iPhone 5 with stereo

[bochteen]

Hello folks,

Just got a new M3 and tried to connect my iPhone 5 with a lightning cable into the USB input. Nothing showed up on the iDrive (that what its called?) for external devices.

What do I need to do to get this working?

Cheers

[NORTS]

I picked mine up Saturday and I have researched this one.... I've ordered a cable of Amazon. Search in Amazon iDrive iPod cable, it's £7.99 I think. Basically has a USB port and 3.5 audio jack to iPod connector. Hopefully should have it in the next day or so to test.
Failing that you can plug a USB hard drive straight into that USB port and play all of your music.

[bochteen]

Yep ordered one of them :-)

Lets hope it works!

[mlhj83]

bochteen said:

Yep ordered one of them :-)

Lets hope it works!

No need for aux cable. The BMW Y cable is only needed for older versions of iDrive.

Your lightning cable is sufficient. Make sure both your iPhone 5 and iDrive have the latest software. Also, reset your iPhone by holding the home and power button until the screen goes blank and the Apple logo pops up.

I get my new mail and text fed to iDrive from my iPhone 5 as well. Aux is old school, and you lose sound quality and iDrive iPod control.

I also sometimes the stream everything over bluetooth audio; you can control the music both from iDrive and also the iPhone.

Don't forget iOS apps like BMW Remote and BMW Connected. Remote allows you to remote lock/unlock and locate your car. Connected Drive gives Facebook, Twitter, Calenders, Web Radio, vehicle data synchronisation etc. - provided your M3 was specced with BMW Mobile Application Preparation.

Read this: http://www.bimmerfest.com/news/660946/apple-iphone... (this article is not completely up to date, but is fine for your needs)

Edited by mlhj83 on Tuesday 23 April 19:16

[rassi]

mlhj83 said:

No need for aux cable.

Your lightning cable is sufficient. Make sure both your iPhone 5 and iDrive have the latest software. Also, reset your iPhone by holding the home and power button until the screen goes blank and the Apple logo pops up.

I get my new mail and text fed to iDrive from my iPhone 5 as well. Aux is old school, and you lose sound quality and iDrive iPod control.

I also sometimes the stream everything over bluetooth audio; you can control the music both from iDrive and also the iPhone.

Don't forget iOS apps like BMW Remote and BMW Connected. Remote allows you to remote lock/unlock and locate your car. Connected Drive gives Facebook, Twitter, Calenders, Web Radio, vehicle data synchronisation etc. - provided your M3 was specced with BMW Mobile Application Preparation.

Edited by mlhj83 on Tuesday 23 April 19:11

Presumably this is with the new HDD based Idrive? Pretty sure the pre-facelift system doesn't support Bluetooth streaming or the lightning cable only.

[mlhj83]

rassi said:

Presumably this is with the new HDD based Idrive? Pretty sure the pre-facelift system doesn't support Bluetooth streaming or the lightning cable only.

Correct, only for newer versions of CIC Combox systems. But OP said his M3 is new.

[bochteen]

Sorry...new to me.

it's an 08 M3. Y cable?

[NORTS]

bochteen said:

Sorry...new to me.

it's an 08 M3. Y cable?

Yes, the one I suggested will work fine for you.

[mlhj83]

bochteen said:

Sorry...new to me.

it's an 08 M3. Y cable?

Ah, yes, then the Y cable is what you need, which is what you have bought. Obviously, you'll also need the 30-pin to lightning adapter, as the Y cable you just bought has only got the 30-pin connector. Update your iDrive software as well if possible.

To check functions available between your iDrive and iPhone 5, go here: http://www.bmw.co.uk/en/topics/owners/mobile-devic...

Edited by mlhj83 on Tuesday 23 April 20:33

[rassi]

mlhj83 said:

Ah, yes, then the Y cable is what you need, which is what you have bought. Obviously, you'll also need the 30-pin to lightning adapter, as the Y cable you just bought has only got the 30-pin connector. Update your iDrive software as well - you can do this by visiting: http://www.bmw.co.uk/en/topics/owners/mobile-devic...

To check functions available between your iDrive and iPhone 5, go here: http://www.bmw.co.uk/en/topics/owners/mobile-devic...

Only for Idrive/vehicles after 2010:

"The BMW Group allows part of the vehicle software to be updated, to enable compatibility of the latest tested Bluetooth or USB devices in the vehicle. This offer is available for selected vehicles manufactured after March 2010."

[mlhj83]

rassi said:

Only for Idrive/vehicles after 2010:

"The BMW Group allows part of the vehicle software to be updated, to enable compatibility of the latest tested Bluetooth or USB devices in the vehicle. This offer is available for selected vehicles manufactured after March 2010."

Cheers, completely skipped my mind that OP's is the 08 when I copied that link.

[bochteen]

Ok, silly question, but how do I update the iDrive software?

[mlhj83]

bochteen said:

Ok, silly question, but how do I update the iDrive software?

Dealership will be the best bet and the least hassle, although it's going to cost. Before you consider updating, it is worth checking the compatible functions of your iDrive (pretending that it has the latest software) with the iPhone 5, to make sure it's worth updating. See the link I've posted and enter your VIN, and follow instructions. Note: the site says Bluetooth Compatibility Check, but it does check a lot more than that.

Edited by mlhj83 on Wednesday 24th April 13:16