After a debacle with my local dealership, the service department offered me a replacement iPod cable at their cost: $67.09.

I still thought that was a bit excessive, so I went on ebay and searched for the part number on the side of my broken cable. Ended up finding one that appears to be the same darn thing, only it was $16.xx. The cable seems a little less flexible than the OEM, which is probably a good thing since the OEM one frayed from flexing too much.

Anyway, just thought I'd share that some of the ebay ones work well. Here's a link to the same one on amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/BMW-Ipod-Adapt...1739241&sr=8-1



UPDATE: So, after using the cable for a couple of days, I can report that it does not work properly with my iPod Classic. It works fine with my iPhone 4, but with the iPod Classic, it plays for about 10 minutes, then the iPod disconnects itself, and if I hit play it resumes through the car's speakers. However, then I lose the ability to change tracks through the stereo buttons.

In a nutshell, I didn't want to bother with it, so I went ahead and picked up the damn full priced one.

Sorry for getting everyone's hopes up.

 

But does it work??

 

I suppose that's the million dollar question, which I left unanswered!

Yes, it works just like OEM. I experienced no differences.

 

Great to hear!

 

Is it the same length as the oem version? I wish my cable was about 2" longer so I could turn my iPhone sideways in my mount.

 

I believe the length is the same, within a few mm.

 

Posted some updated information in the first post.

 

sorry to hear that . . . Dealer: 1, Owner: 0.

 

You should have tried the $4.50 (shipped) ones from eBay first! I am tempted to get one at that price, even though I don't even have an iPod. The BMW OEM cable is so darn expensive.

 

Indeed.

Hmm, I didn't see any at that price, but even for $16, I'll contact them to see about returning it. It's a bummer, no doubt. Maybe I'll just hold onto it if I ever stop using my iPod classic as my primary music source.

I'm guessing the aftermarket ones are all pretty much the same. Oddly enough, the one I bought has the BMW part number stamped in the same place as the OEM, but the ipod side plug is just slightly different.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/270661226852

Here it is!

 

These instructions are interesting.


Instructions:
Please plug this cable first to the AUX on your BMW when the car is off, start your car then switch to AUX, then plug in your iPod.
NOTE: DO NOT plug this cable to your iPod before plugging it to the BMW.

Maybe I'll try that.