Apple Unveils Adapter to Link iPod to Some BMWs

If you're lucky enough to own a BMW and an iPod today's your lucky day. Apple announced Monday that certain BMW models will allow iPod users to listen to their music seamlessly. Using the controls on the steering wheel.

Apple Computer Inc. on Monday unveiled an adapter that lets users of its iPod digital music player connect them to stereo systems in some BMW and Mini Cooper models and use buttons on the steering wheel to play their music libraries. Apple and BMW AG said in a joint statement that the adapter, priced at $149, would work in BMW's 3 Series, Z4 Roadster, X3 and X5 SUVs and the Mini Cooper, and will be powered by the car, not the iPod's battery.

Drivers plug the iPod into a cable in the car's glove compartment and then can control the iPod using the standard buttons on the steering wheel, the companies said. Some new cars already have audio jacks that can be used to connect digital music players, including the iPod, to car stereos, and devices using a car's power outlet and a cassette player or a small radio transmitter are available. However, many new cars no longer have cassette players.

View: BMW's iPod Page