BMW/MINI iPod Interface Lead

Tuesday 22nd September 2009

Introduction
USB and 3.5mm sockets have been a common feature on the most recent of MINI and BMW vehicles produced. Up until now they have been utilised for music by either copying a selection of MP3's to a USB Memory Stick or outputting the sound from your Generic MP3 Player via the 3.5mm socket.

Now BMW have produced an iPod Interface Lead that enables you to control your iPod from either your radio console/satellite navigation system on your BMW/MINI or using a multi-function steering wheel. As well as having full control on your iPod, it also charges your iPod while it is connected to the system. However, this cable does only work for BMW/MINI vehicles fitted with the S6FLA USB/Audio interface.

Main Features

• Listen to your music through your car's radio/satellite navigation system.
• Track playing is displayed on your car's radio/satellite navigation system.
• Track selection through car's radio/satellite navigation system.
• Control volume, skip tracks via multi-function steering wheel (if fitted).
• Charges iPod through the USB port.
• For iPods with dock connector in production after January 2004.

BMW have officially stated that the iPod Interface Lead is not compatible with the following iPods although I have tested some of the iPods/iPhone's listed below and they appear to work fine.

These iPods/iPhones work in my MINI:

• iPhone 3GS (Charging Not Supported!)
• iPhone 3G
• iPod Touch (2nd Generation)
• iPod Nano (4th Generation)
• Shuffle

If you do a quick Google search you will soon be able to find in various forums if your iPod/iPhone is compatible. I have tested this cable with the iPhone 3G and iPod Nano 3rd Generation and they both work perfectly.

Purchase Information
I purchased my cable through a BMW Dealer on eBay as it was cheaper than in-store. I would suggest contacting your local dealer or having a look at eBay. I used the search terms "BMW", "iPod", "Lead" in eBay and Google.

• Manufacturer: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
• BMW/MINI UK Dealer Price: £35.00 (Approx.)
• Part Number: 61 12 0 440 812

Additional Information
Further research on the internet into the incompatibility of certain iPod/iPhone devices shows that they may not be totally incompatible. The main incompatibility is that certain iPods/iPhone's will not charge via USB, however you can still control and play your music. As previously mentioned, I can confirm that this cable does work with the iPhone 3G and iPod Nano 3rd Generation.

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