IPOD Interface Questions
 

I have followed the various threads on the IPOD interface options with interest. I debated delaying my February 2007 X5 4.8 order when I heard about the USB 6FL option coming in April, but the common wisdom at the time was that the 6FL would also be a dealer installed option. Also at that time there were rumblings (since unproven) that the Comfort Seats were not going to be available after March. Now I am facing a uncertain delivery date for a car that started production 5 weeks ago, and apparently I will not be able to use the USB 6FL option for my IPOD (e.g. current wisdom is that the 6FL will not be a dealer installable option). So (finally!) here is the question: Is the sound of the IPOD when hooked up through the IPOD Interface Adapter that goes in the glove box (and replaces the CD changer) any different/better than the sound when the IPOD is just run through the AUX jack (even if using an IPOD dock cable to mini audio pin jack product - and thus don't use the headphone jack out of the IPOD)? If it helps/matters, I did order the Premium stereo package, and most of my IPOD files are large WAV files. Any helpful advice for a newbie would be appreciated.

FYI, there is still no info from BMW on whether they are going to make the glove box IPOD Interface Adapter for the E70 and, if they are, when it will be available.

This is just speculation, but based on the photos I have seen the Ipod still uses the headphone out. So, yes I would assume quality would be the same. I have the premium sound package, and I am not all that impressed with the quality. Its ok, but not great.

The fact that you can control the Ipod though is a whole new issue and well worth the option. I really wish I had this option.

I am running an Pioneer XM Inno through the Aux Input and had the car in to service for a whine that is detectible when using the AUX In. I have also tried IPOD and get the same whine. Service tried re-grounding the aux input but after no success came back saying it is performing within spec. This is with the Premium Sound System.

I have no whine on my aux input from ipod. I have the read dvd that uses the aus input for audio

I have been using the "old" aux line in on my E53 for 3 years. I have noticed that I have to turn the volume up almost all the way on my Nano. I plug via the headphone jack, so the volume control on the Nano effects the listening level. Regardless, I find that if I don't turn the volume down before I switch to FM or CD, I get blasted. On my E53, there is even a setting on the radio for AUX in volume correction, and I have it turned way up.

If I keep the volume low on the iPod, I find that I need to turn the radio volume way up. Under these circumstances, I can detect a whine that corresponds to the engine rev.

If you can, try to turn the volume way up on the iPod and keep your radio volume level lower. It seems to make a difference with mine.

I have often wondered if I should be connecting to the LINE OUT that's in the dock connector. This output's volume is not controllable via the front wheel of the iPod. In three years, I have not tried to do it.

I'm just going to go with the standard line in on my ordered E70. I hope that it works well.

Actually there are a number of cables that will allow someone to use to direct out of the iPod and avoid the headphone output all together. ;)

Not sure I follow what you are saying here. PLease elaborate. Thanks.

Is the sound of the IPOD when hooked up through the IPOD Interface Adapter that goes in the glove box (and replaces the CD changer) any different/better than the sound when the IPOD is just run through the AUX jack?

This connection is in reference to the e53 cars. I can't comment on the e70's. But in the e53 the iPod aux Adapter that goes in the glove box does not replace the CD player. It allows you to keep the CD player. The correct way is to get a low level signal from the dock connector of the iPod, There are a couple of cables on the market that allow this if you plan on the AUX connection and not going the DICE route. See post #11, this link. http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...ht=ipod+cables

Based on this document, I dont think that is correct. It appears the USB cable is ONLY for control, the audio output is supplied via the headphone cable...which quite frankly is lame. First it requires cables on both ends of the ipod (WTF). and second it means our audio is not coming out of the line output provided via the bottom connector which has better sound quality.


http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e70-forum/...?highlight=6fl
and
http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e70-forum/...?highlight=6fl

EDIT:
Looks like I am wrong. See attached pic, the audio does come from the bottom ipod connector and the breakout has both an audio cable and usb cable to attach to the 6FL connector in the center console.


BTW- today I found an ipod connector (bottom of ipod) to audio only cable. Previously I was using a simple mini-to-mini cable to listen to ipod headphone out into the AUX in inside the center console. With this new cable, which provides a true line out of the ipod the audio quality is noticeably better, Specifically the volume is about 50% louder than the headphone cable.

I just wish I could have control on the Idrive...hopefully we will be able to have the dealer install the 6FL after the fact.

I did a little more testing today and have found that if I convert my music at 256 kbps and use the output connection on the bottom of the ipod I get very impressive quality. I have played the same track from a CD and AUX in and I cannot tell the difference. The levels are closely matched too, so I dont have to adjust levels when going from AUX to CD to SAT...they are all evenly balanced.
If I compress the music lower than 256 kbps I can start to hear the difference in my stereo. (NOTE: I have the Premium Sound Package.)

Below is an image of the cable I am using....well worth the $30 as it sounds significantly better than the headphone out.