Originally Posted by B-Line

Like I was, I'm sure a lot of you are probably wondering about the Smartphone Integration. Thought I would take a minute to tell you all about it.

1) It only takes up 1/2 the center console
2) Besides the purchase of the option for $150, you only have to buy another additional piece from BMW for the cost of $136.

So your probably wondering, for $286 dollars, what does this fantastic invention do?

Well, it gives you Bluetooth. Wait a minute, wait a minute you're probably asking, don't I have Bluetooth without the module? This I will answer later in the post.

Its also is a charging station. Wait a minute, wait a minute, you're probably asking, don't I have a charging station that comes with the Ipod and USB adaptor as part of the premium sound package? This I will also answer shortly.

But lets summarize, it gives you a charging station, gives you Bluetooth functionality and reportedly even gives you access to your music library.

So the next logical question is, doesn't the USB cable do all that already? The short answer is, Yes, it does, but it's not "integrated"..

Which leads to, what does "integrated" really mean? What integrated really means is, it's hard, fixed, and in your storage area. More importantly though, it's perfectly sized for your iphone.
- But wait, what if my iphone has a case on it? Sorry, you have to take the case off before installing your phone in your center console. Even if it's a small case that is form fitted and fits in every other iphone charging station like clock radios or home stereo base stations.

Then your next question is most likely, how does the Iphone music access work? Unfortunately I can't answer this question for you as mine still hasn't worked through the integrated module even though it works amazingly well through the USB ipod cable.

By now your probably scratching your head thinking.. This piece of garbage costs $286, does the same thing as the USB cable which is included for free in the premium sound package, (though the USB cable gives immediate access to music library, also charges the phone and does not require you to take off your iphone case.) And the Smartphone Integration takes up half the center console ???!!!???

But what you would be forgetting to equate in all this is, BMW gives you the word "integration" so by definition it must be better. And it's expensive.

More importantly, the real reason to get this option is simple. If I paid for it, so should you. I mean really, I've been a member of this forum for like 27 years, have 19,000 posts and am on my sixth BMW X5. And if my stuck with this piece of garbage, then so too should you. And I don't want to hear any whining, "I don't need it, the USB cable is better" or "I don't want to lose half my storage compartment" or "I don't want to have to take my case off every time I get in and out of the car." or "My music access doesn't work and the Bluetooth gets confused if I don't immediately snap it in or take it out."

Cause those are all complaints that only a sissy whines about. Man up. It's only $286