Originally Posted by CaptainKirk

I have a 2007 X5 without the USB kit (was not available when I ordered the car)...as it has been hashed out many times here, no possible way to retrofit (which I personally think is BS)... Either case, I did have my dealer install the iPod kit, which eliminates the 6-Disc glove compartment changer (I won't miss that piece of shit, so painful to eject/load CDs). Now in place - a lonesome iPod connector cable which works with all three of my iPods (40GB Photo, 8GB Nano and iPhone). Here are my Pros/Cons on the solution:

Pros:
* Works directly with iDrive
* Displays text / directory structure / song details
* Navigation simple

Cons:
* Works directly with iDrive...meaning, a little slow.
* Must spin wheel like mad to move through directories, etc...
* Navigation is retarded. If I pick a playlist beginning /w the letter L (for example, Led Zepplin) and now I want to go play The Doors (starts with T), it puts you back at the top (A) and makes you work your way back down...EACH TIME. Frustrating.
* Directly browsing Artist names is STUPID SLOW.
* Directory browsing song titles is BEYOND STUPID SLOW.

If you stick to Playlists, you're good...but navigation sucks. If you try Artists browse...you will wait. And wait you will! With BMW iPod interface, less information on the iPod will vastly improve your experience. I have a 40GB Photo on mine, it's mostly full... I probably should really scrape that down a bit and keep on there what I *really* want to hear.

All in all, I still like it. CDs suck and we all know that changer bites the big one. There's very little option if you're stuck with a pre-USB X5...

Scott