Ipod / USB option (6LF) question
 

I know someone who is about to order a new car and has a question about the BMW ipod options. Can someone tell me if the ipod/usb adapter option will allow ipod track selection via the steering wheel and display song information (on a non-navigation car) while charging the ipod or is it basically just an aux input jack with a USB jack to charge the ipod?

It allows full control of the ipod from idrive, steering wheel, etc. and charges. A must have option imo.

Yes, it's a good option to have UNLESS you have the DVD changer. I have put thousands of tracks (in MP3 format) on the 6 DVDs in my DVD changer and find that I hardly use my iPod option any more.

When you say from idrive, I assume you mean then it have Nav which his car won't. So how does it work then?

Does it show all the titles and song info from the MP3's? Also, what kind of DVD's does it read? DVD-R , DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD dual layer ?

It shows all the titles from the MP3's. Mine shows a list of song numbers and song names. The currently playing song shows the band too (i.e. uses 2 lines on display).

According to manual, it can play "DVD Video, Video CD, CD-DA, CD-DTS, and Compressed audio files". It also says that dual-sided DVDs need to be turned over to play the other side. I don't know how it will handle the different DVD formats that you mentioned. I have only used DVD-R.

BMW accessories don't seem to do the DVD Changer. Where did you get yours?

Also, does anyone know for sure, if i add the BMW ipod kit to a non 6LF/USB car, will I have to give up my CD Changer??

The CD changer in a 2008 E70 is actually a DVD changer. Plenty about it in Owner's Manual (on home page of this site). Starts on page 181...

Not having the Navigation does not necessarily mean you don't have the screen to view the tracks. The idrive controls are viewed on the screen so you should be able to see the Ipod tracks, albums etc. as well.

Sorry I'm just not getting it. Isn't i-drive and navigation basically the same thing? In other words you can't have the idrive wheel without navigation. Right?

What I'm asking is if I DON'T have navigation/idrive, will I be able to use the steering wheel controls to control an ipod through the 6FL connector? And will the song info be displayed on my standard radio?