I have fallen into the ipod trap!.
I removed my CD changer from the glove compartment and fitted a genuine BMW
ipod interface :o
I got hold of an ipod nano and it is 3rd ot 4th generation and plugged it in.
The people who supplied the ipod interface in Germany told me that I need to perform
coding on my vehicle. This I am trying to avoid like the plague :(
When I plug in the ipod, the ipod screen shows the BMW logo and according to the
book I should control it from the idrive.
The CD1,2,3,4,5,6 are not highlighted. Thought I can get away with this. Heard some stories of some ipods
do not work the same. Any body can offer a ray of light?

That's why you need to get your car coded, 1)so it can recoginze the ipod interface, 2) Be able to display the correct menus so it can operate, and 3) To ensure the text will be transfered and you will be able to view it on your display screen

By "coding" it means you need to have BMW perform a software update.

Yep, you cant avoid it a visit to either the dealer or a garage with autologic is required. They need to enable mp3 playback, there are tons of posts on this in the DIY section.

I'm wondering if there's such an update that enables ipod to play music through bluetooth like on new Camry?

No. 2 reasons: 1) The iPod does not support bluetooth, and 2) the BMW does not support stereo headphone bluetooth protocols.

Now, that being said, the latest iPhone software DOES support stereo headphone bluetooth protocols - but it doesn't do any good unless BMW also supports the protocol, which it currently doesn't.

Good Luck...i got it installed from the dealer right after i baught the car...took them 2 days to re-program the whole car cuz their laptop kept freezing...

Same here, just installed the interface and it wont read it. I booked an appointemtn on Monday to have it coded at the dealer!

Just walk in there and tell them your car wont play MP3, and that you demand they code your car as per BMW Service Bulletin SIB653005 dated March 2006. If your car is under warranty, this is covered.

This bulletin is on a "customer complaint" basis only, therefore they wont do it unless you complain.

Here it is http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachmen...mp;d=1182612231

My Mechanic is very well equipped and he has the Bosch
He says he once used it to perform coding on a benz but he does not know how to do the coding on the BMW or at least never did it.
He has the BOSCH scantool KCS670. If somebody knows how this can be done appreciated.

I fear the BMW garage like the Black Plague! :( Very expensive and they conduct experiments on your car!

Sorry to go :offtopic: but you just made it sound like all BMWs that go into the dealership have anal probing done to them :lol: I, for one, think it was really funny :clap: (though, I fear, unintended).

As for the scantool - I'm not sure exactly which one it is that they use, but several shops around NY have the tools and the know-how to do the coding, but when I inquired as to how much it would be, I was actually quoted more than the dealership. Maybe my case is unique, but I'd definitely find out how much the dealer wants to perform this - if for no other reason, then just to compare.

GL and keep us posted :thumbsup: