Now You Can iPod Your BMW, But What About My Honda?

Got an iPod and a BMW? Not me. But if I did, I'd be keen on the recent announcement from BMW and Apple about a nifty new iPod adapter that allows BMW drivers to "iPod Your BMW."

"Introducing the first seamless integration of iPod and automobile," the advertisement beckons. The idea behind it is pretty cool: hook an iPod into the factory sound system, to gain control over the MP3 player through the steering wheel controls. The iPod plugs into a hard-wired connector cable located in the glove compartment, thus eliminating the need for a shaky FM modulator or jury-rigged cassette wire setup.

I'm digging the idea. But I'll likely never have the opportunity to own a BMW. An iPod, for sure, but not a Beemer ...

“Apple and BMW have outpaced the industry around the innovation curve," Apple's Steve Jobs proudly croons. "This elegant solution enables auto enthusiasts to carry with them and enjoy their entire music collection everywhere they go, heightening their ultimate driving experience."

With the steering wheel controls you can adjust the volume, jump between tracks, shuffle playlists, or randomly tap into your music stream. The adapter makes the iPod look like a CD changer to the factory sound system, allowing you to create five distinct "BMW playlists."

The iPod adapter has a suggested retail price of $149. BMW states that the installation should take less than an hour. Multiply that by the shop's hourly rate and say ouch. Then again, if you're driving a BMW, you're bound to take it all in stride.

But don't get all revved up just yet. You won't be able to use the setup in your restored early-70s 2002, or even your late 90s 7-Series. The adapter works with 2002 or newer models of the BMW 3 Series, M3, X3 and X5 sport-utilities, as well as the Z4 Roadster and 02-03 5 Series. You'll need a recent iPod, too, as the adapter only works with iPod software version 2.2 or later (standard iPod) or the Mini iPod (version 1.1 or later).

An iPod adapter for the wicked cool Mini Cooper is in the works, as well ... it's expected some time this summer. At last, the clown car crowd will have a proper soundtrack to motor about ... :)