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Features
Overview: This interface connects a compatible iPod to select BMW and Mini Cooper
OEM audio systems (not compatible with BMW systems having navigation, DVD, satellite
radio, CD changer, or DSP; please see "Outfit
My Car" to confirm compatibility). Its on-board software translates commands from your
factory radio's CD-changer controls into commands the iPod understands. This interface enables
the iPod to take the place of a BMW CD-changer and provides the following benefits:
- Directs the iPod's audio output
to your factory audio system for optimal sound quality
- Supports your iPhone's audio streaming apps, such as Pandora, Livio,
iHeart Radio, SiriusXM & more (in Direct mode only).
- Controls the iPod via vehicle's
radio and steering wheel controls (when applicable)
- Charges the iPod's internal battery; charging stops automatically one hour after the iPod is
paused, the iPod goes into sleep mode when charging stops
Note: Please consult the
Crutchfield Car Selector to see if your vehicle is compatible.
iPod Compatibility: The PA-12BMW is "Made for iPod/iPhone"
compatible and supports the following iPod/iPhone model features when connected
to a compatible BMW factory radio (as of October 2011):
|
iPod/iPhone Model |
Generation |
Tested Version |
Media Type |
Control Type |
Display Type |
Charge |
|
Audio |
Video |
Head Unit |
iPod/iPhone |
Song/Artist Text |
Track Info |
|
dock connector |
3rd |
N/A |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
clickwheel
color |
4th |
3.1.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
mini |
1st |
1.4.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
| 2nd |
1.4.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
video |
5th |
1.3 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
classic |
80GB |
1.1.2 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
120GB |
2.0.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
160GB |
2.0.4 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
nano |
1st |
1.3.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
2nd |
1.1.3 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3rd |
1.1.3 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4th |
1.0.4 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
5th |
1.0.2 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
6th |
1.1 PC |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
touch |
1st |
2.2.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
2nd |
4.2.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3rd |
4.3.5 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4th |
4.3.5 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
iPhone |
2G |
3.1.3 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3G |
4.2.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3GS |
4.3.5 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4 |
4.2.7 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4S |
5.0 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Note: Apple iPod/iPhone software updates may change
functionality results. If you download a newer software version, you may
need to reset the head unit and your iPod/iPhone to regain functionality. If
this doesn't work, you may need to revert to the older software version or
wait until a newer software update is available.
Modes of Operation: The PA12-BMW provides two operation modes:
- Direct Mode: all
control functions on your iPod are available, you can search and select
music on your iPod directly just as you would when using it as a portable unit,
you can also still use the track up down, fast forward and
reverse button on your radio to control music playback
- Dual Mode: the iPod is operated and controlled
like a factory CD changer, you can access up to five playlists on the iPod,
in Hybrid mode the controls on the iPod are also active (May be referred to as Hybrid Mode in the manual.)
App Streaming (in Direct Mode): Direct mode also lets you
listen to the sound from your iPhone's downloaded music apps (such as Pandora,
iHeart Radio, SiriusXM, etc.) through your factory head unit & speakers. You
will continue to control your iPhone's apps & view song/artist i from its touchscreen.
Note: Your iPhone will need an active Data Plan account
with connection to the Internet via 3G, EDGE, or WiFi. You will also need
applicable music service accounts.
iPod Text: Artist name and song title
information can be displayed on BMW's Business CD model radio.
iPod Playback: All audio tracks on the iPod will be played at Disc 6. The track order is determined
by the default order on the iPod. Selecting discs 1 through 5 on the factory
radio will allow playback of 5 playlists on the iPod if the Aux Input is not
used. You can select a playlist by pressing the Disc Up or Disc Down
buttons.
Playlist Names: In order for the adapter/factory radio to recognize a playlist, it
must be named BMW1... through BMW5... Text can follow the BMW name and number,
such as BMW3_artistname or BMW2-jazz. For a given disc slot (1-5), if there is
no playlist named BMW followed by that number, that disc slot will not be
available.
Auxiliary Input: In addition to the iPod input on the PA12-BMW there is an
auxiliary input (stereo RCA) for use with another source, such as a DVD system,
satellite radio, or game system. The aux input is selected at CD 6 Track 1 using the
factory radio controls. This aux input can be used with or without the iPod
connected.
Note: When the Aux input is used, the "All Tracks" playlist is moved to Disc 5,
and playlist "BMW5" is lost.
Controls: The factory radio's controls give you access to the following iPod
functions:
- Scan: plays
first 10 seconds of each track
- Random (Shuffle):
songs are played back in random order
- Track Up/Down: skip tracks forward or backward
- Fast Track Search: skip 10 tracks at a time forward or backward (i.e. 04, 14, 24...)
- Fast Forward/Fast
Reverse Play: while in Random mode you can fast forward or fast reverse through the current song
Note: Repeat
play is not supported by this interface. Switching to another source, such
as AM/FM, CD, or Cassette, puts the iPod into pause mode.
