My SGM 135i

[blackie36]

kris,

as i understand it, PC formatted iPods work fine as the standard dock to USB cable just allows the car to see the iPod as an external hard disc drive (and the head unit does the digital - analog conversion).

As the car cannot read a mac formatted iPod as a hard drive, so the iPod does the analog to digital conversion (thus the need for the aux connector).

Also - probably important to note that the standard dock to USB cable will not allow you to play songs purchased on Itunes as the head unit (idrive or otherwise) cannot handle the Apple DRM.

Hope this helps everyone else....

[Zuzu]

Now I am even more confused...I think I will stick to the radio..hehehe

[blackie36]

the key to it is - if your ipod is synced to a PC, you can play everything but purchased songs through a standard cable

if your ipod is synced with a mac, or you have songs on your ipod which were purchased through the itunes store, you need to buy the $120 cable (if you want control through your car)

the other option is to use a standard aux - aux cable, but you obviously wouldn't have control of the ipod through the car.

[Zuzu]

Now thats in plain English...thanks Blackie..

[Kris]

ah ha! So your using a MAC. Thats clearly your issue then

I never buy itunes stuff so doesn't affect me and the $5 cable route will work... test drive tomorrow, ill give it a go

[smarm]

It's a shame the head unit uses the ipod DAC, as the integration was awesome, it's the best I've seen in the car, but there's no point uses the ipods audio controller if I've upgraded to logic 7.

So I think i'll use my (MAC :P) ipod, but format it as a FAT32 hard drive and simply use it as a small portable (non powered) HDD in the car.

[Swift135]

Originally Posted by smarm

It's a shame the head unit uses the ipod DAC, as the integration was awesome, it's the best I've seen in the car, but there's no point uses the ipods audio controller if I've upgraded to logic 7.

So I think i'll use my (MAC :P) ipod, but format it as a FAT32 hard drive and simply use it as a small portable (non powered) HDD in the car.

Just get a 16GB USB thumb drive, open your iTunes folder on your computer and drag folders straight onto it. Plug in the USB and the head unit works the same as your ipod, albums, artists, playlists etc. works like a charm.

[smarm]

Originally Posted by Swift135

Just get a 16GB USB thumb drive, open your iTunes folder on your computer and drag folders straight onto it. Plug in the USB and the head unit works the same as your ipod, albums, artists, playlists etc. works like a charm.

The FAT formatted ipod (as a hdd) will/should work the same as well. The benefit being it's 80gb as opposed to 16gb :smile: Don't want to have to swap between 4+ thumb drives :biggrin:

[Swift135]

The users guide says it can only handle 20,000 songs from a single device.

[aus_buster]

I "thought" i had a large mp3 collection at 15GB ...

[smarm]

Originally Posted by Swift135

The users guide says it can only handle 20,000 songs from a single device.

I better start clearing up the library.... 1st to go Kylies entire back catalogue! :headbang:

[blackie36]

i have to say that after paying 90k with BMW, the idea of being stung an extra $120 for a cable didn't rest comfortably with me.

Having said that, the convenience of having iPod functionality (syncing, playlist management, iTunes purchases etc) all available seamlessley through the head unit is without a doubt worth the money.

[OrientBlauZHP]

That really sucks that it won't play music I've bought off iTunes. But I guess the work around is the AUX input. Now I need to decide if I want to get rid of the USB/iPod since it's basically useless for me - not that I have a lot of music downloaded, but I do have about 4 albums I listen to often.

I've got to call my service advisor tomorrow. Damn!

[blackie36]

1thirty5 - if you buy the BMW cable for $120, you can play anything that your ipod will, and control it all through the head unit.

[smarm]

Originally Posted by blackie36

1thirty5 - if you buy the BMW cable for $120, you can play anything that your ipod will, and control it all through the head unit.

But you won't get as good as audio quality, thanks to the ipod doing the audio processing, rather then head unit which acts as a pass though

[blackie36]

I am not the definitive authority on this, but from what I've heard the DAC in the new iPods/iPhones is comparable to the one in the head unit.

I've found the sound quality to be excellent so far. I have standard audio - maybe its more noticable on a logic system or with pro hifi?

[Kris]

The DAC may be comparable but theres alot more that goes into the sound quality than only the DAC.

The powersupply would be far superior in the headunit..

[OrientBlauZHP]

Originally Posted by blackie36

1thirty5 - if you buy the BMW cable for $120, you can play anything that your ipod will, and control it all through the head unit.

Thanks! But I shouldn't have to spend another 120 bucks because BMW screwed us Mac people. That actually pisses me off.

Originally Posted by Kris

The DAC may be comparable but theres alot more that goes into the sound quality than only the DAC.

The powersupply would be far superior in the headunit..

Exactly, maybe I just use the Aux in and charge my iPod every night - which was one of the main reasons I ordered the USB/iPod adapter. Or I buy a 16 gb thumb drive and play my music off of it and sell my iPod; since my iPhone is my primary iPod now.

I like the idea of using a USB drive, maybe I won't change. That way if my car gets broken into I'm out a thumb drive not an iPod.

[Kris]

I'm just ripping all my FLAC audio now to 320kbp Mp3 and that will do, store it on the Ipod.

I may buy a large thumb drive down the line or a self powered hard drive of some sort.

[imported_danielt]

car looks great, congratulations! can't wait for my opportunity to test drive it, considering trading in my 335.

[blackie36]

1thirty5 - the iPhone and 135i combination works like a dream and the phone integration is perfect. I'm sure you will be very happy!

[Carlos]

I reckon that is the best combo, your iphone, so you get all your music plus the phone.