E89 iPod connection

[Tysonwills]

Here goes I have an e89 with only the aux connection and no USB in the arm rest.
I want to use my iPod but want to be able to control it from the steering wheel controls does anyone know if this is possible and what equipment I need to make it happen

 

[Lazza]

I have the same. I believe the answer is no without spending a lot of money.

 

[David-H]

Here goes I have an e89 with only the aux connection and no USB in the arm rest.
I want to use my iPod but want to be able to control it from the steering wheel controls does anyone know if this is possible and what equipment I need to make it happen

Do you have a USB port in the Glovebox? (That's where I download music to the car from on mine). Also, worth asking, what does your handbook say about USB ports?

 

[Tysonwills]

No don't have the glovebox USB either

 

[bob4333]

Not good news. The handbook says "The Apple iPod/iPhone menu structure is supported by the USB audio interface".

The Aux Input will just see your iPod as any other MP3 player, and in effect act as a set of headphones. It won't be charging the player either.

 

[willgill]

retrofitting is your best option, as it's a BMW oem process, it's not cheap.

 

[sunnydays]

Does your ipod have bluetooth?

 

[keving1]

My 35i came without USB, Ipod and bluetooth (non-idrive). I have fitted this from Dension using the following http://www.dension.com/automotive/products/car-multimedia-solutions/gateway-500s-bt and it's a great piece of kit.

Retails for about £300 and connects very easily between the headunit and the CD player. I now have handsfree phone connection and Ipod (or USB) with full control from the steering wheel. Also added the Dension DAB radiohttp://www.dension.com/automotive/products/dab-radio-solutions/dabg-dab-for-gateway and added the original E89 DAB aerial which works really well.

I have DSP system so could have bought a second hand OEM head unit with all this in but I believe the coding for this is not straightforward, I don't know how easy it is to code the normal headunit (non-DSP) to the car.

 

[step_change]

Good luck getting it sorted to the OP.

Enhanced Bluetooth and folding mirrors the best options on a car IMO.