BMW announces new iPod interface

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BMW announces new iPod interface

BMW has announced a new iPod interface for the newest generation of BMW models. The carmaker said that the new “BMW Interface for iPod” will be available for every current BMW model, including 3 Series Sedans and Sports Wagons, the new M5 Sedan and M6 Coupe, as well as the 5, 6, and 7 Series. Compatible with all dock connector iPods, the direct-connect unit lets BMW owners incorporate their iPods directly into their car’s sound system, allowing them to control playback and volume, shuffle songs, and sort music by playlists, artist, album, genre or podcast.

“The seamless integration of iPod makes it effortless for drivers to control their music through their existing audio system and the multifunction steering wheel,” explains BMW. “The new BMW Interface for iPod enables drivers to easily access their entire music library, shuffle songs, skip between tracks and adjust volume—all of this with no loss of sound quality or driving control. The BMW iPod Interfaces integrate the iPod through a direct connection in the BMW glovebox, providing outstanding sound quality and constant power to the iPod all while your iPod remains protected and out of view.”

The new BMW iPod interface will be available at BMW centers beginning in July 2006. The company said pricing has not yet been determined, but that installation will be performed by authorized BMW centers only. The original BMW iPod Adapter will continue to be available for 2002 and later BMW models, including the X3, X5, Z4, and previous generation 3 Series.

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Comments

1

what’s the difference between this, and the old interface?? i just don’t get it.

Posted by zerock on April 12, 2006 at 5:09 PM (PDT)

2

If I read this correctly, it will now allow iPod connection to newer cars that previously weren’t compatible because of the iDrive system (like my 2005 645) and will allow you to use your whole library, not just a playlist, and will show the artist and song name on the iDrive screen, not just track number. I am in heaven.

Posted by Neil Goldstein on April 12, 2006 at 7:45 PM (PDT)

3

if it shows artist name and song, i would like it on my X3..if it works with it. I was looking into Icelink plus…

Posted by zerock on April 13, 2006 at 6:02 AM (PDT)

4

I hope its better than the older connection which only allowed you to play 5 playlists. No other way to access songs - also no text showing what song was actually playing - only incomprehensible numbers. Anyway, i’m so over the ipod and its out of date connections - my new car has a compact flash card slot and i can access any wma or mp3 directly with all text and artist information.

Posted by pauloh on April 14, 2006 at 9:19 PM (PDT)

5

Woo hoo…a REAL reason for buying a Bimmer…NOT.

Go Porsche.

Posted by flatline response on April 15, 2006 at 12:52 AM (PDT)

6

I just got a quote for my car that it was $500! I just wonder if anyone has used it and if it is worth it?

Posted by tim on March 7, 2007 at 3:40 PM (PDT)

7

WOW $500.00 no way.

I have good luck with the dice electronics interface and
it shows text from the Ipod on the radio display and cluster
but it is true only 5 or 6 play list and not compatible with the I DRIVE

Posted by andy on October 19, 2007 at 11:06 AM (PDT)

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