New iPhone 5 Cradle - Self made DIY

[gspannu]

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..

[Silververtu]

Great job! Nice and creative

[XDEEDUBBX]

very nice!

[ATOMBOY]

Well done!

[bringonthenite]

Great job!!!

[gspannu]

@Silververtu
@XDEEDUBBX
@ATOMBOY
@bringonthenite

Thank you...

[Smartie2]

Take That?!

[stealth.pilot]

Fantastic. Now can you get someone to mass produce them for us?

[bradone1]

Slick!

[gspannu]

Originally Posted by stealth.pilot

Fantastic. Now can you get someone to mass produce them for us?

Can do. I do have few contacts in manufacturing and could look into this...

What do you think would be a reasonable price point? This would help me to have a more meaningful discussion with the manufacturing/ moulding vendors.

[stealth.pilot]

Originally Posted by gspannu

Can do. I do have few contacts in manufacturing and could look into this...

What do you think would be a reasonable price point? This would help me to have a more meaningful discussion with the manufacturing/ moulding vendors.

It depends on how good a job they do. I would imagine your version maybe worth $40 given that the dock cable alone costs $20.

However if they can find a way to stop the phone sliding around and moving (I.e. some way to latch it in place effectively) then this would be worth up to $100 to me depending on the quality of the product.

I use my iPhone 5 without a case (have clearbra on it instead) so the case cannot provide traction as it may in your setup above.

[nytrus112]

Originally Posted by stealth.pilot

It depends on how good a job they do. I would imagine your version maybe worth $40 given that the dock cable alone costs $20.

However if they can find a way to stop the phone sliding around and moving (I.e. some way to latch it in place effectively) then this would be worth up to $100 to me depending on the quality of the product.

I use my iPhone 5 without a case (have clearbra on it instead) so the case cannot provide traction as it may in your setup above.

A simple textured rubberized piece to stick on to the surface would fix that pretty well no? Excellent handywork. Now get iDrive to interface with Android for me.

[Rob@StrasseWheels]

Wow this is great!