Sync with BMW

You won't be able to use them on your stereo.
Purchased songs can only be played on the iPod or iTunes.

Chris:

I don't believe this is true with the new iPod connection with the newest BMWs (available since March 2007). Played several purchased songs from my Nano yesterday with no problem).

Whoops! Let me modify my previous statement a bit.
Only iTunes and the iPod can play iTunes songs with DRM.
If you paid 99 cents, they have DRM.
If you paid $1.29, they are DRM free.
This a recent change (late May) to iTunes store. Currently, only EMI has agreed to sell their songs DRM free.

Keep modifying. The songs I played are the 99 cent ones with DRM, rechecked it after I posted here. They all play.

Then the iPod is playing the music (not the stereo) and the audio is being is being taken from the iPod.

With the new system and cable that is probably correct, but it works, I can fully control the iPod with all Genres, Albums, Artists, etc. showing.

I am also having the exact same problem with my ipod nano and new 07 bmw manufactured after march. What is the special cable you mention? I am connecting to the usb port with the cable that came with the ipod. Is that what prevents it from working properly?

That is exactly what is keeping it from working. Go back to your BMW dealer and tell them you need the BMW cable for connecting an iPod. You do have the connector that is in the center console?

Greetings. I just purchased a BMW (US Specs) here in Belgium and cannot play more than a few titles on either miy NANO (8 GB) or my daughter's NANO (2 GB) I-pods.
- All our music was purchased on I-Tunes, but both our I-pods play only the same few titles.
- Paparemus, have you found a resolution yet? I've gone through the BMW "Owners Manual for Radio" and cannot find a fix...I have both the USB and standard round ports plugged in (separate cables) and both I-pods yield the same result.
- Haven't discussed with BMW yet, but intend to do so soon.

Cheers,

Glenn

Again, are you using separate cables you already had or are you using the BMW syncing cable? It is dark grey and on one end it has an iPod dock connector, then the cable proceeds to go into a small box. On the other end of this box is two cables, one a USB, the other a miniplug (3.5 mm) which connect to the USB and mini ports in your center console.

Deggie, greetings. In response to your last e-mail, I need clarification. I do have the short black cable that came with the I-pod/USB interface option on our new BMW. I've used that to connect between my I-pod cable (which came with the I-pod) and the USB port...AND have also by-passed that black BMW cable and plugged in the I-pod cable directly to the console...yields the same exact result...is there yet AN ADDITIONAL cable beside the black one which came in the console with the factory I-pod/USB interface option?

Appreciate a response...can add further clarification if my question didn't make sense..

Cheers

No, you need to use the black one that came with the BMW. When you connect it, it should show a big check mark on the iPod screen and say Ok to Disconnect. If it does not, try resetting the iPod while it is connected.

Thank you for the information. That is very likely my problem - I do not have the special BMW provided cable. I spoke with the dealer yesterday and he didn't know for sure what I was talking about but he is checking on it. (he was only the sales guy after all). Is there any other information anyone has to clearly identify the part for the BMW dealer to know what I'm asking for? Something like a part number? The cable the came with my BMW was merely a usb extension - not for connecting directly to the ipod.

Don't know a part number, I'd check with the parts department at the dealership. You do connect your iPod in the center console?

Yes, the connection is in the center console.