BMW iPhone snap-in cradle installed [lots of pics] - Page 6 - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

JJF · 13th May 2008, 13:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gadgetman

Cool beans.

I just heard that iPhone 3G will be coming our this June 2008.

The current phone has been great, but I will definitely get the 3G as soon as it's out.

scoopz · 13th May 2008, 14:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gadgetman

Scoopz,
Did you get BMW to repair/fix your scratched iPhone?
Best Regards,

No, I never bothered asking BMW to fix/repair/replace my iPhone as I managed to get the scratches out myself

I bought some Autosol (metal polish) to use on my exhaust tips which works wanders, I bravely decided to try it on my iPhone's crhome bezel (even though I think it's plastic not metal) and it removed all the fine scrathes. A combination of Autosol and Brasso wool on the glass screen removed some very fine hairline scratches out of the glass too!

BMW ordered a replacement cradle for me and bumping this thread has just reminded me I've got to go in and swap my current cradle for the replacement.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gadgetman

I just heard that iPhone 3G will be coming our this June 2008.

Is this from the rumour sites or have Apple made an official announcement yet? I've usually got my finger well and truly on the Apple pulse but after a short holiday I've lost track. June 2008 release for the USA I'm suspecting and Christmas for UK / ROW?

geekmedic · 19th November 2008, 17:51

I'm about to buy a 5 soon. Planning to order it Friday. Can't wait as this will be my first BMW.

This may sound like a dumb question, so I apologize in advance. Is the iPod/USB adapter in the glove compartment? If I purchase an iPhone cradle to use the external antenna, will I also need a separate iPod since the iPhone's iPod function can't be used in the cradle? (I'm assuming you can connect both simultaneously?)

Finally, I still haven't figured out what the difference is between the iPod/USB adapter and the interface. The dealer even seemed confused. He said that traditionally people only order the adapter and never order the interface, and it always works well. Any comments on this?

Thanks!

VirtualRain · 19th November 2008, 20:28

I'm not familiar with the factory audio/iPOD capabilities in current cars as I have a 2006. However, here's a few things to consider that should answer your questions and also give you some other options to consider...

- The iPhone snap-in adapter really only fits a first-gen iphone correctly. It's not suitable for a 3G iPhone for two reasons... physically it doesn't fit well and more importantly, they changed the charging scheme on 3G phones from firewire to USB obsoleteing a lot of chargers including the snap-in adapter.
- The iPhone snap-in adapter doesn't provide a direct connection to the external antenna. There are rumors it may provide an inductive connection but I don't think that's been confirmed. It's best to assume your reception won't be improved.
- The iPhone snap-in adapter does not provide or allow an audio connection in anyway.
- As you may have read, the hidden nature of the iPhone snap-in adapter makes it easy to forget your phone and it's also not very convenient IMHO.

In light of all this, I went with a spec.dock from www.2point5.com which sits in the ashtray (which is a complete waste of good console real-estate) and allows your iPhone to be charged, access music, and makes it super convienient to dock/undock.

You can either buy just the dock/cable from them, or the dock/cable/interface. The offer both the BMW ipod interface and the Dension unit. Again, I'm not familiar with what your factory installed situation is as my car is a 2006 and came with only an analog AUX in and no ipod integration.

scoopz · 19th November 2008, 20:44

VirtualRain that's some great information

I fully agree that the BMW cradle isn't an option for the 3G iPhone, I have the cradle which I bought for my original iPhone and the 3G iPhone doesn't like going squeezing into it at all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by VirtualRain

they changed the charging scheme on 3G phones from firewire to USB obsoleteing a lot of chargers including the snap-in adapter.

You are right that the 3G iPhone now charges using different pins of the dock connector (USB rather than firewire as you stated) which means many of the iPod interface cables, Bose sound docks and even Apple's own Hi-Fi (which I own) no longer charge the iPhone 3G

but the BMW snap-in adapter DOES still charge the iPhone 3G if you are willing to force it in.

I've never had any sort of iPod connectivity in my car, I stuck with the 6 CD changer with CD's that I never change and mainly use the single in dash CD and Nav DVD drives to play MP3s on CD/DVD.

VirtualRain · 19th November 2008, 20:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by scoopz

but the BMW snap-in adapter DOES still charge the iPhone 3G if you are willing to force it in.

Ok... sorry for the misinformation... good to know.

JJF · 19th November 2008, 22:25

I also got the iPhone 3G after having had the snap-in adapter for my original iPhone and can verify that the new 3G does not fit. BUT, when I have the 3G phone connected to the USB adaptor for listening to music, the charge battery icon is visible making me think that it's charging (I have an 07/07 build 2008 M5).

geekmedic · 21st November 2008, 00:24

Any word when BMW will release an adapter for the 3G? I still have a 2G, but will likely upgrade to 3G when the 32GB versions come out in February.

roxxxstr · 21st November 2008, 07:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike@ESSTuning

Looks real nice... I saw them advertising it at my dealer for $150. Not too shabby.

what dealer?

M-att · 25th November 2008, 11:36

Scoopz, since you are the man in the know of all things Apple/BMW have you heard any word on an upgraded iPhone 3G Snap-In? I contacted my dealer and they are saying, much as you are, that the snap-in adaptor will not work with the new 3G, not only that but the original iPhone snap-in is not guaranteed to work with the M5, just the rest of the 5 Series. I know you had your original iPhone working in the M5 with the snap-in. Anyway, its not the end of the world