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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 F10 Technical Topics DIY Guides & Discussions New iPhone 5 Cradle - Self made DIY
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      10-07-2012, 12:06 PM   #1
gspannu
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Post New iPhone 5 Cradle - Self made DIY

I have managed to get a DIY cradle for the new iPhone 5 that sits in the central console and fits the new iPhone 5 perfectly (with a case).

I had the iPhone4S cradle and was very disappointed that BMW have not yet made a iPhone5 cradle and it seems we cannot expect one at least for 6 months.

So, I set upon making one myself - not exactly a cradle but something to hold the phone and connect to the USB cable without having to fiddle with the tiny lightning connector and slot it each time.

Items used:
1. Base plate of the Cradle (blanking plate)
2. Original Apple USB to Lightning cable
3. Filing tools
4. Hot Glue
5. A bit of time...

I have used the original USB to Lightning cable for the connection and this provides all features except iPod Out functionality and antennae connectivity.

The cynics amongst you might say that one can just use the cable in the USB slot and get the same functionality. Technically you are correct - but what I wanted
- the convenience of just placing my iPhone5 and sliding it into the slot (almost like a cradle)
- not having to fiddle with the lightning connector each time (trying to fit in the iPhone)
- a more aesthetically pleasing solution

Photos attached should make it clear as to what I have done.

Happy to field any questions..


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      10-07-2012, 01:10 PM   #2
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Great job! Nice and creative
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      10-07-2012, 07:11 PM   #3
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very nice!
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      10-07-2012, 10:22 PM   #4
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Well done!
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      10-08-2012, 07:02 AM   #5
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Great job!!!
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      10-08-2012, 08:19 AM   #6
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@Silververtu
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Thank you...
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      10-11-2012, 06:07 AM   #7
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      10-12-2012, 07:14 AM   #8
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so when u r pluggin the fone in, how does the lightening connector stay in place and not get pushed bak?

Good idea tho, mite do smthin like that fr my android
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      10-12-2012, 03:53 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chrisdoha View Post
so when u r pluggin the fone in, how does the lightening connector stay in place and not get pushed bak?

Good idea tho, mite do smthin like that fr my android
That's what the hot glue does.... I drilled a small hole in the plastic and then filed by hand to the exact shape of the lightning connector. Passed the connector through (hole just big enough, tight fit) and then hot glued the connector in the hole. The base plate is hollow from the bottom, so plenty of place to pour and seal with hot glue gun.
Left it for 45 minutes to settle, and the connector is now rock solid...
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      10-13-2012, 02:37 PM   #10
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This is a great way to adapt a iPhone4 with a protective cover! I am told that the iPhone 4 must me naked to work with the $200 adapter. Boo!

Regards,

Don M

Last edited by dmontg; 10-13-2012 at 07:45 PM..
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      10-13-2012, 07:45 PM   #11
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Question- Do you get all the functions that the oem adapter would provide?

Regards,

Don M
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      10-16-2012, 07:12 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dmontg View Post
Question- Do you get all the functions that the oem adapter would provide?

Regards,

Don M
It gives all the functionality that a USB connection provides.
It does not provide
- iPod Out functions
- Antennae connection
These 2 features can only be provided with a BMW manufactured cradle.
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      10-18-2012, 08:00 PM   #13
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Thanks for that info.

Regard,

Don M
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      01-30-2014, 07:23 PM   #14
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That's awesome! Love that the newer F10's show artwork. Just got my wife a new F15.

My 2011 F10 can't even integrate w/ an ipod. I feel like I'm living in the dark ages loading a few songs on a USB stick.
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      09-28-2014, 03:22 PM   #15
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Sorry for reviving a old thread, but having just upgraded my phone to the iphone 6 , my BMW connect cradle was now useless

So following Gspannu's lead, I decided to makey my own.

As the iPhone 6 is wider than the 5, the plug had to be off centre but I think it went well. All in took less than a hour.









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      09-28-2014, 04:03 PM   #16
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Fabulous, immx.

Reminds me... I need to make one for my iPhone 6 as well !
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