I know this is OT but the older part, 61-12-0-440-796, was being supplied in X5's in late 2007. By Feb 2009 (or earlier), dealers were supplying the new part 61-12-0-440-812. So your dealer may have not done it on purpose but you got a part that was over 2 years old....

That being said, the 61-12-0-440-796 cable DOES charge my iPhone 3G without any issues. So not sure why would be having any problems there.

Edit: Corrected part # of newer part (which was pointed out in a later post in this thread).

I assume you meant 61-12-0-440-812 for the new part number. In any case, my CA checked every new BMW (not just X5) that they had on the lot and had the USB/iPod integration option. He claims that they ALL had the 'old' cable. So it wasn't just a quirk on our X5.

I'm glad your iPhone 3G does charge with the older (...796) cable. But it really points out how fragile/flaky the USB/iPod integration kit is when used with an iPhone. Wonder how well it will work with the new iPhone due out this summer :dunno:

Funf Dreisig

WOW. How did you discover that procedure ?

I'll give it a try. But if we have to do this to be able to listen to internet radio after every time someone calls us on the iPhone, I'll just get the Kensington cable :)

FWIW BMW COULD have made this easy. The iDrive screen has both Aux In and iPhone listed as options. But when the X5 recognizes the iPhone as a device that it can control as an iPod, the Aux In option is grayed out.

Funf Dreisig

Whoops, you're right. I meant 61-12-0-440-812 for the new part number.
If you can get your dealer to check, the part number is shown on the cable. Mine has "0 440 796" in raised lettering on it (i.e. part # 61-12-0-440-796).

The interface was designed to control the iPod and that's what it does. We are working outside its intended use paradigm. Expect to see enhanced iPhone integrations with idrive such as pandora control in the future.

OPPS!

After reading your post I checked the part number on the cable that our CA exchanged for us and it is 0 440 796 :doh: Remembering back my CA didn't actually say he had found part number 61-12-0-440-812 just that he had found a cable that would charge our iPhone. Which it does.

So now I wonder why the cable that came with our X5 on delivery in a bag labeled 61-12-0-440-796 did NOT charge our iPhone. And whether cable part number 61-12-0-440-812 would work better.:dunno:

Funf Dreisig

Not sure you why are asking this question :confused: I already gave you the answer :)
61-12-0-440-812 WILL work better.

Because "better" is subjective.

For example, if our iPhone was always reduced to just the functionality of an iPod (and a Bluetooth phone) when plugged into 61-12-0-440-812, I would not consider that "better". In fact, I'd consider that "worse".

IMO "Better" would be being able to quickly, easily and reliably switch between using the iPhone as an iPod (controlled via the iDrive) and allowing ANY iPhone app to be heard via the X5's sound system :) And after making/answering a call via Bluetooth, the X5 would automatically go back to how it was working prior to the call.

Unless 61-12-0-440-812 or some other BMW cable can do that, I'll just get the Kensington cable and write off the $400 BMW USB/iPod integration as a very expense way to get a USB port in the center console.:cool:

Funf Dreisig

Maybe it wasn't obvious. But that was why I started this thread.

In case anyone missed the point. BMW's current $400 USB/iPod Integration turns an iPhone into an iPod which can be controlled via the iDrive and a Bluetooth phone - period. Any other functionality, like using the iPhone for navigation assistance, listening to internet radio, etc. is quirky at best unless you use a 3rd party cable which circumvents the $400 USB/iPod Integration by NOT plugging the iPhone into the USB port.
That would be great. But somehow I don't expect it on my current 2009 X5. :rolleyes:

Funf Dreisig

Just a head's up for those who want to try this work around. After the last step above, when the iPhone home screen goes blank and the iPod music stops playing, you've only got about 10 seconds (maybe less ~ I didn't specifically time it) to launch the app before the iPod "app" begins to play again. :confused: