Snap in Adaptors for iPhone 4S

Jocky Wilson · 03-13-2014, 04:16 AM

Hi all,

So here begins what will probably be a deluge of questions from me over the next few weeks:

There appears to be 3 different Snap in Adaptors for mobile phones availalbe. Basic, Music, and Media. Bearing in mind that I have enhanced bluetooth, which should I get?

I'm thinking the music, but am I duplicate functionality that I already have from having the extended bluetooth option?

I *think* the media snap-in is for the iPhone 3/3S only (but I'm getting conflicting info on this).

Any one with any thoughts or advice?

Thanks,
Jocky

AP · 03-13-2014, 01:38 PM

I have the basic adapter (which I think was about 70 pounds) which works faultlessly. Now I listen to music via a usb stick so I personally didn't need anything more than the basic. Perhaps not answering your question but worth mentioning that the adapters are not cheap, so perhaps worth bearing in mind.

Balster · 03-13-2014, 01:59 PM

Use a usb stick - even the dealer said that was the best way.
Buy a 128Gb one and put your best music on.

Gordon4499 · 03-13-2014, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Balster

Use a usb stick - even the dealer said that was the best way.
Buy a 128Gb one and put your best music on.

I will chip in with a stupid question and also wondering if I am missing a trick here. What does this adapter do exactly? I connect my phone direct to the USB and get all the music contact info etc. would the adapter offer more?

Also do you get the album art displayed when using a USB stick?

FRG · 03-13-2014, 02:38 PM

I'm not 100% sure but hopefully someone will confirm. I think if you've got extended BT and pro media you'll be able to stream the music from your phone. I can do this but rarely do. No album artwork this way though, I'm sure on that one.

If you plug your 30 pin apple lead into the USB (armrest) the idrive will enable full control of the phone for music. You get album artwork this way.

The USB method (which is the way I listen to music) gives album artwork too.

If you bought a snap in cradle I reckon the only advantages you'd have are a stronger phone signal through the roof aerial and constant charging of the phone. Not worth the money in my view.

As others have said, USB is the best/easiest way.

Gordon4499 · 03-13-2014, 03:33 PM

Thanks for the info and agree it sounds like the USB is the best option. The cable method also charges the phone so it's only the stronger signal that adds any value.

AP · 03-13-2014, 03:44 PM

my basic adapter does 2 things
Charges the phone and connects the phone to the outside aerial improving reception.

I mainly bought it to ensure I have the best reception possible.

dippo · 03-13-2014, 03:56 PM

Do many phones have external aerial sockets these days?

Balster · 03-13-2014, 04:01 PM

Snap in adapter is a waste of money, also do you have to remove the mandatory silicon protector on the phone before plugging it into the adapter unit - tight fit?

Piers · 03-13-2014, 04:44 PM

I bought a snap in connector for my E60, £80 odd for my 3GS. Then my 4 did'nt fit it, so they wanted another £80 so I modified it to work with the 4, now my 5S does'nt fit it again!!!

They are a TOTAL WASTE OF MONEY, they do not even improve the reception, I would not bother. Apart from the LIBERTY of a price, just plug it into a cable for charging.

xenon · 03-14-2014, 03:24 AM

I find they do improve the reception but I agree that they're overpriced. I didn't bother getting one for the iPhone 5.

xenon · 03-14-2014, 03:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dippo

Do many phones have external aerial sockets these days?

None that I know of - the aerial connection is made through inductive coupling.

Danwellstead · 07-19-2014, 01:18 PM

Do the cradles now have the ability to play music from your iPhone, then i can see it being worthwhile!

gspannu · 07-27-2014, 03:40 AM

To add to the mix.... a DIY project I did for a iPhone 5(S) adaptor a while back. The posting became a feature post.

Link 1
Link 2

03-13-2014, 04:16 AM	#1
Jocky Wilson dArtist 1 Rep 58 Posts Drives: BMW 520D Touring Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Berkshire, UK iTrader: (0)	Snap in Adaptors for iPhone 4S Hi all, So here begins what will probably be a deluge of questions from me over the next few weeks: There appears to be 3 different Snap in Adaptors for mobile phones availalbe. Basic, Music, and Media. Bearing in mind that I have enhanced bluetooth, which should I get? I'm thinking the music, but am I duplicate functionality that I already have from having the extended bluetooth option? I think the media snap-in is for the iPhone 3/3S only (but I'm getting conflicting info on this). Any one with any thoughts or advice? Thanks, Jocky
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

03-13-2014, 01:38 PM	#2
AP Major General 2762 Rep 5,085 Posts Drives: G30 M550 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I have the basic adapter (which I think was about 70 pounds) which works faultlessly. Now I listen to music via a usb stick so I personally didn't need anything more than the basic. Perhaps not answering your question but worth mentioning that the adapters are not cheap, so perhaps worth bearing in mind.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-13-2014, 01:59 PM	#3
Balster Captain 109 Rep 628 Posts Drives: BMW G30 530d MSport xDrive Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Leeds iTrader: (0)	Use a usb stick - even the dealer said that was the best way. Buy a 128Gb one and put your best music on. __________________ G30 530d M Sport xdrive, Adaptive Drive and with all of the important options.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-13-2014, 02:38 PM	#5
FRG Captain 63 Rep 647 Posts Drives: E91 325d M Sport Join Date: May 2012 Location: east midlands iTrader: (1)	I'm not 100% sure but hopefully someone will confirm. I think if you've got extended BT and pro media you'll be able to stream the music from your phone. I can do this but rarely do. No album artwork this way though, I'm sure on that one. If you plug your 30 pin apple lead into the USB (armrest) the idrive will enable full control of the phone for music. You get album artwork this way. The USB method (which is the way I listen to music) gives album artwork too. If you bought a snap in cradle I reckon the only advantages you'd have are a stronger phone signal through the roof aerial and constant charging of the phone. Not worth the money in my view. As others have said, USB is the best/easiest way.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-13-2014, 03:33 PM	#6
Gordon4499 Private First Class 18 Rep 186 Posts Drives: 2016 535D M Sport Touring Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Aberdeenshire iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the info and agree it sounds like the USB is the best option. The cable method also charges the phone so it's only the stronger signal that adds any value.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-13-2014, 03:44 PM	#7
AP Major General 2762 Rep 5,085 Posts Drives: G30 M550 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	my basic adapter does 2 things Charges the phone and connects the phone to the outside aerial improving reception. I mainly bought it to ensure I have the best reception possible.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-13-2014, 03:56 PM	#8
dippo Private 2 Rep 72 Posts Drives: 2014 F10 LCI 520D SE Auto Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Do many phones have external aerial sockets these days?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-13-2014, 04:01 PM	#9
Balster Captain 109 Rep 628 Posts Drives: BMW G30 530d MSport xDrive Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Leeds iTrader: (0)	Snap in adapter is a waste of money, also do you have to remove the mandatory silicon protector on the phone before plugging it into the adapter unit - tight fit? __________________ G30 530d M Sport xdrive, Adaptive Drive and with all of the important options.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-13-2014, 04:44 PM	#10
Piers Captain 36 Rep 619 Posts Drives: 2017 F10 535d M-Sport Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Sussex, UK iTrader: (0)	I bought a snap in connector for my E60, £80 odd for my 3GS. Then my 4 did'nt fit it, so they wanted another £80 so I modified it to work with the 4, now my 5S does'nt fit it again!!! They are a TOTAL WASTE OF MONEY, they do not even improve the reception, I would not bother. Apart from the LIBERTY of a price, just plug it into a cable for charging. __________________ 2017 F10 535d MSport Auto - Mineral Grey - Oyster leather - 19" 351M's - Pro Media - Enhanced bluetooth - MSport rear spoiler - Sun protection glass - Harman Kardon Hifi - Multi Function Display - Ambient Lighting - Folding mirrors - Sunroof - LED adaptive headlights
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-14-2014, 03:24 AM	#11
xenon Major General 1394 Rep 8,081 Posts Drives: 2021 G21 330i M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Coventry iTrader: (0)	I find they do improve the reception but I agree that they're overpriced. I didn't bother getting one for the iPhone 5. __________________ Ian Current: 2021 G21 330i M-Sport Previous: 2018 A6 Avant S-Line MMI+, 2014 F31 320d M-Sport, 2013 F10 520d M-Sport, 2011 F10 530d M-Sport, 2008 320i M-Sport Coupe, 2002 325i, 2001 318i valvetronic, 1998 318i, 1996 525i, 1990 Porsche 944S2
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-19-2014, 01:18 PM	#13
Danwellstead New Member 1 Rep 13 Posts Drives: 520d se Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: norfolk iTrader: (0)	Do the cradles now have the ability to play music from your iPhone, then i can see it being worthwhile!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-27-2014, 03:40 AM	#14
gspannu Major 200 Rep 1,207 Posts Drives: F10 535, F82 M4 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	To add to the mix.... a DIY project I did for a iPhone 5(S) adaptor a while back. The posting became a feature post. Link 1 Link 2 __________________ ---
	Appreciate 0 Quote