[Roukan]

So I did a search and could not find the information I need. I just got my 07 march production 328xi with the factory usb input. I have updated my itunes sofware to the latest edition and made new playlists labeled BMW1, BMW2, etc but I still get no options on my Idrive under available playlists. The way I understand it, the new factory installed USB port works exactly like the dealer installed glove-box Ipod integration kits. So I was hoping that one of you folks that has the glove-box Ipod integration could tell me how I can get the most out of my Ipod interface. Something like 70% of my artists and albums do not come up. A lot of the albums have 1-2 songs that show up only. For example I downloaded the complete U2 colection off Itunes and none of it comes up on the idrive menu. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated...

[jmonier]

The factory option is different in a number of ways from the dealer installed. If you're using the USB port only without the soecial iPod adapter cable, it may take 5 minutes or more for all the songs to appear and anything from the iTunes store will not chow up.

[LEDZEP]

For starters, check this thread for information: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45991

You do not need special playlists, and as jmonier said, the factory installed option is different than the dealer installed option.

Did you receive a cable with your car specifically for the iPod? It will look like the attached photo. If not - talk you your dealer and tell them to get it for you. There is a problem that most cars are being delivered without the cable.

[matt_435xi]

did you get it Zep?

[LOLrance]

Its just like ledzep said, you need that special cable. And i remember reading that Ledzep didnt get the cable when he picked up the car, but their going to get it and deliver it to him.

[LEDZEP]

I did not get the cable. The dealer said they are ordering it and it would take "a couple of days". I will check with them tomorrow on it. I'll either go get it or have them send it to me.

I'm dying to use it, and post a review of it with pictures of the screens, etc.

[Roukan]

Thanks everyone! I'll definitely give my dealer a call and make sure they get me the special connector. Without this forum I would not have know about this at all....

[LEDZEP]

You're very welcome Roukan. It's a damned shame that BMW is treating its customers this way. I would hope that your dealer would have contacted you to offer what is due you... but there is a good chance they never would.

[theroyalwe]

I just went to my parts guy to check on the cable (I was hoping to play with my ipod in the car so I could show it to customers). well the inside line is exactly what you guys are getting. they are on nationwide freeze and so far only 19 have been put on backorder (meaning 19 people have requested them). I tied one to the 335xi we have and I will get a call the second it frees up. I'll be sure to let you guys know if you haven't found out yet. bummer!

[LEDZEP]

theroyalwe - this is as of today? What is the reason given for the freeze?
I have this on order, and spoke with the parts counter yesterday, and was told "should be here tomorrow". Is that just a line of bullshit?

If it is not here today, and they give me shit, my next call will be to the GM, and I will say "remember how we talked about all 5's? Well, we are looking at all 1's unless you do everything in your power to escalate this issue"

[theroyalwe]

ATTENTION!

I just tried the USB cable that came with my nano and IT WORKS!!!

now my ipod is formatted for PC (don't know how much that matters) but after a few minutes it loaded all the songs, albums, artists and genres. it did not load the playlists though..... but for right now at least we can use something!

[Minichamps]

Hi all,

Is the factory usb input an option or standard feature? My car is also 07 Mar production but not delivered yet. Thanks in advance.

[theroyalwe]

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

theroyalwe - this is as of today? What is the reason given for the freeze?
I have this on order, and spoke with the parts counter yesterday, and was told "should be here tomorrow". Is that just a line of bullshit?

If it is not here today, and they give me shit, my next call will be to the GM, and I will say "remember how we talked about all 5's? Well, we are looking at all 1's unless you do everything in your power to escalate this issue"

It is BMWNA freezing it and they don't say anything about why. typically if we order something it shows up in 1 day... but they may not have noticed the freeze. remember that I went in to my parts guy (a buddy of mine) with all the info we have.

don't take it out on your dealer... it's not their fault. we would LOVE to get your cable for you, I promise.

[theroyalwe]

Originally Posted by Minichamps

Hi all,

Is the factory usb input an option or standard feature? My car is also 07 Mar production but not delivered yet. Thanks in advance.

$400 option that has to be put on at the factory.

[Minichamps]

Originally Posted by theroyalwe

$400 option that has to be put on at the factory.

Thank you

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by theroyalwe

It is BMWNA freezing it and they don't say anything about why. typically if we order something it shows up in 1 day... but they may not have noticed the freeze. remember that I went in to my parts guy (a buddy of mine) with all the info we have.

don't take it out on your dealer... it's not their fault. we would LOVE to get your cable for you, I promise.

I do understand that, and I don't make that threat lightly. However, I'm not willing to tolerate the "well, I guess we'll get it when we get" attitude from the dealer either. When I know that there is an outcry from the dealership to BMWNA over this, then I will know they are doing what they can. BMW does not car about me as a customer, I am e plurbis unum. A dealer should at least have contacts and an opportunity to make themselves heard.

There is a reason why the ratings call comes within a week of delivery - to ride the coat tails of the euphoria of the new car experience. This works the other way though if BMW has screwed the customer at delivery.

As a CA, what would you suggest? They didn't waste any time cashing my check, nor did they say "you can pay the $400 when you're able to use the option".

[theroyalwe]

well the survey effects ONLY your client advisor. it doesn't hurt the dealership really because they have so many surveys from every CA going into a pool. the CA may only get 10 a month or something and a few bad ones kill the average. This may sound strange, but when it comes to parts it won't make a bit of difference how much of a stink the dealer makes. we eventually stop pushing because it just doesn't get us anywhere. like I said just a few posts above... the ipod works... just not playlists right now. I was afraid that there would be no sound, but it works with just the ipod usb cable from ipod.

I know it sounds crazy, but how will you know when the dealer contacts BMW? I just have to point out how crappy it is to get a bad survey for something that neither you (as a CA) or your whole dealership could have done something about.

[LEDZEP]

True enough. And I wouldn't hurt my CA over it. /rant

There needs to be a method to complain about the fuckheads at BMWNA.

[theroyalwe]

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

There needs to be a method to complain about the fuckheads at BMWNA.

this much I certainly agree on!

[LEDZEP]

Last I read, the freeze was to be lifted April 1. Has this changed?

[Oz]

I just can't believe they would sell you an option and do not even include the cable that is needed. It's just another unprofessional move made by BMW. I hope this will clear up soon for you lucky guys who can use their integrated ipods (unlike people like me)

[E90Fleet]

Their mistake was not including it from the factory, but letting the dealer get it and then put it in the car ( talking about the connector cable )