iPod/AUX - not either or
Thread Starter
Members
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
From: Indy
New here, so far so good. 
I pick up an 04 545i on Thursday and am excited to bring it home. I have a scheduled appt with BMW to install the iPod connection through the iDrive. I found myself struggling on what is most important... having iPod functionality at the steering wheel to change songs fwd or the aux connector that simply lets me hook up any device (can then use my droid and stream pandora). The plus of going the aux route is that I can simply route the aux port to a bluetooth adapter in the car and then stream music to the bluetooth device into the radio. I use the iPod more frequently, though (probably 50% of the time in the car). I would hate to reach down to my device every time I wanted to skip a song.
Having said all of that, having the versatility to do both is the biggest win, I'm just not finding anything that allows both. So I got to thinking... can I get a female iPod to 3.5mm connector and simply plug that in where the iPod would go if I want to do music off a device that isn't the iPod? I'm thinking something like this... http://gromaudio.com/store/accessori...-c-ipd2jk.html .
I'm not sure if it's possible because I don't fully know how the iPod connection talks back to everything.
Thoughts? Would something like this work?
TIA.
Andy
I pick up an 04 545i on Thursday and am excited to bring it home. I have a scheduled appt with BMW to install the iPod connection through the iDrive. I found myself struggling on what is most important... having iPod functionality at the steering wheel to change songs fwd or the aux connector that simply lets me hook up any device (can then use my droid and stream pandora). The plus of going the aux route is that I can simply route the aux port to a bluetooth adapter in the car and then stream music to the bluetooth device into the radio. I use the iPod more frequently, though (probably 50% of the time in the car). I would hate to reach down to my device every time I wanted to skip a song.Having said all of that, having the versatility to do both is the biggest win, I'm just not finding anything that allows both. So I got to thinking... can I get a female iPod to 3.5mm connector and simply plug that in where the iPod would go if I want to do music off a device that isn't the iPod? I'm thinking something like this... http://gromaudio.com/store/accessori...-c-ipd2jk.html .
I'm not sure if it's possible because I don't fully know how the iPod connection talks back to everything.
Thoughts? Would something like this work?
TIA.
Andy
Senior Members
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 667
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
My Ride: 545i
I have the same question, however I will prefer to have an iPod connector only because of what you indicated above, having to change the songs from the steering wheel instead of operating whatever device/phone separately for safety reasons.
Though I'm not even sure it can be done on my 2004 545i.
Thread Starter
Members
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
From: Indy
Welcome to the forum!
I have the same question, however I will prefer to have an iPod connector only because of what you indicated above, having to change the songs from the steering wheel instead of operating whatever device/phone separately for safety reasons.
Though I'm not even sure it can be done on my 2004 545i.
I have the same question, however I will prefer to have an iPod connector only because of what you indicated above, having to change the songs from the steering wheel instead of operating whatever device/phone separately for safety reasons.
Though I'm not even sure it can be done on my 2004 545i.
Senior Members
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 667
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
My Ride: 545i
Members
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
It comes down to cost.
I couldn't justify putting in $800 for the ipod install for my use. That is what BMW in Canada wanted to install and program my 07 530I with the ipod kit in the glove box.
I chose to install the Groove APP on my IPhone, which has gesture control. I then purchased a IPhone holder that charges via cig lighter, has a aux output and a usb charger port. The aux output is connected to the car aux input with the wire neatly tucked under the center console. Since the groove app allows for auto playlists, and gesture controls, it is as simple as starting the app, selecting type of music and swiping the IPhone screen to change songs. I also see the album cover on the Iphone which is cool. The Ipod glove box install wont do that. Since I have blue tooth, all phone call connect perfectly and the music shuts off. In addition, when "parked", you have easy access to the Iphones internet, email, SMS and you can watch video on the Iphone screen while listening over the cars audio system. You cant do that with the BMW install as the Iphone is meant to be placed in the glove box away from sight and access. I also couldn't see me reaching over every day to install it in the glove box. Perhaps with a dedicated Ipod that wouldn't be a problem.
This works for me and only cost me $40. I know I don't have steering wheel control; however, gesture control works for me. The Iphone sits nicely in the holder and charges while driving and the other features makes up for the loss in steering wheel control.
My two cents,
I couldn't justify putting in $800 for the ipod install for my use. That is what BMW in Canada wanted to install and program my 07 530I with the ipod kit in the glove box.
I chose to install the Groove APP on my IPhone, which has gesture control. I then purchased a IPhone holder that charges via cig lighter, has a aux output and a usb charger port. The aux output is connected to the car aux input with the wire neatly tucked under the center console. Since the groove app allows for auto playlists, and gesture controls, it is as simple as starting the app, selecting type of music and swiping the IPhone screen to change songs. I also see the album cover on the Iphone which is cool. The Ipod glove box install wont do that. Since I have blue tooth, all phone call connect perfectly and the music shuts off. In addition, when "parked", you have easy access to the Iphones internet, email, SMS and you can watch video on the Iphone screen while listening over the cars audio system. You cant do that with the BMW install as the Iphone is meant to be placed in the glove box away from sight and access. I also couldn't see me reaching over every day to install it in the glove box. Perhaps with a dedicated Ipod that wouldn't be a problem.
This works for me and only cost me $40. I know I don't have steering wheel control; however, gesture control works for me. The Iphone sits nicely in the holder and charges while driving and the other features makes up for the loss in steering wheel control.
My two cents,
Members
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Plano TX
It comes down to cost.
I couldn't justify putting in $800 for the ipod install for my use. That is what BMW in Canada wanted to install and program my 07 530I with the ipod kit in the glove box.
I chose to install the Groove APP on my IPhone, which has gesture control. I then purchased a IPhone holder that charges via cig lighter, has a aux output and a usb charger port. The aux output is connected to the car aux input with the wire neatly tucked under the center console. Since the groove app allows for auto playlists, and gesture controls, it is as simple as starting the app, selecting type of music and swiping the IPhone screen to change songs. I also see the album cover on the Iphone which is cool. The Ipod glove box install wont do that. Since I have blue tooth, all phone call connect perfectly and the music shuts off. In addition, when "parked", you have easy access to the Iphones internet, email, SMS and you can watch video on the Iphone screen while listening over the cars audio system. You cant do that with the BMW install as the Iphone is meant to be placed in the glove box away from sight and access. I also couldn't see me reaching over every day to install it in the glove box. Perhaps with a dedicated Ipod that wouldn't be a problem.
This works for me and only cost me $40. I know I don't have steering wheel control; however, gesture control works for me. The Iphone sits nicely in the holder and charges while driving and the other features makes up for the loss in steering wheel control.
My two cents,
I couldn't justify putting in $800 for the ipod install for my use. That is what BMW in Canada wanted to install and program my 07 530I with the ipod kit in the glove box.
I chose to install the Groove APP on my IPhone, which has gesture control. I then purchased a IPhone holder that charges via cig lighter, has a aux output and a usb charger port. The aux output is connected to the car aux input with the wire neatly tucked under the center console. Since the groove app allows for auto playlists, and gesture controls, it is as simple as starting the app, selecting type of music and swiping the IPhone screen to change songs. I also see the album cover on the Iphone which is cool. The Ipod glove box install wont do that. Since I have blue tooth, all phone call connect perfectly and the music shuts off. In addition, when "parked", you have easy access to the Iphones internet, email, SMS and you can watch video on the Iphone screen while listening over the cars audio system. You cant do that with the BMW install as the Iphone is meant to be placed in the glove box away from sight and access. I also couldn't see me reaching over every day to install it in the glove box. Perhaps with a dedicated Ipod that wouldn't be a problem.
This works for me and only cost me $40. I know I don't have steering wheel control; however, gesture control works for me. The Iphone sits nicely in the holder and charges while driving and the other features makes up for the loss in steering wheel control.
My two cents,
Members
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Brampton, Ontario
It comes down to cost.
I couldn't justify putting in $800 for the ipod install for my use. That is what BMW in Canada wanted to install and program my 07 530I with the ipod kit in the glove box.
I chose to install the Groove APP on my IPhone, which has gesture control. I then purchased a IPhone holder that charges via cig lighter, has a aux output and a usb charger port. The aux output is connected to the car aux input with the wire neatly tucked under the center console. Since the groove app allows for auto playlists, and gesture controls, it is as simple as starting the app, selecting type of music and swiping the IPhone screen to change songs. I also see the album cover on the Iphone which is cool. The Ipod glove box install wont do that. Since I have blue tooth, all phone call connect perfectly and the music shuts off. In addition, when "parked", you have easy access to the Iphones internet, email, SMS and you can watch video on the Iphone screen while listening over the cars audio system. You cant do that with the BMW install as the Iphone is meant to be placed in the glove box away from sight and access. I also couldn't see me reaching over every day to install it in the glove box. Perhaps with a dedicated Ipod that wouldn't be a problem.
This works for me and only cost me $40. I know I don't have steering wheel control; however, gesture control works for me. The Iphone sits nicely in the holder and charges while driving and the other features makes up for the loss in steering wheel control.
My two cents,
I couldn't justify putting in $800 for the ipod install for my use. That is what BMW in Canada wanted to install and program my 07 530I with the ipod kit in the glove box.
I chose to install the Groove APP on my IPhone, which has gesture control. I then purchased a IPhone holder that charges via cig lighter, has a aux output and a usb charger port. The aux output is connected to the car aux input with the wire neatly tucked under the center console. Since the groove app allows for auto playlists, and gesture controls, it is as simple as starting the app, selecting type of music and swiping the IPhone screen to change songs. I also see the album cover on the Iphone which is cool. The Ipod glove box install wont do that. Since I have blue tooth, all phone call connect perfectly and the music shuts off. In addition, when "parked", you have easy access to the Iphones internet, email, SMS and you can watch video on the Iphone screen while listening over the cars audio system. You cant do that with the BMW install as the Iphone is meant to be placed in the glove box away from sight and access. I also couldn't see me reaching over every day to install it in the glove box. Perhaps with a dedicated Ipod that wouldn't be a problem.
This works for me and only cost me $40. I know I don't have steering wheel control; however, gesture control works for me. The Iphone sits nicely in the holder and charges while driving and the other features makes up for the loss in steering wheel control.
My two cents,
Hey Any idea how to get an AUX port installed? I've been dying for a way to play my iPod via car stereo without having to drop $1000 at BMW in Canada.
Thanks
Members
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Mine already had an AUX port installed in the rear console.
Here a few pics of my install.
You can buy the holder at Canadian Tire for $40.
iPod Digital 3-in-1 Car Accessory
Product #37-5372-
It also has FM transmitting capability; however, some noise is heard through the speakers, so if you use FM, not that great. The Aux input is much better.
Use the Groove app and gesture control.
Hope this helps.
Here a few pics of my install.
You can buy the holder at Canadian Tire for $40.
iPod Digital 3-in-1 Car Accessory
Product #37-5372-
It also has FM transmitting capability; however, some noise is heard through the speakers, so if you use FM, not that great. The Aux input is much better.
Use the Groove app and gesture control.
Hope this helps.
