IPOD/USB Question

Ev0lutionSm0ke · 06-07-2008, 12:53 PM

So as i ordered my 135i last week and went through the options with the dealer, he told me that there was no real need for the IPOD/USB option since I am not getting a navigator. He also went on to say that I could just use the aux. outlet, which I know. Wasn't sure if it was a good idea to just cancel that option since I can't select my music through the radio interface. Just wanted to get everyones opinion!

Thanx guys!

jbenington86 · 06-07-2008, 01:01 PM

I didnt get it either but mainly because I have a Zune not an ipod

Ev0lutionSm0ke · 06-07-2008, 01:12 PM

Haha yeah actually I have both but my Ipod seems to be dying slowly, so I may have to do the switch. But I also have a Mac, lol

walsh416 · 06-07-2008, 01:15 PM

Yes, this would be very good information, so anyone who knows the answer, please help us out!!!!

JME · 06-07-2008, 01:16 PM

I have the iPod/USB option and despite its slow and tedious interface I still like because it charges my iPod for me and keeps it hidden away where people can't see it. Also allows me to use steering wheel controls and not have to take my eyes off the road. Also, if you set up play lists instead of cycling through lists of artists it really isn't that bad.

If you want to just leave your iPod in the car and forget about it, go ahead and get it. If you don't mind charging your iPod separately and leaving it sitting on your passenger seat and selecting songs/playlists on the iPod itself, just skip it.

Ev0lutionSm0ke · 06-07-2008, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JME

I have the iPod/USB option and despite its slow and tedious interface I still like because it charges my iPod for me and keeps it hidden away where people can't see it. Also allows me to use steering wheel controls and not have to take my eyes off the road. Also, if you set up play lists instead of cycling through lists of artists it really isn't that bad.

So you can use the interface even without the Navigator?

Thank you

walsh416 · 06-07-2008, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mowbr4

So you can use the interface even without the Navigator?

It appears as if you can, just without the visual feedback.

stampchez · 06-07-2008, 01:28 PM

Even without Nav you can use every feature of the ipod adapter on the regular radio.

ML · 06-07-2008, 01:44 PM

Post #2 in the link, below, gives a good description of the two Ipod options from the dealer. And, no, you do not need I-Drive to run the factory installed Ipod interface.

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...highlight=ipod

Call · 06-07-2008, 01:45 PM

I got the feature not just for my iPod but for the USB port. Lot of things you can port to the USB like external HDDs and tumb drives both of which are less expensive than either the iPod or Zune and work the same if not better.

I will never buy another vehicle that doesn't offer a USB port.

Call

vanbmw · 06-07-2008, 02:09 PM

I use it for the USB port and I do not have the navigation package. IT is really good. I use a 8gb USB flash drive and it holds tons of CD's worth of songs and the head unit is very easy to browes songs. I think it was well worth the money for me.

Ev0lutionSm0ke · 06-07-2008, 02:11 PM

Thank you all for your responses, it looks like I may just have to add another feature... :-/

lib · 06-07-2008, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Call

I got the feature not just for my iPod but for the USB port. Lot of things you can port to the USB like external HDDs and tumb drives both of which are less expensive than either the iPod or Zune and work the same if not better.

I will never buy another vehicle that doesn't offer a USB port.

Call

+1
The USB port was the only reason I ordered the 6FL option.

You can throw around 150 full CDs worth of MP3s and/or WMAs on a 16Gig USB drive (Fry's was offering one for about $55 after rebate last week) and leave it in the car while you keep your iPod with you.

Jumpman · 06-07-2008, 03:01 PM

+1 for USB. That is a 'must have' for me.

MattD · 06-07-2008, 03:15 PM

On a slightly different note, does the USB interface use filenames or ID3 tags for songs if using a USB drive?

aus_buster · 06-07-2008, 04:56 PM

MattD, it uses ID3 tags. I was quite impressed with the interface as i have purchased a 32Gb USB thumb drive and loaded it with approx 20Gigs of MP3's. It takes approx <=5 seconds to read all the ID3 tags from my songs(4086 songs). I Only wish that iDrive allowed you to scroll backwards (i.e A -> Z -> Y)....

MattD · 06-07-2008, 05:03 PM

Cool, cheers mate. That saves me having to rename a bunch of files in that case then, as I'm going to use a USB drive rather than leaving my iPod in the car

Redbeemer · 06-07-2008, 06:00 PM

In case anyone is interested, it will also play WMA files on a thumb drive, not just MP3's.

Omega Man · 06-07-2008, 08:12 PM

I was told the best reason to get the USB is the fact you can charge the ipod continuously. No more getting in your car ready for a long drive only to find out the ipod is dead. That sold me because I dislike having to remember to charge stuff. Also it integrates into your steering wheel. Not sure if the stock ipod connection does this although it probably does.

OzF16 · 06-07-2008, 09:10 PM

For anyone sitting on the fence with this one, I did not order the iPod/USB option, and I regret it. If you're going to listen to your iPod a lot in the car, then it's a no-brainer. But I rarely listen to my iPod in the car, so I thought I could deal with using the controls from the iPod rather than the control head or steering wheel. The problem is that the sound quality is crap through the AUX input. You have to play with three volume controls: the volume on the iPod, the volume of the AUX input (which you set in a menu), and the main volume knob on the control head. You have to balance these to get decent volume without hiss in the background. If you think you might ever hook up an iPod in your car, I recommend you get this option. Yes, it's probably one of the more overpriced options for what you really get, but the alternative is useless.

esses · 06-07-2008, 09:17 PM

I've got 16 gigs of music on a flash drive that says USB is worth it. Nav is icing; sweet, sweet icing.

friscogypsee · 06-07-2008, 09:22 PM

Anyone know if the steering controls, or even the "next" button from the head unit works with the IPHONE?? I got my car yesterday and I plugged my iphone into the ipod/usb port and it seemed like I couldn't skip to the next track?? I'll have to mess with it some more today but if thats the case then thats pretty annoying, usually the iphone acts just like an ipod. Can you skip to the next track on an ipod? Maybe it has something to do with me dropping my phone, oh yeah and I accidentally ran over it one time too, with a BMW 525i, and amazingly it still works, although the screen is cracked and I cant even check my voicemail anymore

Any info is appreciated thanks

06-07-2008, 12:53 PM	#1
Ev0lutionSm0ke Private 5 Rep 88 Posts Drives: Join Date: May 2008 iTrader: (0)	IPOD/USB Question So as i ordered my 135i last week and went through the options with the dealer, he told me that there was no real need for the IPOD/USB option since I am not getting a navigator. He also went on to say that I could just use the aux. outlet, which I know. Wasn't sure if it was a good idea to just cancel that option since I can't select my music through the radio interface. Just wanted to get everyones opinion! Thanx guys!
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06-07-2008, 01:12 PM	#3
Ev0lutionSm0ke Private 5 Rep 88 Posts Drives: Join Date: May 2008 iTrader: (0)	Haha yeah actually I have both but my Ipod seems to be dying slowly, so I may have to do the switch. But I also have a Mac, lol
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06-07-2008, 01:15 PM	#4
walsh416 Private 6 Rep 95 Posts Drives: Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0)	Yes, this would be very good information, so anyone who knows the answer, please help us out!!!!
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06-07-2008, 01:16 PM	#5
JME Second Lieutenant 3 Rep 239 Posts Drives: Join Date: May 2008 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135i [0.00]	I have the iPod/USB option and despite its slow and tedious interface I still like because it charges my iPod for me and keeps it hidden away where people can't see it. Also allows me to use steering wheel controls and not have to take my eyes off the road. Also, if you set up play lists instead of cycling through lists of artists it really isn't that bad. If you want to just leave your iPod in the car and forget about it, go ahead and get it. If you don't mind charging your iPod separately and leaving it sitting on your passenger seat and selecting songs/playlists on the iPod itself, just skip it.
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06-07-2008, 01:28 PM	#8
stampchez Captain 124 Rep 646 Posts Drives: 2013 135is Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	Even without Nav you can use every feature of the ipod adapter on the regular radio.
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06-07-2008, 01:01 PM	#2
jbenington86 Major 58 Rep 1,201 Posts Drives: 2015 M235i, 2017 Tundra Join Date: May 2008 Location: TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 M235i [0.00] 2008 128i [0.00]	I didnt get it either but mainly because I have a Zune not an ipod
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06-07-2008, 01:44 PM	#9
ML Change for a Nickle? 14 Rep 875 Posts Drives: 2006 M3, Mazda truck Join Date: May 2008 Location: Westfield, MA iTrader: (1)	Post #2 in the link, below, gives a good description of the two Ipod options from the dealer. And, no, you do not need I-Drive to run the factory installed Ipod interface. http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...highlight=ipod __________________ "I tasted death many times on the river today. Do you want to know what it tasted like? Do you REALLY want to know? Well I'll tell you then: it tasted like BEEF JERKY." - unknown paddler 8/1/09
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06-07-2008, 01:45 PM	#10
Call Call 21 Rep 683 Posts Drives: 08 135i, 08 & 07 X5, 05 MCSC Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Gainesville, GA iTrader: (0)	I got the feature not just for my iPod but for the USB port. Lot of things you can port to the USB like external HDDs and tumb drives both of which are less expensive than either the iPod or Zune and work the same if not better. I will never buy another vehicle that doesn't offer a USB port. Call __________________
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06-07-2008, 02:09 PM	#11
vanbmw Major 130 Rep 1,101 Posts Drives: 2015 Black 335i Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (0)	I use it for the USB port and I do not have the navigation package. IT is really good. I use a 8gb USB flash drive and it holds tons of CD's worth of songs and the head unit is very easy to browes songs. I think it was well worth the money for me.
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06-07-2008, 02:11 PM	#12
Ev0lutionSm0ke Private 5 Rep 88 Posts Drives: Join Date: May 2008 iTrader: (0)	Thank you all for your responses, it looks like I may just have to add another feature... :-/
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06-07-2008, 03:01 PM	#14
Jumpman Lieutenant 19 Rep 437 Posts Drives: . Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: . iTrader: (0)	+1 for USB. That is a 'must have' for me.
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06-07-2008, 03:15 PM	#15
MattD Legend 12 Rep 158 Posts Drives: Join Date: Apr 2008 iTrader: (0)	On a slightly different note, does the USB interface use filenames or ID3 tags for songs if using a USB drive?
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06-07-2008, 04:56 PM	#16
aus_buster Private First Class 12 Rep 119 Posts Drives: Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0)	MattD, it uses ID3 tags. I was quite impressed with the interface as i have purchased a 32Gb USB thumb drive and loaded it with approx 20Gigs of MP3's. It takes approx <=5 seconds to read all the ID3 tags from my songs(4086 songs). I Only wish that iDrive allowed you to scroll backwards (i.e A -> Z -> Y).... __________________ 135i M, LeMans Blue, Step, Pro Hifi, Business Nav
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06-07-2008, 05:03 PM	#17
MattD Legend 12 Rep 158 Posts Drives: Join Date: Apr 2008 iTrader: (0)	Cool, cheers mate. That saves me having to rename a bunch of files in that case then, as I'm going to use a USB drive rather than leaving my iPod in the car
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06-07-2008, 06:00 PM	#18
Redbeemer Ne Plus Ultra 88 Rep 264 Posts Drives: Portimao Blue 2022 M240iXdrive Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Antonio, Texas iTrader: (0)	In case anyone is interested, it will also play WMA files on a thumb drive, not just MP3's.
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06-07-2008, 08:12 PM	#19
Omega Man Member 1 Rep 168 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jun 2008 iTrader: (0)	I was told the best reason to get the USB is the fact you can charge the ipod continuously. No more getting in your car ready for a long drive only to find out the ipod is dead. That sold me because I dislike having to remember to charge stuff. Also it integrates into your steering wheel. Not sure if the stock ipod connection does this although it probably does. __________________ The black and red andrenaline rush has finally made it home from Sebastian Olszewski and the group at Mike Smith Beaumont. Got it right before the big storm hit, as in 36 hours before. So lucky. Anyway, these folks are a great dealership to do business with. Ordered June 2008 ED July 2008 Stateside delivery September 2008
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06-07-2008, 09:10 PM	#20
OzF16 BMF 2 Rep 84 Posts Drives: Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0)	For anyone sitting on the fence with this one, I did not order the iPod/USB option, and I regret it. If you're going to listen to your iPod a lot in the car, then it's a no-brainer. But I rarely listen to my iPod in the car, so I thought I could deal with using the controls from the iPod rather than the control head or steering wheel. The problem is that the sound quality is crap through the AUX input. You have to play with three volume controls: the volume on the iPod, the volume of the AUX input (which you set in a menu), and the main volume knob on the control head. You have to balance these to get decent volume without hiss in the background. If you think you might ever hook up an iPod in your car, I recommend you get this option. Yes, it's probably one of the more overpriced options for what you really get, but the alternative is useless. __________________ 135i SGM, Coral Red Leather, Gray Poplar Trim, 6MT, Sport pkg, Premium pkg, Cold Wx pkg, Comfort Access, Premium Hi-Fi, Satellite Radio Delivered May 12th!
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06-07-2008, 09:17 PM	#21
esses • 19 Rep 709 Posts Drives: like I stole it. Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (1)	I've got 16 gigs of music on a flash drive that says USB is worth it. Nav is icing; sweet, sweet icing. __________________
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06-07-2008, 09:22 PM	#22
friscogypsee Second Lieutenant 14 Rep 248 Posts Drives: planning my getaway Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: SF, CA iTrader: (0)	Anyone know if the steering controls, or even the "next" button from the head unit works with the IPHONE?? I got my car yesterday and I plugged my iphone into the ipod/usb port and it seemed like I couldn't skip to the next track?? I'll have to mess with it some more today but if thats the case then thats pretty annoying, usually the iphone acts just like an ipod. Can you skip to the next track on an ipod? Maybe it has something to do with me dropping my phone, oh yeah and I accidentally ran over it one time too, with a BMW 525i, and amazingly it still works, although the screen is cracked and I cant even check my voicemail anymore Any info is appreciated thanks
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