AUX/USB Y cable

Kai_F80 · 08-01-2011, 03:27 AM

hi guys...my SA told me a few days ago after my service that i can use the Idrive interface for the IPAD but i need to get the AUX/USB y cable, where is that purchase?? and which plug goes in where?? i assume the AUX and USB goes into the car and the other part (16 pin??) goes into the iphone? let me know guys thanks...also SA said that it should have came with the car? since i got the IPOD USB option??

Rallo · 08-01-2011, 07:34 PM

Is it supposed to come with the cable??

Kai_F80 · 08-02-2011, 04:22 AM

i think so, thats what he said..but i cant find it so i was wondering where i can buy the cable at?

EdM5 · 08-02-2011, 04:48 AM

This was discussed many times before.

Try the thread search engine (right hand top corner), it works very good.

nAuTiLuS^ · 08-13-2011, 10:40 AM

Actually you don't need the BMW Media Y-Cable ... Just use the White Apple cable will do

kube · 08-23-2011, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nAuTiLuS^

Actually you don't need the BMW Media Y-Cable ... Just use the White Apple cable will do

correct -- my SA told me the same thing, and had me take the old Y-cable from my 2008 when I turned it in (lease). Was disappointed that there was no album art until I tried just the white iPod cable in the USB port when I got home -- and surprise, album art AND digital sound.

Amazing how many SAs don't know (or aren't advised) about the all the specifics of the car -- like how to pair TWO bluetooth phones in parallel.

Jacobbeckley · 08-23-2011, 12:55 PM

Might sound stupid, but I found mine folded in the manual. the SA had no idea what I was talking about.

ATLANTA F10 · 08-23-2011, 11:24 PM

Recently got my 550i M Sport and thought it would come with the "Y" cable...had to buy it separate at the parts counter.

I too noticed how album art did not show with the Y cable...but art does show with the basic white Apple cable.

Then while playing around, I also noticed that the Y cable sound quality is slightly better (more full and rich sounding)...than the white Apple cable. This makes sense because the Y cable has separate audio and data wires (AUX for audio and USB for data).

If you do a back to back comparison with the same song and crank it up, you should notice the sound difference.

So, I'm trying to figure out how to have best sound quality AND album art with iPod. I really like the album art feature but I am more interested in sound quality so I'm using the Y cable right now.

The guy at the parts counter said the next generation Y cable might show album art.

I have not played with a USB memory stick or hard drive yet...but I think from what I have read it does display album art (if album art is embedded in files correctly) and great sound too.

Would be curious to know what others have learned as well.

martin mustang · 10-09-2011, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ATLANTA F10

Recently got my 550i M Sport and thought it would come with the "Y" cable...had to buy it separate at the parts counter.

I too noticed how album art did not show with the Y cable...but art does show with the basic white Apple cable.

Then while playing around, I also noticed that the Y cable sound quality is slightly better (more full and rich sounding)...than the white Apple cable. This makes sense because the Y cable has separate audio and data wires (AUX for audio and USB for data).

If you do a back to back comparison with the same song and crank it up, you should notice the sound difference.

So, I'm trying to figure out how to have best sound quality AND album art with iPod. I really like the album art feature but I am more interested in sound quality so I'm using the Y cable right now.

The guy at the parts counter said the next generation Y cable might show album art.

I have not played with a USB memory stick or hard drive yet...but I think from what I have read it does display album art (if album art is embedded in files correctly) and great sound too.

Would be curious to know what others have learned as well.

Hi ATLANTA F10, did you manage to work out the Y cable with album art?

ATLANTA F10 · 10-24-2011, 04:12 PM

I'm not sure if they have released the new "Y Cable" yet that supports the album art.

I've switched back and forth many times with the Y Cable vs. Apple White Cable and have found both sound pretty good...they are just a bit "different".

Also, at first I thought the Y Cable was better sound quality, but recently I'm almost liking the Apple cable better. Hard to say though...

martin mustang · 10-24-2011, 06:05 PM

I agree hard to tell the difference, for now it's the Apple cable. the question is why do BMW bother with the Y cable on the 1st place?

wnrussell · 10-29-2011, 07:27 AM

Has anyone tried the Y cable on a phone that has Slingbox so you get TV?

rhinosaur · 09-17-2012, 02:38 PM

I was digging through old posts and found this one which partially answers my doubts.
I know that using the white Apple cable both the iPod and the iPhone work just fine, but I was wondering if the Y-cable is of any use in the 2012/2013 F10/F11s? I have one from when I had the E60 but in my MY2013 F11 the Y-cable doesn't even appear to work at all.

martin mustang · 09-17-2012, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhinosaur

I was digging through old posts and found this one which partially answers my doubts.
I know that using the white Apple cable both the iPod and the iPhone work just fine, but I was wondering if the Y-cable is of any use in the 2012/2013 F10/F11s? I have one from when I had the E60 but in my MY2013 F11 the Y-cable doesn't even appear to work at all.

Hi rhinosaur, on my 2011, I am using the Apple cable, the only way to get Art display from the ipod, for my Iphone I have a media cradle, I simply don't see the point of the Y cable since you end up missing the art display, the sound quality to me, is more or less the same some folks argue the Apple cable is better.

Gilgorm · 09-18-2012, 01:46 PM

When I picked up my 2012 F10 in July, I asked about the need for a Y-cable but was advised I didn't need it but I took the Y-cable from my 08 trade-in just in case. Glad I did because it works perfectly in the F10.

martin mustang · 09-18-2012, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilgorm

When I picked up my 2012 F10 in July, I asked about the need for a Y-cable but was advised I didn't need it but I took the Y-cable from my 08 trade-in just in case. Glad I did because it works perfectly in the F10.

The Y cable works, but you probably missing on the Art work with Ipods connected, that is if you care about having the Art work on the screen of course, some also argue the quality is better with the white cable as it is all digital in comparison to the Y cable using an aux and USB.
I am not sure about the difference, apparently in some other treads this is down to was MP3 format you using.

Gilgorm · 09-19-2012, 12:57 AM

I guess I would like the Album art work but not entirely sure what the advantage is of a static pic of an album cover.
Not of interest to me.

rhinosaur · 09-19-2012, 03:57 AM

Thanks to everyone for clearing this up. I will then stick to the white Apple cable.

I do wonder why the Y-cable is not working at all... I tried connecting both my 2009 iPod nano and my iPhone 4S but nothing happened. Maybe the Y-cable is no longer working properly, which is strange because it has been stowed in a safe place since I sold my E60 in April.

08-01-2011, 03:27 AM	#1
Kai_F80 Private 6 Rep 85 Posts Drives: 2016 M3 ZCP Join Date: May 2010 Location: Fullerton iTrader: (0)	AUX/USB Y cable hi guys...my SA told me a few days ago after my service that i can use the Idrive interface for the IPAD but i need to get the AUX/USB y cable, where is that purchase?? and which plug goes in where?? i assume the AUX and USB goes into the car and the other part (16 pin??) goes into the iphone? let me know guys thanks...also SA said that it should have came with the car? since i got the IPOD USB option??
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08-01-2011, 07:34 PM	#2
Rallo Sho'nuff!!! 4 Rep 69 Posts Drives: 2011 528i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Houston, Texas iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 GSXR 1000 [0.00] 2011 BMW 528i [0.00]	Is it supposed to come with the cable??
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08-02-2011, 04:22 AM	#3
Kai_F80 Private 6 Rep 85 Posts Drives: 2016 M3 ZCP Join Date: May 2010 Location: Fullerton iTrader: (0)	i think so, thats what he said..but i cant find it so i was wondering where i can buy the cable at?
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08-02-2011, 04:48 AM	#4
EdM5 Colonel 4036 Rep 2,064 Posts Drives: G26 i4 M50 & E70 X5 Xdrive35d Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Amsterdam iTrader: (0)	This was discussed many times before. Try the thread search engine (right hand top corner), it works very good. __________________ 2004 e87 118d (ret.), 2007 e92 330d (ret.), 2007 e87 130i M-sport (ret.), 2009 e92 M3 (ret.), 2010 f10 535d M-sport (ret.), 2015 f10 M5 CP (ret.), 2017 f82 M4 CP (ret.) 2022 g26 i4 M50 & 2009 e70 X5 35d
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08-13-2011, 10:40 AM	#5
nAuTiLuS^ New Member 1 Rep 19 Posts Drives: F10 535 SE Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Singapore iTrader: (0)	Actually you don't need the BMW Media Y-Cable ... Just use the White Apple cable will do
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08-23-2011, 12:55 PM	#7
Jacobbeckley Private 14 Rep 57 Posts Drives: 2011 535i F10 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Illinois iTrader: (0)	Might sound stupid, but I found mine folded in the manual. the SA had no idea what I was talking about.
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08-23-2011, 11:24 PM	#8
ATLANTA F10 Private First Class 28 Rep 174 Posts Drives: 2013 M5 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (1)	Recently got my 550i M Sport and thought it would come with the "Y" cable...had to buy it separate at the parts counter. I too noticed how album art did not show with the Y cable...but art does show with the basic white Apple cable. Then while playing around, I also noticed that the Y cable sound quality is slightly better (more full and rich sounding)...than the white Apple cable. This makes sense because the Y cable has separate audio and data wires (AUX for audio and USB for data). If you do a back to back comparison with the same song and crank it up, you should notice the sound difference. So, I'm trying to figure out how to have best sound quality AND album art with iPod. I really like the album art feature but I am more interested in sound quality so I'm using the Y cable right now. The guy at the parts counter said the next generation Y cable might show album art. I have not played with a USB memory stick or hard drive yet...but I think from what I have read it does display album art (if album art is embedded in files correctly) and great sound too. Would be curious to know what others have learned as well.
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10-24-2011, 04:12 PM	#10
ATLANTA F10 Private First Class 28 Rep 174 Posts Drives: 2013 M5 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (1)	I'm not sure if they have released the new "Y Cable" yet that supports the album art. I've switched back and forth many times with the Y Cable vs. Apple White Cable and have found both sound pretty good...they are just a bit "different". Also, at first I thought the Y Cable was better sound quality, but recently I'm almost liking the Apple cable better. Hard to say though...
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10-24-2011, 06:05 PM	#11
martin mustang Major 257 Rep 1,040 Posts Drives: 640d,X5 45e, 911c4s, 635csi Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Ireland iTrader: (0)	I agree hard to tell the difference, for now it's the Apple cable. the question is why do BMW bother with the Y cable on the 1st place?
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10-29-2011, 07:27 AM	#12
wnrussell New Member 3 Rep 27 Posts Drives: F10 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Voorhees, NJ iTrader: (0)	Has anyone tried the Y cable on a phone that has Slingbox so you get TV?
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09-17-2012, 02:38 PM	#13
rhinosaur First Lieutenant 22 Rep 358 Posts Drives: F11 535d MY2013 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Germany/Portugal iTrader: (0)	I was digging through old posts and found this one which partially answers my doubts. I know that using the white Apple cable both the iPod and the iPhone work just fine, but I was wondering if the Y-cable is of any use in the 2012/2013 F10/F11s? I have one from when I had the E60 but in my MY2013 F11 the Y-cable doesn't even appear to work at all.
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09-18-2012, 01:46 PM	#15
Gilgorm Second Lieutenant 24 Rep 237 Posts Drives: 2018 640i Xdrive GT Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0)	When I picked up my 2012 F10 in July, I asked about the need for a Y-cable but was advised I didn't need it but I took the Y-cable from my 08 trade-in just in case. Glad I did because it works perfectly in the F10. __________________ 2018 640ix GT; Alpine White, Blk Nappa, Piano; M-sport, Premium (Ceramic, SIRIUS, Soft-close, Vent/Massage Comfort seats, Surround, Sunshades, Parking Ass't), Advanced Driver Ass't (Lane keep, Steering/Lane control, Cross traffic, ACC with Stop/Go), Smartphone, Tint. Retired: 78 300D, 81 300SD, 87 190E, 88 Porsche 924, 89 260E, 93 300E, 97 Volvo 850, 98 E320, 03 BMW 325iT, 02 C230 Sport Coupe, 08 BMW 535i, 12 BMW 535i X-drive
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09-19-2012, 12:57 AM	#17
Gilgorm Second Lieutenant 24 Rep 237 Posts Drives: 2018 640i Xdrive GT Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0)	I guess I would like the Album art work but not entirely sure what the advantage is of a static pic of an album cover. Not of interest to me. __________________ 2018 640ix GT; Alpine White, Blk Nappa, Piano; M-sport, Premium (Ceramic, SIRIUS, Soft-close, Vent/Massage Comfort seats, Surround, Sunshades, Parking Ass't), Advanced Driver Ass't (Lane keep, Steering/Lane control, Cross traffic, ACC with Stop/Go), Smartphone, Tint. Retired: 78 300D, 81 300SD, 87 190E, 88 Porsche 924, 89 260E, 93 300E, 97 Volvo 850, 98 E320, 03 BMW 325iT, 02 C230 Sport Coupe, 08 BMW 535i, 12 BMW 535i X-drive
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09-19-2012, 03:57 AM	#18
rhinosaur First Lieutenant 22 Rep 358 Posts Drives: F11 535d MY2013 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Germany/Portugal iTrader: (0)	Thanks to everyone for clearing this up. I will then stick to the white Apple cable. I do wonder why the Y-cable is not working at all... I tried connecting both my 2009 iPod nano and my iPhone 4S but nothing happened. Maybe the Y-cable is no longer working properly, which is strange because it has been stowed in a safe place since I sold my E60 in April.
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