Apple and BMW?

[MacRumors]

Appleinsider provides (http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=502) some more information that Apple and BMW may be partnering to allow new BMW owners to interface with their iPods.

The integration is said to allow the iPod to connect to the BMW, allowing drivers to control the iPod, view playlists and charge the iPod.

A partnership between BMW and Apple was first reported (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2004/03/20040321235601.shtml) in March 2004.

[jesuscandle]

so, this seems very very proprietary. Anybody think we'll see a solution for the rest of us anytime soon?

If so, how would it work?

[montecristo]

Even if it is proprietary, it suggests that:

a) BMW sees the iPod and the AAC format as trendsetting and the way to go for getting (non-CD) digital music into cars; and

b) Apple is at least talking with car companies to extend the reach of the iPod. And frankly, BMW is a great company to start this with -- there is probably a good synergy between the BMW target consumer profile (and brand image) and that of the iPod.

[nsb3000]

so, this seems very very proprietary. Anybody think we'll see a solution for the rest of us anytime soon?

If so, how would it work?


Wasn’t there something with the new VW Bugs a couple of years ago?

Anybody out there have one? If so, how did it work?

[LEgregius]

Wasn’t there something with the new VW Bugs a couple of years ago?

Anybody out there have one? If so, how did it work?

You could get a free iPod if you bought a beetle, but there was no interface.

[nsb3000]

While the iPod is a great product, just building interfaces so you can use the iPod any ware (ie, in your BMW with this product, in your living room with airtunes...) is not necessary the best solution. Apple really should build some other audio players, such as a living room system and a special car audio system that build off of the great interface of the iPod while building new features that would be possible with these new form factors. Imagine if your car synched wireless with your computer every time you pulled into your driveway, for example...the possibilities are endless.

[jesuscandle]

Even if it is proprietary, it suggests that:

a) BMW sees the iPod and the AAC format as trendsetting and the way to go for getting (non-CD) digital music into cars; and

b) Apple is at least talking with car companies to extend the reach of the iPod. And frankly, BMW is a great company to start this with -- there is probably a good synergy between the BMW target consumer profile (and brand image) and that of the iPod.

Agreed on both points. That said, I think there are plenty of honda civic drivers and VW Passat drivers and, heck, even KIA drivers out there who have ipods.

[Grimace]

I'd easily buy a BMW if it came with a new iPod interface or iTunes Satellite edition!! :)

[macridah]

I wonder if they [apple] chose bmw because they claim to be the bmw of the computer industry (< 5% market share). They better also work out deal with other car manufacturers ... steve did say we are working with "several" folks on that.

alpine said they are working on a after market car stereo to do the samething. I usually upgrade my car stereo anyways.

[AndrewMT]

Wasn’t there something with the new VW Bugs a couple of years ago?

Anybody out there have one? If so, how did it work?

The VW bug solution was just the lame cassette interface. So the VW owner had to have a cable hanging out of their cigarette lighter and their cassette player just to use the iPod.

I'm supirsed Apple has not worked with makers of in-dash car cd players. All the iPods that support the Apple dock could be slid into the dash horizontally just like cd and then the screen and interface on the dash would take over. That would not be too difficult, would it?

[ingenious]

Would it use a dock? Like a dock to play the music etc through to the speakers? Oh, and what about an AP card to sync wirelessly?

[D0ct0rteeth]

works in almost every car

http://www.densionusa.com/x/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=375&Itemid=79

- Doc

[Veldek]

If this will come true, my first car will be a BMW... ;)

[davecuse]

The VW bug solution was just the lame cassette interface. So the VW owner had to have a cable hanging out of their cigarette lighter and their cassette player just to use the iPod.

I'm supirsed Apple has not worked with makers of in-dash car cd players. All the iPods that support the Apple dock could be slid into the dash horizontally just like cd and then the screen and interface on the dash would take over. That would not be too difficult, would it?

You wouldn't think it would be too tough, I mean pull out the CD drive and you have a ton of open space to shove an ipod in there... I think something with a flip down face would be pretty cool, so you can hide the iPod behind it. As long as the deck itself looks good.

[~Shard~]

Very cool - two quality companies joining forces! Although this may indeed only tailor to a niche market (i.e. only people who buy BMWs) it's still good to see regardless - it could be the start of something big if other car compnies take notice and want to jump on board as well.

[SirCletus]

so, this seems very very proprietary. Anybody think we'll see a solution for the rest of us anytime soon?

Ironic use of those words, "for the rest of us." Remember how Apple used to be "the computer for the rest of us?" I guess nowadays "the rest of us" means "those of us left over after you filter out all the po' folks." Not that the slogan ever had anything to do with financial resources. I guess I'm just growing a little disappointed by Apple's growing "upscale" image. But I digress.

If Apple really wanted to get iPods into more cars, they'd stop pandering to the 2-3% (just guessing, based on approximately 6% of US automotive market share devoted to ALL European imports, according to Edmunds) of drivers who own BMWs and develop a standard car-stereo sized interface akin to, say a cassette deck. Slide your iPod in, use faceplate controls as you would a CD player. Just a thought.

Edit: Oops, davecuse beat me to the punch.

[Tulse]

Apple really should build some other audio players, such as a living room system and a special car audio system that build off of the great interface of the iPod while building new features that would be possible with these new form factors. Imagine if your car synched wireless with your computer every time you pulled into your driveway, for example...the possibilities are endless. That's a cool idea, but it would entail purchasing both a device for the car and a device for personal use. Using the iPod as the basis of the car system means you only have to buy (and sync) one device.

[sweetandsour]

Perhaps this is a synergistic tie-in?
control your ipod via your bmw, plumb the bmw's radiator fan and water cooling pipes into your ipod to liquid cool the updated ipods G5 processor?

[hughdogg]

Appleinsider provides (http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=502) some more information that Apple and BMW may be partnering to allow new BMW owners to interface with their iPods.

The integration is said to allow the iPod to connect to the BMW, allowing drivers to control the iPod, view playlists and charge the iPod.

A partnership between BMW and Apple was first reported (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2004/03/20040321235601.shtml) in March 2004.

Interesting since BWM's iDrive is widely panned as the worst human/auto interface ever, which is no surprise as it is a MS Windows CE application. iDrive Press (http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2002/mar02/03-04BMWpr.asp)

Not content to create lousy interfaces for the home, Microsoft now takes it on the road...let's see:

Trapping people in cars (http://aardvark.co.nz/daily/2003/n051301.shtml)

One pan (http://www.pistonheads.com/truth/default.asp?storyId=3867)

Another pan, and a really interesting article about Jef Raskin (he of Mac interface creation) and iDrive (http://www.popsci.com/popsci/auto/article/0,12543,386094-1,00.html)

Hopefully, this will lead BMW to work with Apple on the next version of the iDrive interface.
Cheers,
hughdogg

[g4cubed]

I'd easily buy a BMW if it came with a new iPod interface or iTunes Satellite edition!! :)

Damn I need a new job.
It must be nice to be able to afford a BMW. I'm still saving my pennies for my G5 3.0GHz. Thanks to someone, I have more time :o still wish they were here now though. :D

[Spades]

Other than charging, why have a proprietary interface to begin with? Why haven't car makers ever bothered to add a simple input jack that you could plug anything into?

[Vector]

Interesting since BWM's iDrive is widely panned as the worst human/auto interface ever, which is no surprise as it is a MS Windows CE application.

Hopefully, this will lead BMW to work with Apple on the next version of the iDrive interface.
Cheers,
hughdogg

The iDrive system is horrible to use. When i bought my 3 series i was looking into getting the navigation and everything, but it was more aggravating than helpful.

Hopefully this will happen. I have been longing to connect my ipod to my car, but i dont like any of the options except for the icelink and it isn't that great because of the mounting and cable routing that has to be done.

This could be a nice excuse to trade my car in.

[Le Big Mac]

Other than charging, why have a proprietary interface to begin with? Why haven't car makers ever bothered to add a simple input jack that you could plug anything into?

BMW has this already--you can buy an adapter that basically adds a line-in jack using a standard miniplug. So it's not like you can't use your ipod fairly easily.

What would make it better is three things.

1) A cable connector that plugs into the FW port on the ipod (like the dock connector) and has line out and power in for charging.
2) integration with the buttons on the steering wheel to control track forward and back
3) integration with the radio display to scroll the name of the song.

1 is really easy, and can already be done by splicing cables, but a neater solution would be better. Surely 2 and 3 aren't too complex, and require some sort of software interface.

[DMann]

BMW has this already--you can buy an adapter that basically adds a line-in jack using a standard miniplug. So it's not like you can't use your ipod fairly easily.

What would make it better is three things.

1) A cable connector that plugs into the FW port on the ipod (like the dock connector) and has line out and power in for charging.
2) integration with the buttons on the steering wheel to control track forward and back
3) integration with the radio display to scroll the name of the song.

1 is really easy, and can already be done by splicing cables, but a neater solution would be better. Surely 2 and 3 aren't too complex, and require some sort of software interface.

BMW will hopefully build an iPod dock or a cable port
for direct interfacing with the iPod...

[Jookbox]

most of the mac people i know drive vw's and the others wouldn't be caught dead in a bmw. at least my designer friends.

[DMann]

BMW has this already--you can buy an adapter that basically adds a line-in jack using a standard miniplug. So it's not like you can't use your ipod fairly easily.

What would make it better is three things.

1) A cable connector that plugs into the FW port on the ipod (like the dock connector) and has line out and power in for charging.
2) integration with the buttons on the steering wheel to control track forward and back
3) integration with the radio display to scroll the name of the song.

1 is really easy, and can already be done by splicing cables, but a neater solution would be better. Surely 2 and 3 aren't too complex, and require some sort of software interface.

Now that I re-read your reply, I apologize for repeating what
you already stated...

[dontmatter]

While the iPod is a great product, just building interfaces so you can use the iPod any ware (ie, in your BMW with this product, in your living room with airtunes...) is not necessary the best solution. Apple really should build some other audio players, such as a living room system and a special car audio system that build off of the great interface of the iPod while building new features that would be possible with these new form factors. Imagine if your car synched wireless with your computer every time you pulled into your driveway, for example...the possibilities are endless.

I'm sorry, it's obnoxious for people to say it, and I'm far from flawless in this myself, but...grammar. use adverbs.

[Lepton]

I'd like to mention that BMW has been working with HP to put Wi-Fi in their cars. Does this give you any ideas?

[dontmatter]

Well, I'm a fan. Apple, BMW, both produce fabulous looking, high powered products. But the timing seems off, because it seems it would have been a great feature to add to the new 5 series, what with major increases in electronics in the new 7 and 5 series (and the butt ugly rear end).

hmm. Got to be a great partnership, and i know lots will complain that bimmers aren't common enough, but the idea always starts in the high end car, and moves down. This isn't a cross promotion-it's a new devolepment in music listening and car making.

I hope it comes in a little cable free dock like thing, that does both info and power. Better yet, I hope it's fully integrated into the cars electronics, so you don't have to use your ipod's controls while driving, but all the same ones on the dash and steering wheel. You just have a button that toggles between FM, AM, CD, and iPod.

[jassa]

This is my first post ever. :)

I think that they will Apple will make a new interface for BMW as i have heard that it is really bad. Also when Apple release the new iPod they might have video capabilites so then the people in the back of the car can watch video's when on long jouneys and also listen to music when they are walking on the streets. Also people will be able to preview their photo's/ videos when they put them onto their iPod from their digital video/photo camera. What u think?

[hob]

This isn't necessarily a purely BMW excercise - they may just have first dibs on whatever Apple comes up with. At the very least it could pave the way for some interesting 3rd-party car products...?

Hob

[Chupa Chupa]

most of the mac people i know drive vw's and the others wouldn't be caught dead in a bmw. at least my designer friends.

You need friends with better taste then. Personally I wouldn't be caught dead in a VW. :cool:

[hughdogg]

Well, I'm a fan. Apple, BMW, both produce fabulous looking, high powered products. But the timing seems off, because it seems it would have been a great feature to add to the new 5 series, what with major increases in electronics in the new 7 and 5 series (and the butt ugly rear end).


Might make more sense to introduce it with the new 3-series that is in design, as an iPod owner and a 3-series owner are probably a little closer demographically. (Don't think of 7 series owners as iPod users...)

Also, BMW is going to introduce the 1-series in the US '05,1-series spy shots (http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?n=178&sid=178&article=6839) and lets not forget that BMW produces the mini, which is absolutely the same demographic as the iPod. Come to think of it, don't both companies make something called the mini ;)

[joemama]

You need friends with better taste then. Personally I wouldn't be caught dead in a VW. :cool:

I agree...your friends must be right out of college..no offense meant, I have plenty of designer friends and I am one as well, and it's all about style and design...it's TT's and Beamer's all around. You want to land a client, show up in style.

And yes, of course, iPods...

Notice the "later this month"...perhaps around the WWD conference...could it be, the new iPod, wireless, which transmits right to a little receptor attachment in your BMW?....how neat would that be?

[jjmaximum]

(Don't think of 7 series owners as iPod users...)

I drive a 740il and own an ipod and a 1.5 15" PB...all of this sounds good to me but I've often wondered why they didn't already do this.

[WALoeIII]

I have been using my iPod for a while in my 1984 (yes thats right 1984) FJ60 Land Cruiser without problems. I wired an RCA to mini adapter behind the dash and plugged it into the cd-changer port on the back of my 200$ head unit (I opted for one with XM support and MP3 Playback) and I have perfect sound quality and no hassle (power comes from Belkin adapter).

You can read what I did here: http://andrewloe.com/blog/archives/2004/06/12/stereo/, the whole thing might have cost me 300$. If you own a 3-series BMW I think you can justify this small cost.

[The Red Wolf]

That VW iPod deal did give you an iPod that said "Drivers Wanted" with a VW logo. See, that's worth it. And you do get a VW Beetle. "Pods Unite".

Now time has passed and we're looking at a BMW with an iPod. Wireless FireWire (as the older iPod was revolutionary with a FireWire port). You have the iPod broadcast wirelessly to the receiver within the BMW (Or any other car for that matter). Several car companies have suggested using BlueTooth rather than wires to connect the various car components to the ECU. Such as windscreen wipers, or hey, that cool tire pressure gage in newer BMWs. Why not in the union of Apple and BMW set the groundwork for Wireless FireWire (one wire needs to be removed, that sounds funny). Flawless, wireless music. For the Ultimate Driving and Listening machine.

As for getting the technology into a Kia. Why not. Apple could sell an iPod with 75% of all car sales. Included or optional. It's a great move either way.

[cheekyspanky]

Anyone remember the Smart ForTwo iPod special?

http://www.apple.com/uk/hotnews/articles/smart/

It comes with the in car cradle to sit your iPod in, which connects it to the stereo and charges it at the same time, and as the box in the bottom left mentions the cradle will be on sale soon for all Smart ForTwos and Roadsters.

[frinky23]

Guys, settle down about this being BMW-only. Very rarely does the auto manufacturer itself develop and produce the electronics - it is nearly always done by a supplier. While BMW would in this case have exclusive access, it would not have exclusive access to the product for very long.

I used to work for one of the largest automotive electronics suppliers in the world, and this is how it works. All the new technology is done for a specific high-end car, because the prices they charge for them allows them the budget to pay to have it developed. Once they recover their money it will start showing up in lesser cars.

[iMeowbot]

works in almost every car
http://www.densionusa.com/x/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=375&Itemid=79
Yep. Had mine for a month and the initial "OMG this is so cool" blush just won't go away. It's a really elegant solution given the limitations of aftermarket car audio, and most important, it sounds damn good.

[craigdawg]

I'd like to mention that BMW has been working with HP to put Wi-Fi in their cars. Does this give you any ideas?
EXACTLY. Screw the wires, it's the 22nd century! (It is, right?)

Wasn't that Macworld editor speculating that Apple might be adding Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to the iPod? (http://www.macworld.com/weblogs/editors/archives/000214.php)

You can find Bluetooth currently in Lexusses (Lexi?) and Acuras. Bluetooth would be sweet.

[D0ct0rteeth]

Yep. Had mine for a month and the initial "OMG this is so cool" blush just won't go away. It's a really elegant solution given the limitations of aftermarket car audio, and most important, it sounds damn good.

Yep mine is on the way... Im jazzed.

I took out the cupholders, put in a eurotray and will hide all the wires..

I'll post pics asap

- Doc

[rt_brained]

Interesting since BWM's iDrive is widely panned as the worst human/auto interface ever, which is no surprise as it is a MS Windows CE application. iDrive Press (http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2002/mar02/03-04BMWpr.asp)

Don't forget also that if you neglect to register Windows CE within the given timeframe, Microsoft renders your BMW inoperable.

jk

Actually, I also wish they'd take these partnership deals farther in terms of selling the iPod's integration, rather than letting it serve simply as a 'gift with purchase'.

An upscale apartment complex in O.C. is offering a free iPod with a 9 month (or longer) lease. Considering the direction Apple appears to be headed in home entertainment, it seems very similar to the way XM is trying market their devices. Same...but different.

[Xenious]

You mean I just got the AUX adapter in my Z4 and now I have to buy a totally different system that will display song titles and give me remote ipod control??? ummmm, ok! how much? :)

Seriously though I wonder if it will still support the AUX input jack or if you have to give that up. Not sure what else I might use it for, but it could be useful to keep it around.

If this new system implements a kind of dock, with line out and remote control and display it will be so sweet. No more quick glances down to my ipod to see whats playing.
-jim

[Nugget]

Not content to wait, I did this to my BMW earlier this year.
Writeup with links and pics here (http://nugget.livejournal.com/67913.html) and here (http://nugget.livejournal.com/70494.html).
http://slacker.com/albums/2002mroadster/IMG_1692.thumb.jpg

[Jetson]

Other than charging, why have a proprietary interface to begin with? Why haven't car makers ever bothered to add a simple input jack that you could plug anything into?
Some of the aftermarket head units have an input jack. This is far superior to the cassette interface.

Why? The better car stereos have a CD frequency response of 5-20,000 Hz. On the other hand you'd be hard pressed to find a stereo with cassette frequency response better than 50-15,000 Hz although they can be found. When I hook up my iPod to my factory JBL car stereo through the cassette, the bass is practically non-existent - quite disappointing.

As Spades said, all car stereos should have an input jack with a frequency response as good as those used for the CDs. It would be great if they put it in the center console area where the cigarette lighter and/or auxiliary 12v power jack are located.

[sorryiwasdreami]

most of the mac people i know drive vw's and the others wouldn't be caught dead in a bmw. at least my designer friends.

:confused: Wouldn't be caught dead in a Bimmer??? Why? I'm a landscaper, visual designer, as well as a bmw owner (1987 5-series E28) - the bugger has lasted me 260K miles; the transmission is 100K miles older! I'm no rich yuppy dude; in fact I'm the opposite.

Of course, I love VW's for thier look, 60's historical mystique, and "green" conscience, but my old trusty BMW machine can still out-gas-milage most cars out there today (not to mention beat their track record for repairs).

Just because Apple is teaming up with BMW doesn't mean these features are out of reach for the average person. People just think they are.

You can find a really great BMW for less $$$ than a brand-x American or Japanese vehicle; you just have to know that they exist, know where to look, and want to be a part of an awesome community of car owners not unlike the community of Mac owners we have here.

In more ways than one, Apple and Bmw are similar, and this is a perfect match-up of companies, ideals, and aesthetic. Hail Apple for bridging the gap of iPod-automobile integration.

Soon you will be able to bluetooth your iPod in your VW, Saturn, Ferrari, or even motorcycle. Welcome it.

[hughdogg]

(Don't think of 7 series owners as iPod users...)

I drive a 740il and own an ipod and a 1.5 15" PB...all of this sounds good to me but I've often wondered why they didn't already do this.

No offense intended, I just don't think of a typical 7-series owners as the typical iPod owner from Apple's marketing - read late-20 somethings. But in my book, your atypical, which is a very good thing. :D

Some background info, source: BWM Demographics (http://waw.wardsauto.com/ar/auto_wanna_buy_bmwbrand/)

"In addition, BMW's audience demographics read like the Holy Grail of the auto industry.

In the U.S., the mean household income across the BMW line is $163,000, ranging from $140,000 for 3-series buyers to $260,000 on the 7-series. And the automaker has weathered an anti-Yuppie backlash from the 1980s to make it OK for the well-heeled to own BMWs once again.

The mean age of its mostly male buyers is 46 across the line, ranging from about 43 for the 3-series to just 51 for the top-of-the-line 7-series. "

(hughdogg - Carefully making sure about his next wildly offbase generalizations - but I must say, "ROCK-ON all you 51 year old iPod owners, bringing down a quarter mil' a year"! )

Cheers,
hughdogg

[schewy]

The company that manufactures all the audio/electronic components for BMW is Siemens VDO. Working with them would allow for a partnership that could allow Siemens to sell the iPodCAR to other manufacturers. Don't forget that Siemens developed the iDrive for BMW.

Look here for some interesting nosh, specifically the section on third party applications for their systems :-)

http://www.siemensvdo.com/com/products_ii_infotainment.asp?strMain=Main23&strSub=Sub3&strSubSub3=34

[bcsmith]

The company that manufactures all the audio/electronic components for BMW is Siemens VDO. Working with them would allow for a partnership that could allow Siemens to sell the iPodCAR to other manufacturers. Don't forget that Siemens developed the iDrive for BMW.

Look here for some interesting nosh, specifically the section on third party applications for their systems :-)

http://www.siemensvdo.com/com/products_ii_infotainment.asp?strMain=Main23&strSub=Sub3&strSubSub3=34

Ha Ha, he said Siemens... ;)

Seriously though, stuff like this always starts in the high end cars and works its way down once it proves successful. Look at things like OnStar. It started off in Cadillacs and other high end GM products. Now the dealers practically trip over themselves to get you to sign up for the service.

Other examples are adaptive cruise, satellite radio, and bluetooth connectivity. Eventually all of these will be common in all cars - or at least an easy option to get.

-- Ben

[iMeowbot]

:confused: Wouldn't be caught dead in a Bimmer??? Why? I'm a landscaper, visual designer, as well as a bmw owner (1987 5-series E28) - the bugger has lasted me 260K miles; the transmission is 100K miles older!

Yep, back in my day we didn't have no fancy BMWs, we had to drag bare transmissions 35 miles to work each way, in three feet of snow! ;)

[a_iver]

Soon you will be able to bluetooth your iPod in your VW, Saturn, Ferrari, or even motorcycle. Welcome it.

Ahh yes, but the question is will I be able to surf on Safari in my Safari and stream it to a Ferrari Firewirelessly. Woo!!!

Yep, back in my day we didn't have no fancy BMWs, we had to drag bare transmissions 35 miles to work each way, in three feet of snow!

But did you drag it 35 miles to work through the snow, and uphill on the way to work and uphill the way back.

I'm in a good mood tonight
:p

[bousozoku]

You need friends with better taste then. Personally I wouldn't be caught dead in a VW. :cool:

You probably wouldn't be caught dead in a BMW 2002, the most beloved of all models, or for that matter, a Bavaria. They weren't about status, they were about driving.

[asthmaticinhale]

i dont think apple is going to be putting ipods in bmw's. i see them putting minis in minis.

[zglass]

I don't think I saw this mentioned yet (quick perusal), but what about the Alpine deck that has been announced (UK release this summer, I believe?). Supposed feature set sounds similar to what BMW may be offering:


TORRANCE, Calif, January 6, 2004 -- Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., the industry-leading manufacturer of high performance mobile electronics, will demonstrate at CES the world's first solution that enables consumers to connect and control their iPod from their in-vehicle sound system. Alpine's iPod Ready strategy is part of the company's overarching mission to create innovative in-vehicle electronics that are easier to use and provide great sound in the mobile environment.
"The integration of iPod control into selected 2004 Alpine in-dash receivers addresses the growing market of portable digital audio device users who want a safe and easy-to-use solution for playback in the car." said Stephen Witt, Alpine's vice president of Brand Marketing.
...

[Trimix]

most of the mac people i know drive vw's and the others wouldn't be caught dead in a bmw. at least my designer friends.

i agree, bmw has always been an ersatz-merc :D
btw, your height is inversely related to your beemer and male pattern baldness is spotted more often in a bmw too :p

[iMeowbot]

I took out the cupholders, put in a eurotray and will hide all the wires..

Nifty. I went ahead and got one of the dash clippy attachment things they were selling, for that busybox effect. There can never be too many buttons, knobs, levers and dials. If the NRA[1] permit for an atomic pile wasn't such a pain to have approved, I'd get me a Batmobile, I would.

You won't be able to do playlists and stuff from the head unit, so keep that in mind when mounting.

[1]The nuke agency, not Charlton's pals.

[belair]

Quote : You probably wouldn't be caught dead in a BMW 2002, the most beloved of all models, or for that matter, a Bavaria. They weren't about status, they were about driving.


Preach Bousozoku!

That BMW is just the neatest yougtimer out there.
I am saying this cause I own one with my brother.

And I use my ipod in it.
I bought an original 70's BMW FM radio in mint condition on ebay. And I use my itrip in it. That way the car keeps its original look and I can listen to wathever I want. I agree the the itrip is not amazing sound quality but I defintately dont like it when people put huge stereo systems with neons and LCD displays and god knows what in their oldtimers. :mad:

I would love to buy a BMW one series with idrive and a new ipod all running OS X interface, that would be a dream come true. Go apple! :D

[davecuse]

i dont think apple is going to be putting ipods in bmw's. i see them putting minis in minis.

Interesting, the more I think about this, the more I agree. It definitely fits in with their entire marketing campaign that Apple has used for it's iPod, and the age group they are focusing on. There's a similarly sized car for sale across the pond DaimlerChrysler Smart (http://www.thesmart.co.uk/index.html) that has an iPod built in.

I hope some more automakers jump on the bandwagon.

[rt_brained]

i agree, bmw has always been an ersatz-merc :D
btw, your height is inversely related to your beemer and male pattern baldness is spotted more often in a bmw too :p

I don't know where all this hostility over BMWs came from. If they're such lousy pieces of crap, then the writers of all of the major automotive magazines wouldn't consistently rate them among the world's best sports sedans. In fact, cars like the 3- and 5-series BMWs (particularly the M versions) are the standards by which all other sports sedans are judged.

BMWs, Mercs, Land Rovers and Porsches are as numerous as flies in SoCal. But the vast majority of folks driving them are hard-working successful professionals, not short bald guys with penis envy.

[Porchland]

Perhaps this is a synergistic tie-in?
control your ipod via your bmw, plumb the bmw's radiator fan and water cooling pipes into your ipod to liquid cool the updated ipods G5 processor?

Reminds me of that New Yorker cartoon of two pilots in a cockpit and one says, "I'm running the whole thing from my Palm Pilot." A G5-iPod could have the dual purpose of playing music and running your car!

[sinisterdesign]

Perhaps this is a synergistic tie-in?
control your ipod via your bmw, plumb the bmw's radiator fan and water cooling pipes into your ipod to liquid cool the updated ipods G5 processor?

NICE! :D

i'm excited to hear this b/c i just bought a 330CiC late last year & have been wanting a cleaner solution to connecting my iPod than what i have currently.

right now i have a line coming out of the AUX IN in the back of the head unit, running into the glove box where BMW installed a headphone AUX jack. i plugged a headphone extension cord (male/male) into that, have it hanging out of the glove box & into my iPod which does fit nicely in the ashtray. kinda kludgy, though.

i think my car is already Bluetooth capable (anyone confirm this?). i wonder if that's the route they would take. is BT high enough bandwidth to stream toons?

[g4cubed]

That BMW is just the neatest yougtimer out there.
I am saying this cause I own one with my brother.

What's wrong? Can't afford your own :rolleyes:
Just joking, I agree, as stated above by someone, that the reason they pick high end companies is to have the original cost pasted on. A few hundred dollars added on to these babies won't even be noticed. Then, on to eveyone else. It's just the damn waiting that bothers me. :o

[sinisterdesign]

most of the mac people i know drive vw's and the others wouldn't be caught dead in a bmw. at least my designer friends.

i agree, bmw has always been an ersatz-merc :D
btw, your height is inversely related to your beemer and male pattern baldness is spotted more often in a bmw too :p

speaking as a 5'11" graphic designer w/ male pattern baldness, i love my BMW as much as i love my iPod. they make sweet music together. i had the top down & the iPod cranked up on the way to work this morning as i do most mornings. i would hate to give up either one, especially for a Merc (exceptions being the SL55 AMG (http://www.mbusa.com/brand/models/SL55.jsp), the SLR McLaren (http://www.germancarfans.com/news.cfm?NewsID=2030711.001&Page=1) or, of course, the '57 300SL (http://www.fast-autos.net/mercedes/mercedes300sl.html)).

[Lord Bodak]

You probably wouldn't be caught dead in a BMW 2002, the most beloved of all models, or for that matter, a Bavaria. They weren't about status, they were about driving.

Although I've never been a big fan of the 2002, but the Bavaria is a gorgeous car.

[Macurious]

Cars are starting to have the bluetooth interface like the Acura TL for example. Does apple have any plans to integrate bluetooth into the IPod? Is there significant quality loss this way? Seems like an obvious solution to support many future car models. :rolleyes:

[ImAlwaysRight]

Appleinsider provides (http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=502) some more information that Apple and BMW may be partnering to allow new BMW owners to interface with their iPods.

The integration is said to allow the iPod to connect to the BMW, allowing drivers to control the iPod, view playlists and charge the iPod.

Interesting concept, but this is about as practical for most people as is wireless internet on the international space station...

[rog]

Personally, i won't buy a BMW until they come with a free G5.

[iMeowbot]

Cars are starting to have the bluetooth interface like the Acura TL for example. Does apple have any plans to integrate bluetooth into the IPod? Is there significant quality loss this way? Seems like an obvious solution to support many future car models. :rolleyes:

Yeah, some cars are getting bluetooth interfaces limited to implementing a hands-free phone protocol. It really doesn't offer the right controls, or the bandwidth to do CD-quality music properly.

You could just about squeeze enough into Bluetooth using something like the lossless codec that was stuffed into the Airtunes toy, but carmakers and audio manufacturers would have to agree on a protocol and codec; Bluetooth would only be a carrier.

Even with all that, aren't you going to want somewhere in the car to put the player and supply it with power? At that point you've got a cradle and might as well wire it.

[J. Charles Holt]

I'm another graphic designer who owns a BMW (and has for a little over a month). I'm not rich by any means, nor am I balding (yet). I've only owned Hondas up until now, and I've always been into practicality.

Lest anyone think that BMW is only for rich snobs, consider this: I got a 2001 Z3 Roadster with 34K miles on it, in pristine condition, for $21,000. That included such nifty things as heated washer nozzles (!!), cruise control, a Harmon Kardon soundsystem with speed-sensitive volume... the whole nine yards. More importantly, it came with a 3-year bumper-to-bumper warranty on it. Sure I could find a car for cheaper, but not one with nearly the fun factor of this car. I'd never even considered a BMW before (I was even ashamed to even say I *HAD* a BMW for the first couple weeks). But trust me, after driving this car for a while, I may not be able to go back. There's a reason why they call it the "ultimate driving machine." This car is so well engineered, that the aftermarket performance enhancements can only squeeze out another 10-15 HP. Straight from BMW it's about as responsive as it can get.

BMW is to cars what Apple is to computers. They're tremendously well-engineered, they're a bit more in the pocketbook, and they're worth every penny.

My Z3 (http://homepage.mac.com/charlesholt/PhotoAlbum16.html)

[garymw]

Didn't bother to read all the posts, but BMW makes the Mini Cooper. Once the iPod Mini came out, I figured it would only be a matter of time before the two hooked up. The only reason I'm bringing this up is I'll bet the Mini Cooper will likely be the target for the iPod integration, not the regular BMW line-up, at least not right away.

[PPC970FX]

The onely reason for BMW and Apple working with iPod have to be that the iPod G4 have Wi-Fi. I don`t see a BMW man do a electonic. It have to be realy simple to do.

[iMook]

MacMinute has a story about an apparently leaked two-page magazine ad spread for the new iPod-BMW convergence package. Pretty clever ad design, though the touchwheel and steering wheel seem a bit off at the right edge, which casts a bit of doubt on the ad's authenticity.

leaked BMW ad (http://www.macminute.com/2004/06/15/bmw)

[applemacgal]

MacMinute has a story about an apparently leaked two-page magazine ad spread for the new iPod-BMW convergence package. Pretty clever ad design, though the touchwheel and steering wheel seem a bit off at the right edge, which casts a bit of doubt on the ad's authenticity.

leaked BMW ad (http://www.macminute.com/2004/06/15/bmw)

That's the ad, it's true!

I just got the July issue of "Maximum PC" in the mail yesterday. This ad is on the first two pages of the magazine, exactly as pictured in the MacMinute story. I can post a picture, if anyone wants to see it.

This is really exciting for Apple!

[wdlove]

You probably wouldn't be caught dead in a BMW 2002, the most beloved of all models, or for that matter, a Bavaria. They weren't about status, they were about driving.

I drove a BMW once. Really impressed by its quick response and solid ride.

[Mike Teezie]

My next car will be a Bimmer. I sold my first BMW and got a VW Jetta, which I love, but my next ride WILL be an M3.

If it comes with iPod integration, even better! My two favorite companies joining forces!

Now, I just have to figure out how to afford insurance..... :D

[bousozoku]

I drove a BMW once. Really impressed by its quick response and solid ride.

As opposed to Citroën and its liquid ride? :D

[asif3]

forgive me if im wrong, but doesnt stevie drive a mercedes s500? im presuming that means that the ipod will be integrated with mercedes cars soon too (i hope so...)

[Captain Canuck]

This is great news! Can't wait to install it in my 2001, 3-Series Coupe. Apple couldn't have picked a better manufacture to start the ball rolling with. I was considering the ICE Link but it looks like I'll have to wait to see how this works. Go Apple!

oh... and I'm not even close to having a bald spot.

[jamesuncw]

this is hardly new technology. Alpine announced an ipod controlling headunit (http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/publish/industry_news/article_650.shtml) in January of this year ...

[chocolab]

Then we can have a mini in a mini! and a red ipod with racing stripes to match

[belair]

Did you see the picture that was briefly shown at the itunes presentation in London? When Steve talked about new car audio solutions before the end of the year.

That car is in fact a BMW except that they photoshopped the logo on the stearing wheel.

As I said before, BMW 1 Series here I come.

[J. Charles Holt]

Pretty clever ad design, though the touchwheel and steering wheel seem a bit off at the right edge, which casts a bit of doubt on the ad's authenticity.

Ahh, but the ipodyourbmw URL which was mentioned is registered to Fallon Worldwide, a very well-known ad agency. That puts a lot of credence to it.

[rjwill246]

Apple really should build some other audio players, such as a living room system and a special car audio system that build off of the great interface of the iPod ...the possibilities are endless.

So are the risks! Apple MUST NEVER become a maker of myriads of consumer electronic items. Their best shot at invading all the rooms of our houses is to do just what they are doing... helping to integrate what you already own. This spares them enormous expense and risk, while ensuring that they do take up residence in your residence!

[pkr]

Now if someone at BMW were only alert enough to consider how an iPod-like user interface might be adapted to replace their totally lame iDrive I'd be REALLY impressed!