BMW has confirmed speculation and leaks that from 12 July it is to offer US drivers the ability to hook their iPods directly into in-car stereo systems.

The adaptor hooks the iPod into the hi-fi's CD changer input, rather like Denison's ICE>LINK does. If you already have a CD changer in your car, you'll need to unhook it first, BMW and Apple say.

The iPod sits in the glove box, with the adaptor providing data and remote control connections, and power.

BMW dealers will fit the adaptor from 12 July in any BMW 3 series auto sold from 2002 onwards, Z4 roadster, X3 and X5 SUV, and Mini Cooper, with other vehicles gaining compatibility in due course. The adaptor costs $149 - installation is extra.

Denison's ICE>LINK is compatible with factory-fit vehicles from Porsche, Ferrari, Aston Martin and Maserati, plus driver-installed hi-fi systems from Sony, Kenwood, Blaupunkt, Becker and Alpine. More details here. ®

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