So not sure if you have a problem with your vehicle or the interface was changed in iDrive.

At least here in North America, I think the majority if not all the vehicles support the iPod interface cable which is somewhere in the $50 USD range?? I have not checked lately, but I purchased my old style iPod interface cable for about $15 used as I recall.

I do not believe you will need the combox to get the end result you want, but I may be wrong if the vehicles in your area are optioned out differently.

I may need to check the options on my vehicle and report back if there appears to be something specific for USB/iPod/iPhone support.