Well I agree and disagree - if it was a connector on a harness to connect built in devices such as those you mention that makes sense. But to wire it that way for temporary plug in and unplug devices such as it is, still seems the wrong way to go to me. Yes iPod is a recent addition since the design but digital cameras, camcorders etc were common and that's the type of device I heard of people trying to get working unsuccessfully due to this design. I understand the earth loop possibilities but even with this there should have been some documentation or even service bulletin or something to BMW service centers so someone was aware of the issue. My dealer had no clue why it wasn't working. I had to diagnose and work out for myself.

cheers,
Seedar.