Materials to Maintain Your ZHP IIIII Hand Protection IIIII Tools to Maintain Your ZHP
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    Mountain View, CA
    Posts
    159

    BMW iPod interface kit - Anyone use one?

    I currently have a BMW iPod inteface kit which has a 30-pin connector. I haven't used it since owning my car but thinking about picking up an iPod for it.

    I was wondering if anyone has this in their E46 and if you're using a new iPod such as the latest (and discontinued) iPod classic. There is an installation document from 2005 on the internet but of course it only states it works with iPods from that year.

    Also went in today hoping to remove it and replace with the BMW AUX kit but looks like pins have been re-arranged based off the instructions I found so decided against that since I don't have the BMW tool.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 1970
    Location
    Branford, CT
    Posts
    16,055
    The BMW iPod interface, in a word, sucks.
    It was already installed in my car when I bought it from the PO. The ONLY way to listen to music through the interface is by creating playlists and putting songs into the playlist. You can't search by artist or album through the radio, and if I remember correctly, browsing through the iPod itself is disabled when it's plugged in. I wouldn't waste my time with it, honestly.

    I ended up replacing it with a Dension Gateway 300 iPod integration kit. This is best iPod solution I've used, and at the time of searching, I couldn't find any other unit that let me browse by album. That may have changed now, but that was a big deal for me back then.
    If you have an older iPod with the 30-pin, this is a very worthy purchase.
    BP
    2005 330i ZHP / 6MT
    Imolarot / Naturbraun
    2003 330iT / 6MT
    Orientblau / Naturbraun




    It's not the car you drive, it's how you drive it.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    Portland, Maine, USA area
    Posts
    840
    This would presumably supplant any aux in? I like getting my phone's spoken text into the system that way (Siri, navigation prompts, IM's).
    2006 6MT Coupe, Alpine White • Premium, Cold Weather and Xenon packages
    MFactory 3.38 LSD • 27mm M3 bar • ECS strut brace • Koni FSD's


    Other tweaks: see my profile




  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    Mountain View, CA
    Posts
    159
    That's disappointing to hear.

    I asked on E46 fanatics and it was stated that you can only have one or the other (iPod or AUX) but now that I think about it I should've checked for myself. Guess I'll take the radio apart later again.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Hereford, AZ
    Posts
    1,081
    I have the USA*Spec iPod interface in my ZHP, and while it's not a perfect solution (none of them are), it works well enough and I've been happy with it for about 3 years now.

    The tech in my Golf is like Star Trek stuff compared to the ZHP. It's shame that mobile infotainment wasn't more advanced by the time our ZHPs were hitting the streets.

    '21 M2 Competition
    '08 Z4 M Coupé
    '19 Golf R

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    Mountain View, CA
    Posts
    159
    Quote Originally Posted by KevinC View Post
    I have the USA*Spec iPod interface in my ZHP, and while it's not a perfect solution (none of them are), it works well enough and I've been happy with it for about 3 years now.

    The tech in my Golf is like Star Trek stuff compared to the ZHP. It's shame that mobile infotainment wasn't more advanced by the time our ZHPs were hitting the streets.
    I'll definitely look into it if my 2nd attempt at the AUX doesn't work.

    My friend recently got a '17 GTI Clubsport and it really made me think the same once I sat in it lol. Although the I definitely prefer seeing Harmon Kardon on my tweeter speaks vs Fender like on the VW lol.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    Mountain View, CA
    Posts
    159
    OK went back in today and the BMW AUX and BMW iPod adapter can be installed at the same time.

    Finished installing and enjoying music from my phone. I'll upload photos later today.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    Portland, Maine, USA area
    Posts
    840
    That's good to know. Thanks!

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    Portland, Maine, USA area
    Posts
    840
    PS: do you have steering wheel control of the iPod play/pause, skip functions?

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Dec 2016
    Location
    Greensboro, NC
    Posts
    3,650
    I have an aux cable with inline controls, just like headphones have. I can pause, skip, and go back without having to take my eyes off the road or fiddle with the touchscreen. Yes it's less convenient than steering wheel controls, but a very easy and inexpensive option.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Emma - 2005 BMW 330ci ZHP 6MT Estorilblau Individual

    Sportline 8s 18x8.5F - 18x9.5R | APEX ARC-8 18x8.5 Square | aFe Intake | 135i Brembo F/R Calipers | 26mm Front/20mm Rear Sway Bars | Z4 Mirror
    M3 Dead Pedal | Lexus ES300 Yellow Fog Light Retrofit | Koni Yellows/H&R Springs | Llumar CTX 40% | Coby Tri-Stitch Wheel & Boots

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