iPhone music & BMW Assist Question

Tamman69 · 09-15-2009, 03:52 PM

Hoping you guys can help me.

I'm thinking of getting an iPhone and thoughts have naturally strayed to snap-in adaptors and Y-Cables for my shiny 23i.

Can anyone tell me if I needed to buy the 'BMW assist' in order to make the iPhone play music on the USB channel?

I understand it is probably needed in order to link the bluetooth, but frankly I can sort that out with my TomTom, which at around £200 came in a little less than the BMW nav system at £2000....

I did purchase the USB option, using USB sticks on it at the moment. Have to say it is a pretty poor lookout that they apparently don't accept mp3's over 256kbit, means a lot of fiddling with my library...

Lastly, I saw some forums where people are upset that the newer iPhones will not charge through the USB. Does it need plugging in to the 12v socket too?

Advice appreciated.

cheers

Tamman69

DrJason · 09-16-2009, 06:59 AM

I have an iPhone 3GS and the USB/aux in on my Z. With the Y-cable it works flawlessly to play your music, it doesn't appear to charge the iPhone but it also doesn't seem to discharge it either. The "snap-in" connection is only if you ordered the smartphone kit. I believe you need the BMW assist with BT to be able to use the iPhone for calls through the cars sound system, you can get BMW assist without the Nav system (at least here in the US we can)

Tamman69 · 09-16-2009, 11:50 AM

Many thanks for your reply DrJason, that has given me all I need

On recollection I think you could get all the bluetooth stuff without the Nav as you suggest in the UK too. I simply decided not to, prefer a bit of peace and quiet when I'm driving rather than being 'always on' : )

wildag · 09-16-2009, 12:30 PM

You can purchase a simple adapter that will charge your iPhone 3G/3Gs using your in car USB:

http://www.amazon.com/Griffin-Charge.../dp/B001OI2VGI

DrJason · 09-16-2009, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildag

You can purchase a simple adapter that will charge your iPhone 3G/3Gs using your in car USB:

http://www.amazon.com/Griffin-Charge.../dp/B001OI2VGI

that won't make any difference in the BMW, that allows you to use an old Firewire charger with the new iPods and iPhones

09-15-2009, 03:52 PM	#1
Tamman69 Private First Class 10 Rep 119 Posts Drives: Z4 2009 SDrive23i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	iPhone music & BMW Assist Question Hoping you guys can help me. I'm thinking of getting an iPhone and thoughts have naturally strayed to snap-in adaptors and Y-Cables for my shiny 23i. Can anyone tell me if I needed to buy the 'BMW assist' in order to make the iPhone play music on the USB channel? I understand it is probably needed in order to link the bluetooth, but frankly I can sort that out with my TomTom, which at around £200 came in a little less than the BMW nav system at £2000.... I did purchase the USB option, using USB sticks on it at the moment. Have to say it is a pretty poor lookout that they apparently don't accept mp3's over 256kbit, means a lot of fiddling with my library... Lastly, I saw some forums where people are upset that the newer iPhones will not charge through the USB. Does it need plugging in to the 12v socket too? Advice appreciated. cheers Tamman69
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

09-16-2009, 06:59 AM	#2
DrJason Private First Class 3 Rep 103 Posts Drives: Z4 sDrive30i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	I have an iPhone 3GS and the USB/aux in on my Z. With the Y-cable it works flawlessly to play your music, it doesn't appear to charge the iPhone but it also doesn't seem to discharge it either. The "snap-in" connection is only if you ordered the smartphone kit. I believe you need the BMW assist with BT to be able to use the iPhone for calls through the cars sound system, you can get BMW assist without the Nav system (at least here in the US we can)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-16-2009, 11:50 AM	#3
Tamman69 Private First Class 10 Rep 119 Posts Drives: Z4 2009 SDrive23i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Many thanks for your reply DrJason, that has given me all I need On recollection I think you could get all the bluetooth stuff without the Nav as you suggest in the UK too. I simply decided not to, prefer a bit of peace and quiet when I'm driving rather than being 'always on' : )
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-16-2009, 12:30 PM	#4
wildag ///M'n it Up 17 Rep 344 Posts Drives: '06 ///M Roadster Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Reston, VA iTrader: (0)	You can purchase a simple adapter that will charge your iPhone 3G/3Gs using your in car USB: http://www.amazon.com/Griffin-Charge.../dp/B001OI2VGI
	Appreciate 0 Quote