As I posted on another forum...

"In a few more years, the whole idea of using the iDrive to control the iPod app on an iPhone will seem as quaint as 8 tracks.... "

Clearly BMW developed their 'Smart Phone integration' while smart phones were still in diapers "Of course we'll integrate 'smart phones' by tucking them away, out of sight, and reducing their functionality to a Bluetooth phone and an iPod. How could a mere phone possibly compete with BMW's highly sophisticated technology like NAV, BMW Assist, etc.. It's not like a dinky smart phone will have NAV apps with world wide aerial photography and street view or concierge apps or internet radio aops, or.... "

After 9 months with our 2009 35d, the best thing we did was not order the 'technology package' with it's already out-of-date NAV. And the worst thing was to pay BMW $400 to move the USB port from the glove box to the center console.

Funf Dreisig