iPOD FOR YOUR BMW OR MINI

PLUG YOUR iPOD INTO YOUR BMW OR MINI By CHUCK DAPOZ

If you own a digital music player, you've probably longed to plug it directly into your car or truck's sound system.   BMW became the first manufacturer to make that possible.   BMW and Apple Computer announced an adapter that allows an Apple iPod to play tunes in a BMW 3 Series, Z4, X3, X5 and Mini Cooper.   The BMW iPod Adapter became available for the BMW models on July 12, at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $149 plus installation.   The MINI Adapter should be available as you read this.   Installation can be performed only at dealers.   The iPod is placed in the glovebox, where it rests out of sight, and the driver controls it through the vehicle's audio system and multifunction steering wheel.   The iPod Adapter is not suitable if the vehicle is equipped with certain audio or other equipment, such as satellite radio or a navigation system.   Further information is available at www.ipodyourbmw.com.   BMW promises to make the iPod Adapter compatible in the rest of its model lineup, but there's no word on timing.   The agreement between BMW and Apple is non-exclusive, so look for tie-ins between Apple and other manufacturers down the road.