As for the charging issue, there is also cradle charger which plugs into the cigarette lighter, and has a jack for connection to the aux input (with a male-male connector). When last I checked, there were several available on eBay. I might still have one lying around from my '04 X3, but it's for the 3rd generation iPod. I'll check, and if I do, it's all yours if you're interested.

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I'll drink your poison if you fill the cup. You make me crazy, baby, don't let up.
Break Free, DMB 2006