OEM Interface - Interface your electronics to your vehicle.

USA Spec makes two iPod interfaces for BMW vehicles, the PA12-BMWand the PA12-BMWDSP.  They both have the same compatibility list, but the PA12-BMWDSP will only work with vehicles that have the factory DSP and the PA12-BMW will only work on vehicles without the factory DSP.

Here is a list of compatible vehicles:
96 – 05 BMW 3 Series iPod/MP3 Interface Except vehicles with GPS
99 – 07 BMW Z3/Z4 iPod/MP3 Interface
98 – 03 BMW 5 Series iPod/MP3 Interface Except vehicles with GPS
99 – 01 BMW 7 Series iPod/MP3 Interface
99 – 07 BMW X3/X5 iPod/MP3 Interface Except vehicles with GPS
02 – 06 Mini iPod/MP3 Interface

The PA12-BMW is for non DSP radios only.
The PA12-BMWDSP is for DSP radios only.

NOT compatible with GPS or Satellite Radio
If vehicle has external 6 DISC CD Changer it must be disconnected


For most experienced installers, this unit is pretty easy to install.  It may be difficult to install yourself,  but with the correct tools and patients, most people can do it themselves.  The difference between this unit and the other USA Spec units is, this unit does not get installed at the radio, it gets installed in the trunk where the factory changer wiring is located.  You then have to run the cable under the floor panels to the front of the vehicle.  Some people will find running a cable from the trunk to the front of the vehicle difficult.  Once installed it has very good functionality. You can choose from two modes, Direct Mode and Hybrid Mode. Plus it also has a RCA style AUX input.

Direct Mode gives you complete control of your entire iPod while it is connected to the factory radio. The iPod is not locked out while connected to the radio you are able to manually access your complete iPod content. The radio still can adjust song up/down random or shuffle play, but you can manually control your iPod and select any playlist, genre or Artist of your choice.

Hybrid Mode allows you to create up to 5 favorite mobile playlist then use the radio’s CD changer controls to access and control your playlist. If no play list is created, the interface auto selects first 5 playlists on iPod. Create and access your favorite mobile playlist or directly access all your iPod’s content manually on your iPod. iPod displays song title information and iPod is not locked, so the iPod can be operated manually at all times.

The USA Spec BMW/Mini interfaces are great products. They allow control of your iPod from the factory radio, as well as control from the iPod.  I have installed a good amount of these interfaces in many different BMWs and a couple Minis with good results. Since they allow direct control from the iPod, you can access your whole iPod no matter how many songs you have.

To purchase the PA12- BMW from Amazon Click Here

To purchase the PA12-BMWDSP from Amazon Click Here