Comments on: iPhone 3G and BMW iDrive compatibility

By: Scoopz

Scoopz — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 15:23:38 +0000

@Shefali somani – Reading this thread http://scoopz.me/4k makes me believe that the only option you have is to order the USB adapter (option 6FL) which on my 5 series would go in the glove box and replace the 6 CD changer but your best bet is to check with your local BMW dealer. Also check that there is no AUX input socket under the armrest.
Scoopz (Admin)

By: Shefali somani

Shefali somani — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 15:47:29 +0000

We have just bought a new 2010 530 d and want to know how to connect the itouch to it. It doesn’t happen through the USB port provided in the car’s glove compartment. Does one need a special cable

By: Ron Bloemenkamp

Ron Bloemenkamp — Mon, 17 May 2010 18:56:26 +0000

Hello,

Nice site. My problem: the iPhone 3G doesn’t work properly with the iDrive of my 2007 BMW 535d. I have a Y cable connected to the USB aux input in de car. The connection isn’t steady even after a software update of the iDrive system. Tested several iPhone’s (3G and 3GS), also a brand new iPod Touch.

Problems remains: after recognizing the iPhone as a USB device, the iPhone can be maneged in the iDrive system. But, after a while it stops. That is to say, music still playing, but no control in neither the iDrive system, nor the iPhone. Reconnecting, by putting the USB again in the socket and it works fine again, for a while.

Quite frustrating. BMW dealer suggest to wait several months for the newest iDrive software update.

Anyone any suggestions ?

Regards,

Ron Bloemenkamp
BELGIUM

By: X5 iphone

X5 iphone — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:47:41 +0000

All,

I read thought the post on this blog and thought I’d add my experiance of pairing my iPhone 3G with BMW X5 (2005) (not iDrive). Following the instruction in the manual I was able to pair the two units… However, strangly it all decided to stop!

I was able to make and receive calls via the automatic bluetooth pairing. I could never get the names to show on disply but that was the least of my agony. 4 weeks after the X5 disply still shows the name of my iPhone as paired but fails to pull any of the addresses or indeed send or receive calls! I must admit, I was completely oblivious to the world of incompatibilities between BMW and iPhone before this happened.

I am puzzled as to how the thing worked fine and then just decided to stop. I tried to delete the profiles from both the X5 and the iphone …turn the wifi off… then pair the devices, which I get a successful message appearing on the disply. However, everytime I try to browse my address book I get NOTHING!

Have I missed something?

By: Stephen

Stephen — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:32:09 +0000

Hi All,
I Phones do not work via Bluetooth connections in BMW X5 Models, software is incompatable. After a long roundabout between Most phone companies and software connection features, Samsung and Blackberry seem to suit. So their we have it, Technology that in itself speaks different languages, back to Sandscript then………!!!!!!!

By: Rahim

Rahim — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:36:22 +0000

All,
To have my car phone software upgraded to the latest version (Sep ’09) I have been quoted a whopping £486 +VAT. To replace the phone unit itself it was £850 + VAT. Oh and neither are guaranteed to fix the issue.

I am at a loss as how I can get the iPhone working with my in car phone prep. Anyone have any ideas on how I can just get the f*cking thing to work would be most appreciated.

Thanks

By: Rahim

Rahim — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:50:12 +0000

Scoopz,
Thanks for the info, but I have a mild form of OCD when it comes to things like this and it really gets on my t*ts when things just dont work. Even more gauling is the customer service in my local BMW showroom. I have written to BMW asking what they are going to do to fix my bluetooth issue. I will keep you all posted on what happens.

Cheers

By: Scoopz

Scoopz — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:29:26 +0000

@Rahim - PS make sure you have a read of this post about the iPhone cradle Scoopz (Admin)

By: Scoopz

Scoopz — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:26:48 +0000

@Rahim - I’d check with the dealer whether you bought an iPhone 2G cradle or an iPhone 3G cradle. I have the 2G cradle and although the 3G(and 3GS) *just* fit in, it’s a very tight fit and probably not too good for the phone.

You are correct though, the cradle is nothing more than a very expensive charger. There is meant to be a connection to an external aerial to give a stronger signal but I’ve never noticed this. The cradle does NOT connect to the iDrive or stereo in any way it is simply charges the iPhone, I’ll repeat that again as many others seem confused by this, the BMW iPhone cradle is just a glorified iPhone charger.

To enable your iPhone to connect to the iDrive/stereo to make and receive calls you still have to pair it via bluetooth. If your car didn’t have the bluetooth module installed from the factory then I’m afraid you’re out of luck and will need a 3rd party bluetooth kit installing.

Also, please note that the iPhone cradle does not allow any function of the iPod part of the iPhone to work through the stereo.

Scoopz (Admin)

By: Rahim

Rahim — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:18:13 +0000

Hi
I have BMW X5 (2005 Plate). I have bought from a BMW dealership an iPhone adapter for an iPhone 3G (not the S). Part Number 84 21 2 158 682. The part snapped into the armrest just fine. getting the phone in is not so seamless as it seems you have to uncomfortably force the phone in.

Anyway the phone eventually goes in and charges fine. I get no bluetooth connectivity neither does the phone get picked up once snapped into the cradle.

On the computer console in the car when I go to the telephone options on the screen it says “activate phone” and below that there is two options. “Emergency” and a telephone symbol. Neiher of which do anything. Essentially I have bought myself a rather expensive car charger for £59.99. Does anyone have any ideas how I can get this working.

I have an iPhone 3G with firmware 3.1 (7C144)

Thanks for your help in advance