ipod question - Leave it on or turn it off?
 

I have a 2011 X5 with the ipod connection kit. I have an older ipod classic that I have been leaving in the car at all times (I rarely use it other than the car).

my question is when the ipod is connected to the car, it is on, even when the car is off. Other than disconnecting it every night, is there any harm to just leaving it in the car and having it run all the time? Will that affect the battery of my X5?

No not at all.

I left mine plugged in for three years in my X5, and three years in my 535. No issues (except the iPod battery is at end of life)

I leave my Ipod connected all the time except when I know I am not going to be driving the car over an extended period like on a business trip.

I leave mine connected all the time. iPod Touch 4th Gen.

The battery lasts what is it? 24 hours of continuous play?
It's charged when the car is on - or when I open the door, actually very nice feature - and when it's running. It never gets far below 95% or so. And it's in the center console so it's in a "cool, dark place."

The only caveat is if you leave it out where it gets very hot for long periods.
From an Engineering point of view, it isn't designed for that.
From ANOTHER Engineering point of view, much of it's slim profile is because there's lots of adhesives used in it (rather than mechanical connectors) and extreme heat can be an issue there. It will also affect battery life.

However, when the car is running, it cools off quickly (at least here in NC, mine seems to do that very well) and it's garaged most of the time, so those heat extremes are not so bad at all. I leave it on all the time - it may shorten it's life a bit, but the product cycle is so rapid, it will be time for a new BMW before the iPod Touch dies..

;)

PS: It will also be way past time for a new iPod Touch by then.