Install iPhone charger in E70 phone holder?

[Wheeler]

Has anyone tried to install a charger into the little phone holder that is next to the idrive controller? I want to remove the plastic tray that covers the shifter and iDrive controller and somehow mount a charger to the bottom of that little indent/cup that holds the iphone perfectly so it charges. I plan on using the cigarette lighter in the storage area, and maybe wire a aux line too.

Anyone tried this or know how to safely remove the idrive controller knob and plastic shifter tray?

[x5mad]

why not save yourself all that trouble and order the snap in adaptor for the iphone which i believe is now available for both 2g and 3g models. you get the added benefit of improved reception via the roof aerial.

[bmwman3241]

Originally Posted by x5mad

why not save yourself all that trouble and order the snap in adaptor for the iphone which i believe is now available for both 2g and 3g models. you get the added benefit of improved reception via the roof aerial.

Save the hassle and buy the Snap In adaptor. You could find it for less than a $100. In the long run it will be better to (If you buy a new phone, or upgrade to a new iPhone).

[brian5]

Originally Posted by bmwman3241

Save the hassle and buy the Snap In adaptor. You could find it for less than a $100. In the long run it will be better to (If you buy a new phone, or upgrade to a new iPhone).

Snap-in adapter is not the only part that's needed though.

In the U.S., the E70's do not come with Eject Box and Frame already installed. To buy and install those increases the cost quite a bit -- especially if you go for professional installation.

[Wheeler]

I like to be able to see my phone and play music through the aux port. I want to use this-

Kensington LiquidAUX for iPhone and iPod - Apple Store (U.S.)

Connect that to the power and aux in the middle console, run the connector under the shifter and into the bottom of that phone holder indent.

I can get the top part of the shifter plastic cover up about 1/2 and inch, but I dont want to force anything and crack it. How can i find out how to safely remove that piece? Thanks for the help!

Fyi- my production date is 2/07 so I cant get the USB/ipod adapter, and I would like to do the original ipod connector but figured I'd try this first and save some $ for now

[King]

The eject box is approx $95.00 and the snap-in adapter for the iphone is approx $115.00 so it's not overly expensive for a completely integrated oem factory solution. You should be able to see if anyone calls on your NAV screen as well as your playlist etc. of course. I'm sure you could install it yourself. I would hate to see someone do a chop job and put something where it doesn't belong to save a 100 bucks!

[brian5]

Originally Posted by King

The eject box is approx $95.00 and the snap-in adapter for the iphone is approx $115.00 so it's not overly expensive for a completely integrated oem factory solution. You should be able to see if anyone calls on your NAV screen as well as your playlist etc. of course. I'm sure you could install it yourself. I would hate to see someone do a chop job and put something where it doesn't belong to save a 100 bucks!

Oh, the parts do not cost that much. I tried to install it all myself and, after a lot of effort, ended up with a solution that does work but is not the cleanest... Also, my primary cell phone is now the iPhone 3G and I haven't been able to get a definite answer on the parts for that (that will work with the setup that I have). As I've said before, I wouldn't do it again.

If you install it the BMW says it should be installed, there are a lot of panels and pieces to remove. I tried to take the shortcut method that another member had used.

[King]

Here are the instructions on how to install the eject box in case anyone else is looking for the same ...

[Fredflf]

I have a snap-in adaptor for my blackberry pearl in my console (E70 2008) and am changing to an Iphone. I have not been able to remove the adaptor plate for the blackberry. Any clues?