Hi, those of you with iDrive, what are you using for your iPhone/iPod integration?

I've got a 3G iPhone that I want to charge and access music off via the iDrive system. I'm guessing the best solution is something like the BMW iPod module plus a sync.doc for the ashtray?

Let me know what you are using or recommend.

 

The one that came with the car... in the arm rest....

 

to clarify, you have a 2006 M5 correct? Does your car already have a USB plug?

 

Yes... that's right... I've got a 2006 M5 coming soon. I added a sig. AFAIK, USB was not an option/available in 06 on the M5... at least with all the research I've done on the car, I've not come across this.

Tell me more about the USB option... what year was that introduced? Can it be retrofit to earlier cars? How does it work?

 

I understand there is also the Dension Gateway 500 which has a number of connectivity and UI benefits vs. the BMW ipod interface.

Can someone briefly describe or point me to pics of the UI benefits of the Dension vs. the BWM unit?

Thanks!

 

I didn't think you could use the ipod interface and the armrest cradle at the same time. If you used the ipod interface it would charge your phone too but then you can't put it into the cradle for the aerial. the iphone doesn't have an external aerial socket so the benefit you are getting from the cradle is questionable anyway.

 

Yeah, that's my understanding as well... I'm not interested in the BMW cradle. I'm thinking of buying the sync.dock from www.2point5.com (ashtray dock) and hooking that in through either a Dension Gateway or a BMW iPod adapter.

I think the Dension may be the only solution for now that might charge an iPhone 3G since they changed the charging scheme on the 3G from previous iPods and as a result made all previous cables/adapters obsolete. AFAIK, the Dension cable is available (or will be shortly) that will charge a 3G iphone.

Here's a pic of the dock...

 

Im currently looking for ipod/iphone3G integration as well and i think this looks like the best option. does anyone have this? any issues or reason why you would go with the BMW kit over this? i also like being able to just put my iphone in the ashtray, it doesnt look messy and i have easy access to it as oppossed to putting it in the glove box. and im tired of using my darn Monster Cable and having to go through a radio station on my drive to LA and listening to static coming in and out.