FORUMS
- 5
| 10-07-2012, 12:06 PM | #1 |
|
Private First Class
 |
New iPhone 5 Cradle - Self made DIY
I have managed to get a DIY cradle for the new iPhone 5 that sits in the central console and fits the new iPhone 5 perfectly (with a case).
I had the iPhone4S cradle and was very disappointed that BMW have not yet made a iPhone5 cradle and it seems we cannot expect one at least for 6 months. So, I set upon making one myself - not exactly a cradle but something to hold the phone and connect to the USB cable without having to fiddle with the tiny lightning connector and slot it each time. Items used: 1. Base plate of the Cradle (blanking plate) 2. Original Apple USB to Lightning cable 3. Filing tools 4. Hot Glue 5. A bit of time... I have used the original USB to Lightning cable for the connection and this provides all features except iPod Out functionality and antennae connectivity. The cynics amongst you might say that one can just use the cable in the USB slot and get the same functionality. Technically you are correct - but what I wanted - the convenience of just placing my iPhone5 and sliding it into the slot (almost like a cradle) - not having to fiddle with the lightning connector each time (trying to fit in the iPhone) - a more aesthetically pleasing solution Photos attached should make it clear as to what I have done. Happy to field any questions..
__________________
~~~ 2012 520D Saloon F10, 2009 330D Coupe E92 ~~~
|
 |
|
| 10-07-2012, 10:22 PM | #4 |
|
Second Lieutenant
 
Drives: F10 520D Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Taiwan
|
Well done!
|
 |
|
| 10-16-2012, 07:10 AM | #9 | |
|
Private First Class
|
Quote:
What I did was... a) Measured from base with vernier callipers. I also stuck some blu-tag on the baseplate at the back (where the hole is required). Placed the Phone on the baseplate and pushed the phone backwards, this put indentation in the blu-tag to give a slightly better idea of the hole. b) Drilled a small hole. c) Filed the hole to make it bigger. d) Once I could get the connector through (barely so a tight fit). Connected the iPhone. Secured the iPhone with a few rubber bands and pushed the iPhone back/ pushed cable inwards to get the exact position I wanted the connector. e) Poured oodles of hot glue in the underside of the baseplate. Let is rest for 45 mins f) Also made a slight indentation (filed) on the side of the base plate to route the cable (not really required, just makes a better fit).
__________________
~~~ 2012 520D Saloon F10, 2009 330D Coupe E92 ~~~
|
|
|
|
|
| 10-16-2012, 07:18 AM | #10 | |
|
New Member
|
Quote:
Well done! I'll follow your lead when I get my car. One more thought though, Does the phone get inserted on an angle, if so, are you concerned about the connector being bent? |
|
 |
|
| 10-16-2012, 11:17 AM | #11 | |
|
Private First Class
|
Quote:
That's why it is important that you affix the cable connector, secure the iPhone with rubber bands, slide the iPhone back as far as possible and then pour the hot-glue. This ensures that there is enough space to drop the iPhone on the plate and then slide it backwards.
__________________
~~~ 2012 520D Saloon F10, 2009 330D Coupe E92 ~~~
|
|
|
|
|
| 10-26-2012, 05:55 PM | #12 |
|
New Member
|
Neat and tidy, but not totally functional. You see the antenna connection is not considered when using this method. But as for the rest, it's very neat. I think I'll just wait till the full one comes out and in the meanwhile, simply plug the phone in to a non fitted cable.
|
 |
|
| 12-11-2012, 03:25 AM | #13 | |
|
Lieutenant Colonel
 Drives: e90 ///M3 ZCP + e82 135i DCT Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: lost angeles
Posts: 1,519
iTrader: (0)
|
Quote:
__________________
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8.3 shift! (repeat!!)
who needs software when you can tune the DRIVER? |
|
|
|
|
| 12-11-2012, 03:26 AM | #14 |
|
Lieutenant Colonel
Drives: e90 ///M3 ZCP + e82 135i DCT Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: lost angeles
Posts: 1,519
iTrader: (0)
|
I find it fits perfectly in the cupholder tray/cover. I cant stand food in my car.
__________________
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8.3 shift! (repeat!!)
who needs software when you can tune the DRIVER? |
|
|
|
| 12-13-2012, 02:15 AM | #16 | |
|
Lieutenant Colonel
Drives: e90 ///M3 ZCP + e82 135i DCT Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: lost angeles
Posts: 1,519
iTrader: (0)
|
Quote:
__________________
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8.3 shift! (repeat!!)
who needs software when you can tune the DRIVER? |
|
|
|
|
| 01-21-2013, 05:44 PM | #17 |
|
Private
 
|
Great Job! I only wish I had seen this before purchasing the cradle for my 4S ($250). The only one drawback that I can see to this is that you do not get the benefit of boosting the cell phone signal through the use of the car antenna.
|
 |
|
| 01-22-2013, 05:37 PM | #18 | |
|
Private First Class
|
Quote:
__________________
~~~ 2012 520D Saloon F10, 2009 330D Coupe E92 ~~~
|
|
|
|
|
| 01-22-2013, 05:39 PM | #19 | |
|
Private First Class
|
Quote:
trouble is by the time BNW releases the iPhone5 cradle, iPhone 5S or 6 is going to be out...
__________________
~~~ 2012 520D Saloon F10, 2009 330D Coupe E92 ~~~
|
|
|
|
|
| 01-22-2013, 10:04 PM | #20 |
|
Brigadier General
 
|
Here's my DIY. I used the following part numbers from ProclipUSA.com: 830530, 215421, 514422.
Forgive the poor lighting conditions, I was in my garage, and it's dark out! You can see where I slid up the phone to reveal the Lighting connector that is semi-permanently attached to the dock. The iPhone 5 snaps in with a perfect fit, and of course charges, streams audio as a USB device, etc.     After living with the Media cradle + iPhone 4 in my M3, I decided I wanted something different for my iPhone 5 and F30. The two main problems with putting your phone in the center armrest are the fact that you can't easily access it to launch Pandora, etc., and it is easy to forget the phone inside the car. Outta sight, outta mind! I like this much better, although it's obviously a bit utilitarian.
__________________
 |
|
|
|
 |
| Bookmarks |
| Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|
: I've been wanting to cover that thing up!
