BMW has announced that owners of many current BMW models will be able to enjoy integration of their new Apple iPhones in their vehicles from day one. In 2004, BMW was the first vehicle manufacturer to integrate the Apple iPod into BMW vehicles and have customers take full control of their music on the road. So it’s only logical that BMW is among the first vehicle manufacturers to ensure that owners of the new iPhone have the same ability to enjoy their music, plus the added benefits of Bluetooth handsfree calling.
The iPhone will work as a Bluetooth-enabled cellphone on most BMW Assist-equipped models with Bluetooth handsfree-calling produced October 2004 or later (7 Series as of March 2005 production). Bluetooth technology provides a wireless connection between a compatible cell phone and the vehicle for hands-free calling. With a compatible Bluetooth cell phone, drivers can place and answer calls and select numbers from the address book by simply using the multi-function steering wheel or dashboard controls, or on some models, voice activation via Voice Command.
Access to the iPod application of the iPhone via the in-vehicle controls and central information or radio display will be possible on models equipped with the optional iPod/USB Interface. This factory option is currently available on BMW 3 and 5 Series models including M5 (as of March 2007 production) and the BMW X5 (as of April 2007 production). The iPod/USB Interface will be available on 6 Series models, including M6, beginning with September 2007 production.
The iPod/USB Interface option utilizes an adapter cable to provide full integration and functionality of an iPod or the iPhone’s music player application. The cable has an iPod docking connector on one end and separate cables on the other end for connection to the in-vehicle AUX IN jack and USB connector. Full iPod menu functionality is available in the Control Display monitor or radio display on non-iDrive models.
Related info about iPod vehicle integration from Apple here.
An interesting alliance, as the iDrive system is the antithesis of iPod simplicity.
First day in my new Beemer while figuring out the controls I tried to open the sunroof but instead called the police.
MDN MW: Because. ie Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
YEA BABY !!! THE BEST WITH THE BEST
I’d also like to announce my own compatibility with the iPhone. I’m humanoid with the fingers and everything so I think I’m going to work out real well. Of course, I’ll have to remove my head from my anus but it seems like a small price to pay.
What a shame. I drive a Lamborghini.
It also works with Acura’s HandsFreeLink™ which is equipped in the TSX, RDX, TL, RL models with this option installed.
My iPhone works great with the iPod connection kit I installed in my 2001 BMW 330xi. The connection kit uses the CD changer input, so it sees the iPod or iPhone as a CD changer. Anyhow, it juices the iPod or iPhone, while the sound is output over the car’s speakers. Much better than fm transmitters. And, you can use your steering wheel audio controls. No artist data, but they have a holster for your iPod, which also fits the iPhone, which I’ve attached in an accessible place on my dash. I picked up this kit at BestBuy, and I vaguely remember it mfr’d by Peripheral Electronics for $99. Much cheaper than any BMW oem solution.
i tried my iPhone with the Pioneer AVIC-D3 – the best dual-din gps/stereo/sat-radio/bluetooth phone unit out there.
it works.
the iPhone claims that it isn’t sure that it will work – but it does, with no problems.
tosj.blogspot.com
BMW’s are too expensive, like the iPhone. I can get to work in my Dodge Neon Sport just as well as I can get to work in some fancy-pants BMW. My Dodge Neon Sport has a spoiler and I can customize it so I put the ‘Oakely’ decal across the top of my windsheild and put the Yosemite Sam ‘Back Off’ mud flaps on it. It’s a sweet ride.
The same goes for my cell phone or PC. They’re just tools and they do the same thing as a MAC or iPhone—and I can customize them. With Apple I’m stuck with overpriced toys I can’t do anything with. Come to think of it my Zune does what an iPod does only better, and I didn’t have to pay through the nose.
Your potential. Our passion.™
One step ahead of me. Thanks for speaking up for the Acura Community:-)
The iPhone works fine with my Alpine iPod adapter, I just have to put it into Airplane Mode to prevent GSM interference.
C’mon, if you’re going to be a good M$ fanboi at least get their marketing slogan correct. It’s…
Your frustration. Our fault.™
2004 645ci owner — iPhone via Bluetooth works, complete with address book on the iDrive screen. When combined with the recently-installed 2G iPod kit, my car’s a lean, mean Apple-compatible machine.
Glad people are now hearing about this, but BMW announced iPhone compatibility on the BMW USA site on iDay, actually. Which was what, two-and-a-half weeks ago?
“Come to think of it my Zune does what an iPod does only better, and I didn’t have to pay through the nose.”
-I thought they were the same price?
Now they are living up to the slogan: The Ultimate Driving Experience.
If the iPhone is in the cradle it can only function as an iPod. You have to take it out to make it function as a phone, even and especially with Bluetooth.
OK, someone explain this to me please…
(and forgive my ignorance)
I get the iPod app and the bluetooth connectivity, but how would you voice dialling when the iPhone does not have that feature?
Does BMW have some sort of deal with Apple to allow a voice recognition system in the car to transmit phone dialling instructions to the iPhone? If that is the case, wouldn’t this be a bit of an anomaly, as it would mean that there is built in ability to accept such communication from BMW hardware, but not from the user?
From the story – “…BMW was the first vehicle manufacturer to integrate the Apple iPod into BMW vehicles …”
That’s real strange, coz there I was thinking that TOYOTA were the first vehicle manufacturer to integrate the Apple iPod into BMW vehicles.
Just goes to show, I’ll never make in the Public Relations biz.
I ignore all ZT posts as a waste of time to read.
A hopeless Micros**t dweeb posting on a Mac site for who-the-heck-knows why.