Originally Posted by FunfDreisig (Post 724509)

p.s. I'd give up the iPod functionality of the iPhone via the X5 controls in a heart beat of a hummingbird on a sugar rush, to gain access to the sounds of iPhone apps. To paraphrase the song...'got along without 'em before I had 'em, could get along without 'em now' :cool:

Originally Posted by apw2607 (Post 724511)

Ok ... All you need to do then is buy a 3.5mm male to male cable and plug one end into the iPhone and the other into you car aux jack, and hit aux on your BMW. You will be able to root any app audio through the car. If you want charging as well buy a cigg lighter iPhone charging cable.

Done

Bluetooth will still work as before.

Here's a manufacturer that combines that into a single cable

if you get this make sure you use the cigg lighter via USB for charging and not the dedicated USB socket on the car. Dont use the USB socket on the car, otherwise the car will detect your iphone just like it does with the Y-cable you have today.

Kensington K39204US 2-in-1 Car Charger & AUX Audio Cable for iPhone/iPod in Cables for iPods at JR.com

Originally Posted by X5dieselfan (Post 724547)

not that this makes it worth $400, but you also get the external antenna.

Originally Posted by pocketdoc (Post 724611)

That Kensington kit is just a combination of already available products.

I have the ultra low profile lighter adapter, and use a retractable sync/charge cable (cheap and all over web), as well as a retractable headphone jack adapter.

From what I can tell, that is all that is in that kit (except it is probably not retractable). If you get the low profile plug, you may already have the rest.

I also love the ProClip mount. I have it between the middle vents. Looks very professional and the retractable charger is right below it.

Originally Posted by FunfDreisig (Post 724549)

Hmmm..

I thought that the external antenna connection was only included in the even more expensive Smart Phone integration option that comes with the phone cradle in the center console. Does the $400 USB/iPod option include the antenna connection too?:dunno:

Funf Dreisig

Originally Posted by FunfDreisig (Post 724614)

Thanks for the info.

Your set up seems well suited for using the iPhone while driving.

Our needs are little different. I don't like using any device while driving. My favorite view of the iDrive screen if OFF. That was the first button I programmed on our X5's steering wheel :)

I think Kensington is a Y adapter cable, similar to the one that comes with the BMW USB/iPod kit but 3 ft long. From what I've read, this should allow us to plug the Kensington cable into the Aux and 12V ports in the center console and have enough cable to allow the passenger to hold and control the iPhone as an iPod AND still use the apps (e.g. listen to the iPod music while searching for diesel/motels/restaurants, checking the radar, etc.).

Funf Dreisig

Originally Posted by FunfDreisig (Post 724539)

So to summarize....

What we got for $400 was an extra USB port in the center console and the ability to turn our smart iPhone into a dumb iPod that can be controlled via the X5's iDrive etc.. IOW when the iPhone is attached to the BMW Y cable it loses nearly all of it's non-iPod functionality including the ability to send sounds from iPhone apps to the X5's sound system. :(

OTOH a simple $40 Kensington Y cable that will allow charging the iPhone AND send ALL sound to the X5's sound system would have done everything we actually wanted :wow:

Oh well, at least now I can plug the USB Stick w/ our ripped CDs back into that $400 USB port in the center console instead of the std equipment USB port in the glove compartment :rolleyes:

Funf Dreisig

Edit: Of course there is one little catch.... this marvelous Kensington cable is so new that it is not available yet. :yikes: