Using IPod in BMW

Question

Level 1

0 points

Using IPod in BMW

I have a MAC Pro and an Ipod Classic. I have also just taken delivery of a BMW 5 series. I'm told that the Ipod USB interface on the car can read MP3, WMA, WAV (PCM) and AAC as well as playlists in M3U format but my ipod connected to my Mac stores everything with an M4a file extension. Some guy at Micro Anvika told me i might have to reformat the hard drive of the Ipod in FAT 32 format although i have no idea whether this is right or how to do it. Has anyone encountered a similar challenge?

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.2)

Posted on Mar 16, 2008 11:02 AM

Reply

Answer 1

deggie

Level 10

167,525 points

Mar 16, 2008 2:00 PM in response to ricky srb

The m4a is Apple Lossless and your BMW iPod connection will read it.

I have a 2008 5 series with the iPod hookup and it plays everything on my Classic, which is Mac formatted. You will not have to reformat the drive to FAT32, if the song plays on your Classic it will play when connected to your Bimmer. The only challenge is to make sure your Classic has at least firmware 1.0.3 and you have the latest BMW connection cable, which should have come with your car (it has an iPod dock connector on one end and a miniplug and USB connector on the other).

Happy motoring and enjoy your music.

(I am assuming you are using the optional factory installed ipod connection through the center console.)

Message was edited by: deggie

Reply

Answer 2

laurenty

Level 1

10 points

Mar 16, 2008 2:01 PM in response to ricky srb

No you don't need to reformat your iPod.
I have an iPod Classic (Mac formatted) and a MacBook Pro and it was all working fine with a 2008 3 series until I upgraded to iTunes 7.6.1
Anyway I don't believe that a FAT32 formatted iPod would work with your Mac.
Do you have the 6FL option for your car? If you do then you should have a Y-cable, with a USB and an Audio plug. The iPod reads the audio file and just sends an audio signal to your car, the USB is used to transmit track info and ipod control commands from and to your car.

Reply

Answer 3

ricky srb Author

Level 1

0 points

Mar 16, 2008 3:31 PM in response to laurenty

Thanks to you and Deggie! Only slight challenge for me is that my M5 is model year 2007 (it's 12 months old). However, my iPOD has firmware v 1.1.1 so presumably that's OK? I'll get the proper cable from BMW this week - up till now i've been trying to connect using the normal USB 2.0 to IPOD dock connector cable and a separate jack to jack audio connector. Don't know whether i have 6FL or not but i definitely have the capability to run an MP3 player by connecting it to the USB port in the space under the centre armrest and then running it all via the iDrive. Hope that makes sense!

Reply

Answer 4

deggie

Level 10

167,525 points

Mar 16, 2008 5:29 PM in response to ricky srb

I'm running 1.1.1 and it works fine, it does not display in any form that it is charging, but it does as long as the car is running. Disconnect it when you shut down the car, otherwise it will drain the iPod battery.

Reply

Answer 5

deggie

Level 10

167,525 points

Mar 16, 2008 5:30 PM in response to laurenty

Just for future reference a PC formatted (FAT32) iPod will work on a Mac, but a Mac formatted iPod will not work on a PC.

Reply

Answer 6

laurenty

Level 1

10 points

Mar 16, 2008 6:03 PM in response to ricky srb

If you have the USB connector under the armrest then it does sound like the factory 6FL option. Then all you need is the right cable from BMW to get full iPod integration (the cable has a dock connector on one end and USB and audio connectors on the other end)

Reply

Answer 7

djrog44

Level 1

0 points

Apr 28, 2008 1:15 PM in response to laurenty

My bmw plays itunes files great, but I cannot see track info, and I cannot choose by album or artist, only via playlists, is there any way to get this info into the dash and be able to use ipod classifications, thanks.

Reply

Answer 8

TOTTES

Level 1

0 points

Apr 29, 2008 10:37 AM in response to ricky srb

I just got a BMW 3 series 2004 any ideas on how to connect my ipod clssic to it?? i mean wish way would be the best
Regards

Reply