It is not that 6FL gives you nothing. It certainly puts a USB port in the center console right next to the AUX port. And, it certainly gives you the iPod adapter cable. It also appears that 6FL, during production, adds some programming (which i think I read can ONLY be done during production) which enables iPod control though iDrive (which you would not have without 6FL and would have to control the ipod via the iPod screen).

The remaining issue, to which I was alluding, which remains not yet clarified, is whether or not the USB port in the glovebox comes only with 6FL (seems redundant) or if it still comes even if you do not get 6FL. So, my statement you quoted may be true. At the time I posted that statement I had only had my X for a few weeks. As of this date, I am still uncertain about the USB port in the glovebox without 6FL. I am fairly certain the AUX port in the center console comes regardless. But, as I said, I think you cannot control an iPod connected solely via AUX thru iDrive.

As for the other part of my statement "no-one will tell us when ordering (nor is it in the BMW X5 brochure)" - this part remains. I have posted this issue in several threads and no one has clarified. I suspect no one knows for sure and the dealer certainly does not offer this info. For me, I do not use ipods and I paid for 6FL (listed as "iPod/USB") because I assumed it was the only way to get the USB port which I wanted for loading my music to the hardrive. At delivery, the salesman told me to load my USB content via the USB port in the glovebox. Another poster, here in the forum, stated that the USB port in the center console is solely for listening to USB content of an external device. However, I have a USB stick connected to that center console USB port (as I wish to keep this content separate from my HD) and when I activate that music source, the iDrive offers the option to download that music.

So, bottom line, there is still no clear answer. Perhaps one day someone who knows for certain, not speculating, will post the facts. If I were to order an X today and have no need for an iPod, I would now know to ask if the glovebox USB port comes standard even if I were to pass on the 6FL. but, I suspect even the sales people do not know for certain. Kind of pathetic but I have not found a verifiable answer to this even after 2 months of asking.

Hope this clarifies the that which is so far unverifiable!