[propellerhead]

They've updated apple.com with the iPod+BMW promotion. Check it out.

I think it's great that they included the Mini in the compatible vehicles. I think I know what I want for my next car.

[windowsblowsass]

so the rumors were true

ps:you beat macrumors to the news by 4 minutes !! thats some good work

[Brad]

And for the uninitiated, see here:

http://www.ipodyourbmw.com/

The press release from BMW:

http://www.bmwusa.com/joy/buzz/news.htm

iPod Your BMW: The World�s First Integration of iPod and Car Audio System Cupertino, CA and Woodcliff Lake, NJ � June 21, 2004� Apple and BMW Group today announced the debut of the BMW iPod Adapter, the world's first seamless integration between iPod and a car audio system. The new system developed by Apple and BMW, enables users to incorporate their iPods directly into their car�s sound system, enabling them to connect with music in their automobiles like never before. Now, iPod enthusiasts can bring their entire music collections with them, plug directly and effortlessly into a superior sound system while maintaining uncompromised control over their driving experience. The BMW 3 Series, Z4 Roadster, X3 and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and MINI Cooper customers will be able to enjoy the new BMW iPod Adapter. �Apple and BMW have outpaced the industry around the innovation curve," said Steve Jobs, Apple CEO. "This elegant solution enables auto enthusiasts to carry and enjoy their entire music collection with them everywhere they go, heightening their ultimate driving experience." �With Apple, we're bringing the ultimate seamless digital music experience to our customers," said Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO, BMW of North America. "The BMW iPod Adapter provides our drivers with virtually endless miles of music without their hands ever leaving the steering wheel." The seamless integration of iPod makes it effortless for drivers to control their music through their existing audio system and the multifunction steering wheel. The BMW iPod Adapter enables drivers to easily access their entire music library, shuffle songs, skip between tracks and adjust volume -- all of this with no loss of sound quality or driving control. Drivers can also create up to five unique "BMW playlists" to listen to while on the road enabling them to enjoy their favorite songs. The BMW iPod Adapter integrates Apple's iPod and iPod mini through a direct connection in the BMW or MINI Cooper glovebox, providing outstanding sound quality and constant power to the iPod while the iPod is protected out of view. Available in both Mac� and Windows versions, iPod and iPod mini work effortlessly with Apple�s iTunes� Music Store*, the world�s number one digital music service, and the iTunes digital music jukebox software for seamlessly buying, managing and listening to digital music collections. iPod is available in a 15GB, 20GB model, and a 40GB model that can hold 10,000 songs. iPod and iPod mini use Apple�s patent pending Auto-Sync technology that automatically downloads an entire digital music library and keeps it up-to-date whenever either unit is plugged into a Mac� or Windows computer. The new BMW iPod Adapter was developed by engineers at the BMW Technology Office in Palo Alto, CA. Its rollout is being supported with a dedicated website, www.ipodyourbmw.com, as well as a marketing campaign, created by Fallon Worldwide, that includes print, outdoor, online and television advertising and debuts on June 21. Pricing & Availability The BMW iPod Adapter is available for the MSRP of $149.00 (US) plus installation cost, and will be officially available for customers to purchase at BMW centers as of July 12, 2004 for 2002, 2003 and 2004 BMW models: X3, X5, Z4 and 3 Series. The Mini Cooper Adapters will be available later this summer. Consumers should check with their BMW or MINI centers for specific application restrictions or log onto www.ipodyourbmw.com. Installation is performed by authorized BMW and MINI centers only. iPod mini and iPod for Mac and Windows is sold separately, and is available in the U.S. through the Apple Store ( www.apple.com ), Apple�s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. The iPod mini is available for a suggested retail price of $249 (US); the 15GB iPod is available for $299 (US), the 20GB iPod is available for$399 (US), and the 40GB iPod is available for $499 (US). Please visit www.ipodyourbmw.com for additional information. Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Apple is committed to bringing the best personal computing experience to students, educators, creative professionals and consumers around the world through its innovative hardware, software and Internet offerings.

[sCreeD]

<haze>Wuh? Apple is selling BMWs?</haze> Most. Expensive. Apple. Hardware. EVAR!

Now seriously, is this worth Apple's effort? How many BMW drivers (a subset of them no less) out there do they really need to switch?

Now Apple working with Honda, Toyota and Ford would be something to ring the town cloister about.

Screed ...No so much WWDC fever as much as "Hey, tomorrow's another Tuesday" achey...

[Paul]

BMW Playlist Setup. To listen to iPod music in your BMW, you can either create up to five unique BMW playlists within iTunes, or choose to listen to your entire library. Once you�ve transferred your BMW playlists to your iPod, just plug your iPod into your glovebox adapter cable, select a playlist and you�re ready to take your tunes on the road.

NOT COOL...

plus it doesn't give the track name information on the display, only "track 01", "track 02".... etc...

also the iPod is not available for passengers in your car to use either... One of the coolest things about driving with an iPod is that you can pass it around and let other people listen to what they want to (one song each )...

needs work...

but the audio quality is there...

AtAT's take:

Granted, it's not total control, but that would require, say, displaying the iPod screen output on a dashboard display and mapping the steering wheel itself to the scrollwheel-- and we figure that neither Apple nor BMW much liked the idea of their customers spinning themselves into doughnuts at 55 MPH every time they wanted to switch to a Sammy Hagar song while driving along the highway.

well... maybe its not so bad...

[DMBand0026]

I just want to give props to Apple for continuing to get out there more. This can only help them. More power to them, and I hope this goes well.

[propellerhead]

This is great, but for those of us unfortunate enough not to own a 2002 or later BMW, Alpine is coming out with a similar system for all car models, provided you're willing to shell out nearly $800!