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      10-28-2008, 06:35 PM   #5
chuck92103
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Drives: 2011 535i
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Socal

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Quote:
Originally Posted by xDrive50i View Post
Do you use the BMW Y-cable to connect your ipod to your car or are you just using the standard USB dock connector?

If you use the Y-cable (available through your BMW dealership after sales parts department), you will have full ipod integration. If you use the ipod USB dock connector, you will only have access to the actual songs data files (similar to just using a USB stick).
The Y-cable connects to the aux and USB connection in your center console and the dock connector on your ipod. The little box between the different connectors on the Y-cable translates commands sent from the iDrive controller via the USB interface into a serial data stream that controls the ipod. The ipod in turn decodes the selected song and outputs it as an analog signal via the dock connector which the Y-cable then connects to the aux-in connector in your center console.

If you use the standard ipod USB dock connector, the iDrive controller will 'see' the songs as data files and read them through the USB interface and decode them for playback through the cars speakers.

The Y-cable was added to the 2009 model year as part of the 6FL option and your dealer SHOULD have supplied this cable with your car when you picked it up!

Hope this helps you.
+1 operator or dealer error. Ge tthe right cables and you should be good to go.
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2008 VW GTI
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