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USA Spec iPod® Interface for BMW

Connects your iPod to select 1998-up BMW DSP-style factory radios

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  • USA Spec iPod® Interface for BMW

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Item# 581PA12BMD offer details

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USA Spec

Why would I need an iPodĀ® adapter?

An iPod adapter allows you to connect your iPod to your car stereo, then access your playlists with your stereo's controls - a great idea for several reasons. One, you can scroll through your song titles on your stereo's larger display, instead of squinting down at your iPod. Two, you can route the adapter cable to your glove compartment or center console, so your iPod stays safely out of sight. Three, the iPod adapter keeps your iPod fully charged, so it's ready to rock when you leave your car. And last of all, some adapters bypass your iPod's internal digital-to-analog converter, using your stereo's superior DAC to turn your files back into music.

Our take on the USA Spec iPod® Interface for BMW

by Zak Billmeier

You have a factory radio in your BMW, but that doesn't mean you have to leave your iPod at home. Install USA Spec's iPod interface and listen to your favorite tunes through your car's speakers. You can control song selection, and up to five different playlists right from the radio, including shuffle mode. And with your iPhone® connected, you can even stream music from popular Internet services like PANDORA®, Livio Radio, iHeartRadio, and more. The interface also charges your iPod while it's connected.

Note: While most iPods will work with this interface, you should check the "Hands-on Research" tab to see if your iPod is compatible.

This interface works with DSP-style BMW/Mini Cooper radios, and is not compatible with any factory radio that has GPS, satellite radio, or a CD changer. Please enter your vehicle information or call an Advisor at 1-888-955-6000 to find out if this adapter is compatible with your vehicle.

Highlights:

  • iPod connection adapter for select BMW DSP-style factory stereos
  • track up/down, fast-forward, reverse, and shuffle play
  • use up to five playlists (select five favorites, or Auto Playlist will let you choose from the first five on your iPod)
  • when iPhone is connected, you can stream tunes from popular Internet services like PANDORA®, Livo Radio, and iHeartRadio
  • Dual Mode lets you control everything via the iPod itself, giving you access to all playlists
  • compatible with all iPod and iPod mini models equipped with a dock connector and iPod software update 2004-04-28, or higher
  • auxiliary input (RCA connectors) for another audio source
  • warranty: 1 year
  • Our 60-day money-back guarantee
Shop all USA Spec iPod Adapters for Car Stereos
     

    Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

    Features and Specs

    Features and Specs
    General
    Adapter Type
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    iPod audio in w/ iPod control
    Vehicle Specific
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    BMW
    Brand Specific
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    No
    Parts Warranty
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    1 Year
    Labor Warranty
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    1 Year
    iPod Compatibility
    Full-Size
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    Classic/5Gen/4Gen
    Nano
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    Nano7/Nano6/Nano5/Nano4/Nano3/
    Touch
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    Touch5/Touch4/Touch3/Touch2/To
    Mini
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    Mini2/Mini1
    iPhone
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    Phone5/Phone4S/Phone4/Phone3GS

    Product Research

    Product Research
    What's in the box?

    Download owner's manual

    • PA12-BMWdsp iPod-to-BMW interface with song title display
    • 72" iPod interface cable (CB-PA85)
    • 15.75' Adapter to BMW radio interface (CDL-BMW)
    • 14.75' Digital audio cable (CDL-BMD)
    • Digital cable coupler
    • Owner's manual
    • Design Change Notice sheet

    Our Product Research Team

    At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

    Features

    Overview: The USA SPEC PA12-BMWdsp interface connects a compatible iPod to select BMW and Mini Cooper OEM audio systems with DSP or for radios that require Digital Audio Input. (Radios that do not have DSP or do not require a Digital Audio Input should use the PA12-BMW (item # 581PA12BMW).) It is not compatible with BMW systems having navigation, DVD, satellite radio, or CD changer. 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

    Vehicle Compatibility: The interface is compatible with the following vehicles:

    • 1996-2005 BMW 3 Series
    • 1999-2006 BMW Z3/Z4
    • 1998-2003 BMW 5 Series
    • 1999-2006 BMW X3/X5
    • 2002-2006 Mini

    Note: Please consult the Crutchfield Car Selector to see if your vehicle is compatible.

    iPod Compatibility: The PA12-BMWdsp is "Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the following iPod/iPhone model features when connected to a compatible BMW factory radio (as of 10/11/2012):

    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
    7th* 1.2 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 5.1.1 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
    4th 6.0 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
    5th* 6.0 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 5.1.1 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
    4 6.0 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
    4S 6.0 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
    5* 6.0 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
    iPad 1 5.0.1 N N N N N N N
    2 6.0 N N N N N N N
    3 6.0 N N N N N N N

    Notes:

    • *The iPod nano (7th gen), iPod touch (5th gen), and iPhone 5 will require the Apple Lightning to 30-pin adapter (sold separately).
    • 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 wait until a newer software update is available.

    Text Display: The PA12-BMWdsp displays text information of artist name and song title on BMW's Business CD radio models. The Business CD radio has a rectangular-shaped faceplate, a Function button on the radio which must be pressed twice consecutively to activate and complete a task.

    Modes of Operation: The PA12-BMWdsp 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 some manuals.)

    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 information 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 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-BMWdsp 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.

     

    Product Reviews

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    Reviews for the USA Spec iPod® Interface for BMW

    Average Customer Review:

    9 people say:

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    Showing: 1-9 of 9
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    4 out of 5

    great addition to our Mini

    Written By Tommy, Kansas City, MO on Thursday, December 13, 2012
    Installed in a 2006 MINI Cooper
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    Put this into our 06 Mini Cooper Convertible. We have the Harmon Kardon set up and the CD Changer in the trunk. It went in like a dream and works great so far. I thought we were only going to be able to add an aux interface and wanted more.
    Pros:
    easy to install, Song title shows up on display.
    Cons:
    Not all of the song title shows up. hitting up arrow on steering wheel skips to the BMW5 playlist. Odd...
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    5 out of 5

    Interface for BMW

    Written By Keith, Dallas,TX on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
    Installed in a 2002 BMW 3 Series
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    The Interface is a great addition to the Stereo All works as Advertised Easy to install, plug and play unit ( Thanks Nick ) Great sugestion to upgrade my 2002 BMW.
    Pros:
    Easy install, excellent construction (not plastic), fantastic compatibility
    Cons:
    None
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    5 out of 5

    Installed on 06 MINI - easy & works great

    Written By zakkloet, Lake Geneva, WI on Sunday, January 22, 2012
     
    Installed yesterday and working exactly as it should. I went back and forth with a DICE model and the USA Speck - very glad to have made this choice. I didn't see any instructions here for a MINI install. I have an R53 (January 06 build) with what appears to be a non-dsp radio, at least I cannot find a DSP button on it anywhere. I was concerned at first I had picked the wrong interface product - but did not.

    Instructions say the "right" rear panel... which means passenger side to find the plug. I see many people installed this in the glove box, which makes sense if you'd like to leave the ipod/iphone in the glove box. I opted to mount it directly below the box using heavy duty Velcro. I drilled no holes and didn't have to remove any panels during the install. There is a spot just behind the cabin air filter where the module fits perfectly.

    By far the most helpful tool was a bent piece of metal to pull out the panel plastic just enough to route the cable past the door. A large torx driver was nice to unbolt the lower end of the passenger seat belt, but not needed.

    It's simply plug and play. The radio recognized it instantly, internal music as well as pandora can be controlled by the radio or steering wheel buttons. Song titles and artist are displaying for me on the factory head unit. Of course, in direct mode, the ipod/iphone can be controlled using the touch screen.

    tested iphone 4 by the way, but the unit has updatability firmware.
    Pros:
    Easy install, excellent construction (not plastic), fantastic compatibility
    Cons:
    Little in the way of instructions... however, it's designed for a few different model vehicles AND it's just not that complicated.
    3 out of 3 people found this helpful
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    4 out of 5

    USA Spec iPod® Interface for BMW

    Written By JohnE, Maryland on Monday, August 22, 2011
    Installed in a 2003 BMW 5 Series
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    This device is well designed and works exactly as advertised. The instructions do not give any direction on how to route the cables from the trunk of the 530i to the mounting location under the dash. I found videos of similar installations on youtube which helped a lot.
    1 out of 1 people found this helpful
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    5 out of 5

    great product

    Written By chasman, NE PA on Tuesday, January 25, 2011
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    works great-would buy again
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    5 out of 5

    Excellent

    Written By Erik, Denver on Monday, January 11, 2010
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    Just installed this in a 2003 325xi. Very easy installation. Don't let the wires in the trunk fool
    you though. There is a bundled wiring harness that is immediately exposed when the trunk
    carpet is removed. This was not the harness to use in this car. The harness for this adapter
    was tucked inside the wheel well attached to the amp. Make sure that you follow the
    instructions to find the correct harness with the brown #3 wire. It took longer to decide where
    to mount the interface than it did to get it working. My IPOD worked the first time that I
    plugged it in.
    3 out of 3 people found this helpful
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    5 out of 5

    USA Spec iPodĀ® Interface

    Written By Paul, New Bern NC on Monday, March 09, 2009
    Installed in a 2002 BMW 3 Series
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    Just installed it in my 2002 330 CSI. Easy insatllation as always 90 % of the job was removing the trunk lining. One of the easiest insatallation in 30+ years of installing devices.
    1 out of 1 people found this helpful
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    5 out of 5

    Some Install Directions Would Have Helped

    Written By Ryan, Detroit MI on Friday, January 30, 2009
    Installed in a 2005 BMW 3 Series
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    The USA Spec unit works great. There is only issue that I have had with the unit not recognizing my iPod. It was a quick fix by going back into the trunk and disconnecting the USA Spec cable from the BMW Aux cable. Since then, all is good.

    The install was easy after researching some videos online and a bit of trial and error. I would give yourself about 3-4 hours to complete this job. On an '05 3 series convertible you will need to remove the floor trunk lining and the drivers side trunk lining. You will find the BMW aux cable wrapped in a little bundle of padded foam. Next you will need to remove the back seat (both lower and back cushions), this is easily done. The lower cushion lifts right out. The back has two bolts at the bottom and then lifts right out. Run your USA Spec cable through the firewall hole (with the rubber grommet) on the drivers side. Next I disassembled the back portion of the center armrest to feed the iPod connection cable under the arm rest and into the cup holder. I then fished the cable through under the carpet and into the back seat well. I set the USA Spec box on the passenger side and connected the cables, put the car back together and it is sweet!

    Enjoy,
    Ryan
    13 out of 13 people found this helpful
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    4 out of 5

    Overall good item

    Written By Steven, West Coast on Wednesday, August 27, 2008
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    Who in their right mind wants to tear up their 3 series BMW? Mine is in pristine shape, even though it is a 2004 model. I was seeking a way to use our I-pod with the OEM radio. I do not want to even think about removing the head end. This device allows me to access the I-pod with no trouble. Installation is a "b" though. Removing the factory nylon locking pins in the trunk is a bear. I need to buy two new ones. Moving the trunk lining without damaging it takes patience, but it can be done. Using the product is fine if you don't mind just shuffling. I still need to learn more. All in all, pretty good.
    16 out of 25 people found this helpful
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    1-9 of 9

    For a more in-depth review and enhanced detailed information on the USA Spec iPod® Interface for BMW, please visit the Crutchfield website product page (/S-cmlyBULLoDd/p_581PA12BMD/USA-Spec-iPod-Interface-for-BMW.html ).

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      USA Spec iPod® Interface for BMW