iPod not recognized

[NeedMoreTorque]

I recently purchased a 2009 135i. No idrive. It is my understanding that it came with the iPod integration (option?). Anyway, the included documentation indicates that the USB port under the armrest came from the factory.

I have tried plugging in both my older 4th gen ipod (I think it's 4gen, it was the first one with video capability), and my iPhone 3g. I have used both the white apple iPod connector and a brand-new 'aftermarket' connector. Both of them gave me the same result. The device, itself, regognizes the power source and goes into the "connected to something" mode. But, when I go to the stereo, and try to select the iPod option, it acts like nothing is connected.

Of the other posts I've seen, nothing really seems to match my exact situation. I just wanted to see if anyone had any thoughts or suggestions.

[icabod7]

I have read that its necessary to use the overpriced BMW adaptor to make your iphone/ipod work. Folks have tried aftermarket adaptors with varying degrees of success. Don't ask me what magic BMW uses or if this really makes sense as I have only used the BMW one.

[NeedMoreTorque]

I was afraid of that...

Anyone know if that is something that originally came with the car from the dealer?

Also, anyone have a link to the appropriate adapter from BMW? I've had some trouble finding the right accessory.

Also, noticed the name "icabod"...I went to law school at washburn university...our mascot was ichabod's...

[BimmerE82]

Try plugging your ipod adapter cable into your usb/3 mm connection first before you start the car make sure it is not connected to your ipod when you do this. then start your vehicle and with it running plug in your ipod and switch to the aux position on your radio interface.

[NeedMoreTorque]

I'm about to head home from work...I'll give that a try when I get to my car. Thanks for the tip.

[Smiley1175]

I had the same problem and the fix was buying the BMW iPod cable.
Walking into BMW and they'd help you get the right one. I even tested it there before I bought it cause I couldn't see why the cable would matter but it did.

You may get a cheaper one on eBay but I've heard of people having issues with them too.

[NeedMoreTorque]

Thanks. It is the cord. As it turns out, spending 10 minutes throwing a ton of music on a thumbdrive seemed like the cheaper solution for time being.

[Pangloss]

That's what I do. I even had an old iPhone 3G I was going to connect and slide into that nifty little holster under the armrest, but then I couldn't figure out what to do with the cord, which dangled off into the passenger's seat.

Just easier to slap a thumb drive in there. These tiny little HP drives are just perfect, and under 20 bucks at Amazon:

[NeedMoreTorque]

Yeah, I've got a "vintage" iPhone 3g... I had the same original plan as I had a retractable USB --> iPod/iPhone connector which hid nicely underneath. All in all, thumb-drive has proved to be the easier, cleaner solution.

[Smiley1175]

How do you guys using thumb drives create playlists?
For me it's not having tons of music on my iPhone or iPod but the ability to have play lists which I then pull up on the idrive as the real benefit.

If you can have this on your thumb drives then that'd be great.

[NeedMoreTorque]

Yeah, after a couple days on the thumb drive, I'm realizing the same thing.

[Pangloss]

Folders. Basically the same thing. You can navigate folders via the "DIR" button. A little tricky if you want to play them in a non-alphabetic order, but you can change their file names to begin with "01", "02", etc.