Mini Cooper media adapter

About a week ago, someone stole my really old ipod classic 120gb and much beloved and used iPod along with the BMW/Mini Cooper media adapter out of my car. Another Mini owner gave me theirs because they said they don't use theirs. It's brand new. My husband gave me his old classic iPod which is smaller, and somewhat newer than mine was (smaller in it's 60gb). He never used it. But when I plug the adapter into my car with the newly updated to latest itunes iPod classic I'm getting an error message that says something to the effect that I'm using an incompatible cord. How is that possible? Any suggestions? It's the regular old 30 pin connector. Any advice? Other than keep my freaking doors locked and my ipod in my purse at all times because of greedy people?