originally Posted by baird1604

Just looked again and it says MP3 playback compatability. Which I assume means Ipod?

This could just be referring to its ability to play MP3 files burnt on a CD. I assume you want to be able control track selection etc from iDrive, for which I think you need at least 6NF. Hopefully someone without any of these options can confirm for you.

I wouldn't assume you get much for free from BMW. It isn't so long ago they still had cassette players as standard and you had to pay extra to get a CD player

[BMWLVX]

Just order BMW Apps for 200€ so you won't have any disappointment when you connect your iPod.

[sfax]

Originally Posted by BMWLVX

Just order BMW Apps for 200€ so you won't have any disappointment when you connect your iPod.

You can't get BMW Apps (6NR) without pro nav, so try more like + $3,500 in the UK for BMW Apps

[baird1604]

The problem I have is that I cannot really spec the car up much as its a works car that I will get. So it's the basic 20 model only. And if it doesn't allow iPod connectivity, it kind of puts me off the car, as most of my work will be spent driving around. Maybe phone BMW tomorrow and see what they say.

[slam]

Included was a IPhone cable to connect under the armrest. You need to have the Technology package to control beyond the basic music options. You can't view album covers or use Bluetooth to control the phone. You can still make calls and search your address book through the Bluetooth.

[sfax]

Originally Posted by baird1604

The problem I have is that I cannot really spec the car up much as its a works car that I will get. So it's the basic 20 model only. And if it doesn't allow iPod connectivity, it kind of puts me off the car, as most of my work will be spent driving around. Maybe phone BMW tomorrow and see what they say.

Just on a side note, wouldn't you need/want Bluetooth anyway if it's going to be a company car?

[baird1604]

Not 100% sure. As the company I work for has a policy which requires me to pull the car over if I need to speak on the phone. No hands free kits are allowed.

[BMWLVX]

Originally Posted by sfax

You can't get BMW Apps (6NR) without pro nav, so try more like + $3,500 in the UK for BMW Apps

Damn, that's true. I've been mentally destroyed for not ordering BMW Apps

[baird1604]

Ok, after phoning the BMW garage, they have confirmed that all X3's have ipod connectivity in the armrest. But I would need to upgrade in order to get control through the Idrive. Thanks for all you help.

Now to decide between manual or auto??? Be driving across fields if that helps anybody with a recommendation.

[sfax]

Originally Posted by baird1604

Ok, after phoning the BMW garage, they have confirmed that all X3's have ipod connectivity in the armrest. But I would need to upgrade in order to get control through the Idrive. Thanks for all you help.

Now to decide between manual or auto??? Be driving across fields if that helps anybody with a recommendation.

Thanks for letting us know. I think you'll need a BMW Y cable (USB + AUX) which will charge the iPod and convert the output to analog AUX

I was going to buy a manual before test driving both and that made me switch to auto. You might find the offset pedals an issue in the manual but driving through fields will probably be easier in a manual if you get stuck. Manual is cheaper and despite what the official fuel consumption figures say, you can easily get better fuel economy in a manual if you drive it conservatively

[baird1604]

Ok thanks. Yes it will be fields and country roads that I will be driving through. So will prob just go with the manual.

Thanks

[baird1604]

Just one more thing, what does a 6NK option actually give me? Just been looking at the options and im not really sure. Think it gives me bluetooth access from my phone to the control panel and I can play music through it, showing the songs and artwork. But does it also allow my Ipod Classic to show the songs or not?

[sfax]

Originally Posted by baird1604

Just one more thing, what does a 6NK option actually give me? Just been looking at the options and im not really sure. Think it gives me bluetooth access from my phone to the control panel and I can play music through it, showing the songs and artwork. But does it also allow my Ipod Classic to show the songs or not?

6NK gives you a combox which means when you connect any device containing compatible audio files via USB, you get control of it with iDrive (iPod, iPhone, USB drive) and you are also passing a digital signal to the car rather than analog (so you can get album art etc too). It includes voice control and Bluetooth audio streaming as well

[baird1604]

Ok thanks.

Just went ahead and ordered it with the 6NK. As its my work, no idea when I will get it.

Thanks for your help.

[sfax]

Originally Posted by baird1604

Ok thanks.

Just went ahead and ordered it with the 6NK. As its my work, no idea when I will get it.

Thanks for your help.

No problem. I would always recommend at least one of the Bluetooth options, and personally I would get 6NK given the choice. Hope you only have a short wait

[halfalife]

I have only ordered the 6NH - i plan to use a memory stick to play music from in the usb - will i be able to control it via the idrive ?

Why do they make these things so complicated !!!

[sfax]

Originally Posted by halfalife

I have only ordered the 6NH - i plan to use a memory stick to play music from in the usb - will i be able to control it via the idrive ?

Why do they make these things so complicated !!!

I think you can control through iDrive with USB drives with 6NH. The problem that people have reported comes with iPods and iPhones where you need to use a BMW Y cable and connect to both the USB and the AUX. This is all based on what I've read on this forum and it's confused by BMW's bad descriptions and slight differences in some markets. Hopefully someone with 6NH can confirm for you as I have 6NK

[gareth3685]

Yes I have 6NH and you can control songs from a USB via the idrive. You will however require the Y lead to use an iPod in this way, you won't be able to just plug in the standard Apple USB lead like people with pro nav.