BMW used to publish a PDF document that listed all available Snap-In adapters for current smartphones and mobile phones. However, this doesn’t seem to be the case anymore, as I’ve tried to contact different retail partners and BMW support and they all refused to provide such document. So I’ve began researching myself and here’s what I came up with. This is, of course, only current to date (March 30th, 2016).

Both the Media/Music and the Connect adapters offer the same functionality with one small difference. While the Music/Media are capable of delivering an analog and a digital audio signal, the newer Connect adapters have only support for digital audio. Now don’t think that you’re best off with the Music/Media then, as different car options require different models. Here’s what is required: If your car is equipped with the option 6NS, you are required to use the Connect Snap-In adapters with digital audio. If you have the older BMW models and have the option 6NF, you must use the Music/Media range of adapters. Now if you are trying to determine which of these options your car has, you should check both of these sources to verify by entering the last 7 digits of your VIN:

bimmer.work @ http://bimmer.work
BMW VIN Decoder @ http://www.bmwvin.com

The adapters are split up even more than just according to smartphone model, Music/Media and Connect. They also differ in itself. Let’s talk about two examples here.

  • BMW Snap-In Connect iPhone 5
  • 84.21-2 351 308-01
  • Hardware revision 1.0
  • Date: 07/17/2013
  • 84.21-2 351 308-02
  • Hardware revision 2.0
  • Date: 11/22/2013
  • 84.21-2 351 308-03
  • Hardware revision 3.0
  • Date: 01/31/2014

While it is basically the same adapter, it does feature different hardware revisions and improvements over the previous versions. Basically said, you should go for the latter ones. The iPhone 5 and 5s share the same exterior design, but there’s an addition Snap-In adapter which is now sold with iPhone 5/5s compatibility. Different product number, but essentially it’s the hardware revision 4.0 of the iPhone 5 adapter.

  • BMW Snap-In Connect iPhone 5/5s
  • 84.21-2 289 718-01
  • Hardware revision 1.0
  • Date: 03/31/2014 and 03/14/14

In my opinion, the best way to go about this is to research on eBay, look at used Snap-In adapters and their photographs and write down numbers. This will let you know what’s on the market and what would be the best choice.

If you enjoy this type of content, I’d love to enjoy a cup of coffee while typing the next one!