Please help with an ignorant n00b question about iPods

[mistercindy]

In going through the "Build Your Own" section of the BMWUSA's 328i Coupe page, there are two options relative to iPods:

- One, on the options page for $400, says:

The iPod® adaptor offers the ability to simply and easily integrate selected iPod® models and other selected MP3 players into the vehicle's audio system. Once connected, the MP3 unit is fully controllable through the audio interface. You can then enjoy your personalized music selections delivered with the full audio capabilities and refinement of the BMW sound system.
- The second, on the assessories page for $320, says:

Integrates the Apple iPod into the BMW audio system and allows you to control and listen to your iPod music collection by using the vehicle's radio and steering wheel controls. Adapter also charges the iPod's internal battery when the vehicle is running.

So, what's the difference? It sounds like you can control both from the car's radio panel. It sounds like if you get one you don't need the other, or is that wrong? Does the first one not charge the iPod? Is the second one exclusive to iPods but not other MP3 players? Is there any reason to get both?

Sorry if these are stupid questions, but there ya go...

[mryakan]

The 2nd is for cars older than March07 production that didn't come with the 1st option. Get the 1st. Do some searches here and you'll know the difference.

[nm328xi]

Whichever one is the factory installed one, get that one. I had a dealer-installed one but due to a buy-back, the replacement car I ordered had the factory installed iPod interface...it is infinitely superior to the dealer installed one...the software is much better, the randomize, skip to next track, radio menus, everything is much more capable, refined, and functional. The dealer installed one is terrible by comparison.

[aftp302]

Whichever one is the factory installed one, get that one. I had a dealer-installed one but due to a buy-back, the replacement car I ordered had the factory installed iPod interface...it is infinitely superior to the dealer installed one...the software is much better, the randomize, skip to next track, radio menus, everything is much more capable, refined, and functional. The dealer installed one is terrible by comparison.

Yeah yeah, rub it in why don't you. Those of us with pre-March '07 cars are very jealous (well at least I am). :)

This is good advice though, you CAN use either of these choices in the current cars, but you REALLY WANT the factory installed option (6FL) because it is superior in every way.

[ibimmer346]

The first option ($400) is literally a USB port in your center console. You can use it to plug in newer iPods (5G or newer). The best part is you can also use it to plug in USB storage devices like flash drives and some very low-power hard drives. That's what I use it for. I have a 32G flash drive with my music collection I just keep in the car. No reason to have the iPod there at all.

The second option is not so fancy and will only work with iPods. The first option (6FL) must be installed when the car is built. It cannot be retrofitted. If the car doesn't come with that option, you have to do the second choice. You can't use USB devices with the second option.

[larsd4]

The inexpensive flash drive sounds like a viable option to avoid having to worry about constantly removing the iPod from the console every time you leave the car for security reasons. Do you have to organize the songs in any particular order or file structure on the flash drive? How do you access a particular song?

[mryakan]

The inexpensive flash drive sounds like a viable option to avoid having to worry about constantly removing the iPod from the console every time you leave the car for security reasons. Do you have to organize the songs in any particular order or file structure on the flash drive? How do you access a particular song?
Since the iPod hides neatly in the center armrest in the convenient pouch, it is out of sight and there are no signs of it being there, so I wouldn't worry much about the security aspect (unlike a GPS or Radar detector for example). The only time I remove it is on very hot or very cold days to protect it from damage or when I want to use it in the Gym or sync it with my pc at home.