Ipod with mini cooper/bmw

Many cars seem to have problems with the 1.2.1 firmware version. Previously working connections quit after installing new firmware. Check your firmware version.

Some have managed it. You have to have a backup copy of the firmware. The iPod update software will not go backwards.

I have a 2005 BMW 325i and my 30G ipod worked great until recently. I have tried everthing but going back to an earlier software release. I'm waiting on a friend to send me the link for downloading the earlier version. I will post ifno if I have any luch with it.

I have the same problem!! when i have update my ipod to the version 1.2.1. Before I can manage the musics by the ipod but now I can´t!! I think that apple have to resolve this problem. Anyone know for where can we send one mail to apple to resolve this problem?
Thanks

I'm having a very similar problem to this with the factory iPod connector for our 2007 Mini Cooper.

My girlfriend has an old 4Gb iPod Mini (Hard Drive model) that works flawlessly with the connection cable.

I have an 8Gb Red Nano (Flash Memory) and it works fine except when I skip between 15 and 20 songs using the steering wheel, it freezes the iPod and the head unit has an "Aux-In" error. The firmware on my iPod says 1.1.3 and the recommended firmware in the manual is 1.1, so I guess this is the problem. Unfortunatley, 1.1.3 is the firmware my iPod came with and I can't roll it back any further.

I'm going to send an email to Apple technical support and see if I can get any help. Hopefully, Mini/Apple has a system in place for ensuring compatibility with past/future iPods either through the iPod itself or even through dealer servicing. It is kind of annoying that the firmware on my iPod Nano purchased in 12/06 is incompatible with the iPod adaptor in my Mini purchased in 05/07...

I have a 2007 BMW 328xi with the factory iPod adapter option. I cannot get it to recognize my 5th generation iPod, 30 GB. I have created BMW playlists as suggested in the BMW iPod Adapter FAQ article in Apple Tech support. Still after an hours drive, it still does not synch with the audio system. I have to turn off the radio, disconnect the iPod and the reset the iPod. The iPod works normally by itself or with my Mac running OS 10.4, iTunes 7.2, and iPod software 1.2.1. I took it to my BMW dealer. They checked the system and it worked fine with the service advisor's iPod. So, I suspect it is an interface issue with the 5th generation iPod where the BMW audio system cannot handle the non-audio files on the video iPod. I sure would like to find a solution. What I have in my BMW is essentially a $400 car charger since it won't interface with the stereo. I can play the IPod through the AUX port, but I have to operate it via the iPod click wheel. I didn't need to get the iPod adapter to do that.
After reading these posts, it sounds like it could be the ver 1.2.1 firmware.

My BMW service advisor contacted me about BMW service bulletin providing special connector for BMW and Mini, P/N 61 12 0 422 099. This is a "Y" connector with an iPod dock connector on one end and both a USB and audio connector on the other with a circuit in between. It is for iPods after Jan 2004 with a dock connector. I picked up this cable / connector at my BMW dealer and it works great with my iPod and BMW factory installed iPod adapter. It solved my problem and I now have control of my iPod through the BMW stereo. The display shows playlists, genre, artist, and title of selection and provides random and volume controls. So, there is not a software compatibility problem with the version 1.2.1 software and the 5th Gen iPod. The new connector works great for connecting my iPod in the center console compartment with the right length between iPod holder and connector port.

Powerbook G4 15" (Home) Mac OS X (10.4.4) 5th Gen iPod, iTunes 7.2, iPod SW 1.2.1

They didn't give you this cable when you bought the car?

No, the car only came with a short USB M/F connector. When trying to operate using this connector and my standard iPod USB to dock connector, it did not interface with the car audio.
My BMW is one of the early cars that has the factory installed iPod adapter in the center console (introduced in April 2007). Prior to this, it was a dealer installed accessory in the glove compartment.
The BMW service bulletin released in late June addresses this error and provides the correct interface cable, and my system now works great with my iPod.
I don't know if this applies to earlier dealer installed units or not.

Powerbook G4 15" (Home) Mac OS X (10.4.10) 5th Gen iPod 30GB SW 1.2.1, iTunes 7.2

It doesn't apply to earlier installed units, and they gave you the wrong cable, the one you have now is what is supposed to come with the iPod connector in the center console.

I have a 3 series and the same IPOD, the Germans are telling me that it does not work with a MAC formated IPOD, apparently not a problem in the states, doesn't make since because all 3 series are made here in Germany (mine is a US spec car). I formated it with a Windows PC but synced it with my MAC and it works....kind of. it locks up and I can't find the play list. I have inquiry's in with customer support asking them about any different software that is out there?

Wow, i just read the post, and it may be the Y connector. The IPOD/USB portion of the manual says connect to both the USB and audio jack? I thought the audio jack was just for the after market connectors for folks that didn't get the USB interface, so I just thought it was not well written? I have a single USB connector cable for my center council factory installed adaptor. Now I'm convinced that it's the cable. Odd because after formating it to windows it does work, just not well, like it locks up at times and it gives me an empty list message on list. Does anyone know if the Podcast directory comes up all-right? I can't see it right now.

You need the BMW cable specifically made for your BMW, with the USB and 3.5mm connector, for it to work properly.