Which is a better option for iPhone 3gs integration? Y cable or cradle?

[benjern]

Hi guys,Newbie here. Just got my 1st ever Beemer that's got the current idrive - I'd really like to play music and listen to the podcasts on my iPhone in the car. My 2 options are to get the BMW y cable or a dock for the iPhone part # 84 21-2 158 683. Anyone has experience with these two products? Looking forward to all sifu's thoughts Thanks!Ben

 

[sharp]

i used the Y cable
the y cable doesnt fully support the iphone 3Gs
but u still can listen your songs n podcast from it

 

[Ennui78]

The Y cable is much cheaper........no charging though. But it's waaaaaay cheaper than the whole set.

 

[sharp]

ennui, it charges my phone, dunno y yours cant

 

[Ennui78]

oh no...better check properly. have never noticed. Have always been happy to plug it in and forget it in the armrest cubby-hole. Or sniffle sob... Maybe it's because my car is cheaper,....320i? Arrrgh!!

 

[sharp]

bro, mine also 320i la, dun pijak me

cos there were a few times where my iphone run out of battery, and i plug it in to charge

 

[Ennui78]

Oh...okok. Solly solly.... I thought your car more expensive mah! Where got pijak you. I see you so up, that's why I say lor.

But seriously, this is that black cable where one end plugs into the iPhone and the other end has two plugs - one for Aux Plug-in and the other for the USB? Have I gotten stuff mixed up?

 

[sharp]

yea, this is the y cable lor, rm 380 one....

 

[Ennui78]

But it really doesn't charge my iPhone! Oh no....replace!

 

[sharp]

y it doesnt charge?
btw to me, it seems that it charges slower, or u wan me to take pic of the phone charging and show u?

where u bought the cable?

 

[Ennui78]

From Auto Bavaria.....am taking a long drive soon. Will check to see if the phone charges. Thanks so much though...

 

[sharp]

same as mine lor.... also from AB

shud charge one

 

[Ennui78]

It charges!...but really really slowly... LOL

 

[sharp]

yea, dem kaw slow
hahahahha
but better than nothing right?

 

[Spaceman]

wait...

if i only have a AUX-In port under the armrest, can i use the Y cable? many thanks

 

[energy]

Get the usb iphone 3gs adapter. it charges and utilizes the car's antenna for better phone reception.

 

[Ennui78]

wait...

if i only have a AUX-In port under the armrest, can i use the Y cable? many thanks

You'll need the USB slot as well. Otherwise, the iPod/iPhone won't show up on the radio and you will not be able to access it via iDrive or Steering Wheel buttons.

If you don't have the USB slot, save you $$$ and get a wire with the 3.5mm jack on either end and select 'Aux' mode on the radio controls.

 

[Ennui78]

Get the usb iphone 3gs adapter. it charges and utilizes the car's antenna for better phone reception.

Oooh...very pretty. And they just HAD to picture it in the central armrest console of an E66 7-Series.......to reflect the price! LOL. It's something like 6 to 7 times the price of the Y-Cable, if I'm not mistaken.

 

[sharp]

but is it compatible with car wihtout bluetooth and idrive?

 

[energy]

here you go.