Firstly, Thanks to all contributors for a fantastic resource.
Had E53 for years.
Just got E70.

X5 E70 MY11: Useless Phone cradle removal.
What was BMW thinking ???
to put in a ridiculous phone cradle that takes up most of the centre console?
Also, most mobile devices are (at least) superseded within a short period of time, rendering the centre cradle useless.

Anyway, enough of the gripes.

Heres how i removed it in under 30 mins.
Note that it didn’t stop my BlueTooth phone working.

1. On RHS of vehicle (independent of Steering Wheel side),
Remove the centre, thin carpet strip running from front to back.
This is done by removing 1 torx screw from front end.
Put hand just left of centre, pull out, to clip out.
Put hand just right of centre, pull out.
Should now slide forward and away from centre hump.

2. Slide the carpet panel underneath the centre console
by sliding forward.
This exposes the connectors.
Disconnect both.
Purple one, lift latch by putting screw driver underneath purple bit.
On the other connector, latch slides down to release plug..

3. Remove 2 torx screws holding cradle in console (underneath cradle).

Simply remove the damn thing.
Put back carpet strips.
Enjoy the space.
There is a cover available on the net to stop stuff falling down the hole.