iPhone 3Gs CHARGING with Y cable

[msimon18]

Ok I have read lots of stuff on this site but not able to find something specific on the iPod / iPhone integration options....

It appears that the 2009 and 2010 Z4 with the iPod integration and Y cable WILL charge the ORIGINAL iPhone but NOT the 3G version.

Can anyone confirm this ? I have the iPod integration and the Y cable and a 3G phone and when I connect it everything works but it comes up with an INCOMPATABILITY message and WILL NOT charge the iPhone.

I understand that Apple changed the power connection on the 3G phone.....

So... if this is true.....

1 - does anyone have this working ? If so how ?
2 - has anyone tried to modify the Y cable to shift power pins ?
3 - has anyone tried any other options ?

Also....

Does anyone know if the Smartphone Integration that allows the cradle to be used can be added by the DEALER ?????

This whole thing is a real mess because the DEALER REPS and others at BMW HAVE NO IDEA HOW ALL THIS WORKS AND COMMUNICATE INCORRECT INFORMATION !!!!!! I am really fed up with their lack of knowledege and incorrect statements on the web sites. They specifically state the sdome iPod models will not work but the just say iPhone's work and nothing at all about the various models. FRUSTRATING !!!!!

[blackonblack]

You are correct that the older cord doesn't work on the 3G. You can go to your local dealer and purchase the new updated cord for about $40 and it will work correctly.

I don't think it's worth damaging the phone by modifying the existing cord. You could eBay it easily.

[blackonblack]

And the Smartphone Adapter can be added by the dealer but we don't do it very often because of the nature of changing devices and technology.

[msimon18]

blackonblack,

thx for the info. I am guessing that the dealer down here will install it if it really can be installed cause if he doesn't he will likely get the car BACK !!

It was purchased specifically after asking the question about the iPhone 3Gs and I paid for the iPod adapter (6fl ?) package; the Smartphone integration and the cradle when I bought the car. Unfortunately the Smartphone integrastion is not yet in the car !!!

[mav5125]

I'm going to buy the connector for the 3GS here in sydney at the end of January. The dealer said that only then will the new connector for the 3GS be available.

That will allow charging and also the music on the 3GS will be able to be accessed via the iDrive.

So when i get it at the end of this month i'll post the results and some pics.

mav.

[Chuck76]

Originally Posted by blackonblack

And the Smartphone Adapter can be added by the dealer but we don't do it very often because of the nature of changing devices and technology.

Just to be clear, you are stating that the smartphone integration can be installed if the car did not have that option when received?

[msimon18]

That's what he said !! If not I may have a car GOING BACK !!!

[Oh Captain My Captain]

A simple charge converter may solve your problem. For the 2010 E class, I purchased the Griffin converter as the standard cable that came with the car only charged older generation iPods and iPhones (Firewire based). The newer generation models charge via USB.

Benz sold a cable to charge the newer models for $60. This converter cost me less than $19 off of Amazon with free shipping and works fine.

http://www.amazon.com/Griffin-Charge...3349989&sr=8-1

[msimon18]

The trouble with a device like that is that there is only 1 connector on the iPhone so with your recommendation it seems I could only charge OR listen to the iPhone's music library....... Not acceptable for my intended use.

Thx anyway...

[Oh Captain My Captain]

Originally Posted by msimon18

The trouble with a device like that is that there is only 1 connector on the iPhone so with your recommendation it seems I could only charge OR listen to the iPhone's music library....... Not acceptable for my intended use.

Thx anyway...

Maybe I'm missing something and I apologize if I am. The one end of the cable plugs into your phone and the other connects to a USB port and/or Aux port, correct?

The newer generation iPods/iPhones charge via USB (5V) as opposed to Firewire (12V). The cable that BMW provides is probably Firewire supported just like in my Benz. The Griffin converter I bought still allows for playback while also charging the iPod. I've had no issues.

[msimon18]

Captain,

Apologies on my part..... When I checked the Amazon site it appears the device will work.....

My real issue is that the dealer FORGOT to order the SmartPhone Integration option and when they tried to install the iPhone cradle they found out WHOOPS !!! Now I am not sure what they are going to do.........

[HK bimmer]

Originally Posted by msimon18

Captain,

Apologies on my part..... When I checked the Amazon site it appears the device will work.....

My real issue is that the dealer FORGOT to order the SmartPhone Integration option and when they tried to install the iPhone cradle they found out WHOOPS !!! Now I am not sure what they are going to do.........

I think I have exactly the same issue.
I have ordered nearly all options, including the smartphone ready, bluetooth ready..., everything, yet I cannot gain access and control my iPhone Library with the iDrive.
I used to charge my iPhone with the original cradle, which is very neat and tidy. (Of course, the blue tooth phone function works with or without such cradle.)
When I read the brochure and options list again, I noticed an option called "Extended connection for music player", which I have not bought.
I asked BMW in Hong Kong, they seems to know nothing about this, just asking me to buy a Y-cable.
I do want to have my iPhone neatly fitted into its cradle and I can use the iDrive to control its music. I think the original design should be able to do so.